Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Platter

Name: Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Platter
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 cup water; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup buffalo sauce; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Celery sticks; Carrot sticks; Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Highlighted under: Global Flavors

A delicious and spicy appetizer that will satisfy your cravings for buffalo wings without the meat. Perfect for game day or any gathering!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-04T23:10:30.799Z

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a fantastic plant-based alternative to traditional buffalo wings. These bites are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a spicy buffalo sauce that delivers a kick in every bite. Great for sharing, they can be served with your favorite dipping sauces for an extra treat.

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Spicy and tangy flavor that packs a punch
Crispy texture that satisfies your crunch cravings
Healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings

      

A Healthy Twist on a Classic

Buffalo cauliflower bites are a fantastic way to enjoy the bold flavors of buffalo wings without the meat. This recipe uses fresh cauliflower, which is packed with nutrients, making it a healthier option for your appetizers. By substituting traditional chicken wings with these delicious bites, you can indulge in the same spicy, tangy taste while maintaining a balanced diet.

The batter used in this recipe is simple yet effective, ensuring that each floret is perfectly coated to achieve a crispy texture. When baked, the cauliflower develops a crunchy exterior that contrasts beautifully with the tender inner flesh, making every bite a satisfying experience. Plus, the addition of buffalo sauce elevates the flavor profile, creating a dish that will please both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether you're hosting a game day party or a casual gathering, buffalo cauliflower bites are sure to impress your guests. They are easy to prepare and can be made in large batches, allowing you to satisfy the cravings of a crowd without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve them as a starter or a side dish, and watch as they disappear quickly from the platter.

Pair these delicious bites with fresh celery and carrot sticks for a refreshing crunch. Adding ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping not only complements the spicy flavor but also enhances the overall experience. Your guests will love the combination of textures and tastes, making this platter a go-to option for any event.

Make It Your Own

One of the best aspects of this buffalo cauliflower bites recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or sauces to customize the flavor to your liking. For an extra kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the batter. You can also try different dipping sauces, such as a creamy avocado dip or a zesty salsa, to switch things up.

If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or almond flour. This way, everyone can enjoy these delicious bites, regardless of dietary restrictions. The possibilities are endless, and with a little creativity, you can create a unique dish that suits your taste preferences.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Bites

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup water
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup buffalo sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil

For Serving

Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Ranch or blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower

Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). In a large bowl, mix flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a batter. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated.

Bake the Bites

Place the coated cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Add the Sauce

Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss with buffalo sauce in a large bowl until evenly coated. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes.

Serve

Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot with celery and carrot sticks, along with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Pro Tips

For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower bites for a couple of minutes after baking. Adjust the spiciness of the buffalo sauce to your preference.

Tips for the Best Cauliflower Bites

To ensure your cauliflower bites turn out perfectly crispy, make sure to evenly coat each floret in the batter. Shake off any excess batter before placing them on the baking sheet. This helps achieve a nice crunch without being overly soggy.

Another tip is to use a convection setting if your oven has one. This can help circulate the heat more evenly, resulting in a more consistent crispiness across all the florets. If using a regular oven, consider flipping the bites halfway through baking for even browning.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftover buffalo cauliflower bites, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can be kept for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.

Avoid microwaving the bites, as this can make them soggy. By reheating in the oven, you’ll maintain that delicious crunch, ensuring they taste almost as good as when they were freshly made.

Nutritional Benefits

Cauliflower is a low-calorie vegetable that is high in vitamins C and K, as well as fiber. This makes buffalo cauliflower bites not only a tasty treat but also a nutritious one. By enjoying these bites, you can indulge in a flavorful snack while also providing your body with essential nutrients.

In addition to being a great source of vitamins, cauliflower is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants. Incorporating this vegetable into your diet can support overall health, making buffalo cauliflower bites a guilt-free pleasure.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these cauliflower bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter and cauliflower ahead of time. Just bake them when you're ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of all-purpose flour?

You can use almond flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used. Just ensure it’s fully thawed and dried before coating.