These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive vegetarian alternative to classic buffalo wings. Roasted to golden perfection and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, they offer the perfect balance of heat and crunch. Whether you’re looking for a healthy game-day snack, party appetizer, or a flavorful addition to a meal, these cauliflower bites are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

A healthier alternative to buffalo wings with all the flavor
Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside
Easy to make with simple ingredients
Perfect for game day, parties, or as a snack
Vegan and vegetarian-friendly
Can be made gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour substitute
Spicy, tangy, and packed with bold flavors
Customizable with different dipping sauces or veggies
Low in calories but full of satisfying crunch
Great for meal prepping—enjoy them throughout the week

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup water
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
2/3 cup buffalo sauce
1 tbsp melted butter or olive oil

For Serving (Optional):

Ranch or blue cheese dressing
Celery sticks
Carrot sticks
Bell pepper slices

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss them until fully coated in the flour mixture.
Spread the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through for even cooking.
While the cauliflower is baking, mix buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a small bowl.
Once the cauliflower is done baking, remove it from the oven and toss the florets in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until crispy and slightly caramelized.
Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery sticks, carrot sticks, and bell pepper slices.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Calories per Serving: 190 kcal

Variations

Spicy Twist: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buffalo sauce for a spicier kick.
Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour alternative like almond flour or chickpea flour.
Add More Flavor: Toss with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast or vegan parmesan for a cheesy flavor.
Sweet and Spicy: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup along with the buffalo sauce for a sweet-and-spicy variation.
Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro after baking for a refreshing finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, bake the cauliflower bites at 375°F (190°C) for 5–10 minutes until crispy again.
Freezing: Freeze cooked cauliflower bites on a baking sheet for 1–2 hours, then transfer to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower is best for this recipe, but if using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw and pat them dry to ensure the coating sticks properly.

How do I make these cauliflower bites extra crispy?

For extra crispiness, you can coat the cauliflower florets in a bit of breadcrumbs or panko before baking.

Can I make these cauliflower bites ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep the cauliflower and toss it in the flour mixture ahead of time. Just refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. You can also bake and store them to reheat later.

What dipping sauces can I serve with these?

Ranch, blue cheese, or even a vegan dipping sauce works perfectly with these buffalo cauliflower bites.

Can I make these cauliflower bites in an air fryer?

Yes, air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, for a quicker and equally crispy result.

How can I adjust the heat level?

Adjust the spiciness by adding more or less buffalo sauce and pepper flakes. For a milder flavor, use a milder hot sauce.

Can I use a different sauce?

You can substitute buffalo sauce with BBQ sauce for a different flavor profile, or make a tangy honey mustard sauce instead.

How can I make these bites more filling?

Serve them with a side of quinoa, rice, or a light salad to make them a more substantial meal.

Can I bake the cauliflower longer for a crispier texture?

Yes, you can bake them a little longer for a crispier texture, but be sure to keep an eye on them to avoid burning.

Can I serve these at room temperature?

Yes, buffalo cauliflower bites can be served at room temperature, but they are best enjoyed while still warm for maximum crispiness.

Conclusion

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect combination of spicy, crispy, and satisfying, making them a fantastic alternative to traditional buffalo wings. Whether you’re hosting a party, looking for a healthy snack, or planning a game day spread, these bites will undoubtedly be a hit. Easy to make and packed with flavor, they’re the ultimate comfort food with a plant-based twist. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce and fresh veggies for a complete treat!

Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the ultimate spicy and crispy vegetarian alternative to buffalo wings. Coated in a flavorful batter, roasted to golden perfection, and tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, they’re perfect for game day, snacks, or party platters. Serve with creamy ranch or blue cheese and fresh veggies for an irresistible appetizer.

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until they are fully coated with the batter.
Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Roast in the oven for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time.
Meanwhile, mix the buffalo sauce with melted butter or olive oil in a separate bowl.
After 20 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven, toss it in the buffalo sauce mixture, and return it to the oven for an additional 10–15 minutes until crispy and slightly caramelized.

Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing and fresh veggies like celery, carrots, or bell pepper slices.

Notes

For a dairy-free version, use vegan butter or olive oil for the buffalo sauce.
To add extra crispiness, lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray before baking.
Feel free to adjust the spice level by adding more or less buffalo sauce based on your preference.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer
Method: Roasted, Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American