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Best Easy Game Day Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

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Crispy, sticky, spicy, and completely impossible to stop eating, these buffalo cauliflower bites are the perfect vegetarian game day appetizer. Ready in under 40 minutes with simple pantry ingredients, they convert even the biggest cauliflower skeptics.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 to 2.5 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (any kind works; whole milk preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup hot sauce (Frank’s RedHot Original recommended)
  • ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce (optional)
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing (for serving)
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks (for serving)
  • Fresh chives or green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wash the head of cauliflower and pat it completely dry. Cut into bite-sized florets (about 1 to 1.5 inches across). Discard the tough core and large leaves.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently toss until every floret is evenly coated.
  5. Arrange the battered florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not touching. Bake for 15 minutes, until the batter is set and starting to turn golden at the edges.
  6. While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Remove from heat and whisk in the hot sauce, honey (if using), and Worcestershire sauce (if using) until well combined.
  7. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Generously coat each floret with the buffalo sauce using a pastry brush or spoon, or transfer the baked florets to a large bowl, pour the sauce over them, and gently toss to coat. Return the sauced florets to the baking sheet in a single layer.
  8. Bake for another 10 to 12 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the edges are deeply golden and crispy. For extra crunch, switch the oven to broil for the last 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely.
  9. Serve immediately. Transfer to a serving platter, drizzle with any remaining sauce, garnish with chopped chives or green onions, and serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks on the side.

Notes

For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. Do not overcrowd the pan. To keep warm for a party, place on a wire rack over a baking sheet in a 200°F (95°C) oven for up to 30 minutes. Do not cover with foil. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower bites, game day appetizer, vegetarian wings, spicy cauliflower, easy appetizer, healthy snack, cauliflower recipe

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