Ingredients
Cauliflower Batter
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup water
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup hot sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- ½ tablespoon lemon juice
For Serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing
- Carrots and celery sticks
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until you create a smooth batter without lumps.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the batter and gently toss them to ensure every piece is well coated.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure to leave spaces between them. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until they are lightly browned, flipping the florets halfway through cooking for even crispness.
- Make the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter, and lemon juice in a small bowl until well combined.
- Brush with Buffalo Sauce: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and brush the buffalo sauce evenly over each floret.
- Final Bake: Return the sauced cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes until they start to brown and become crispy on the edges.
- Serve: Serve the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing alongside carrot and celery sticks for a refreshing crunch.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, try broiling the bites for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching closely to avoid burning.
- You can substitute hot sauce with your favorite buffalo wing sauce or make your own for different flavor variations.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, replace all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Use vegan butter and a plant-based ranch dressing to make this recipe vegan.
- These bites reheat well in an oven or air fryer to retain crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
