Enjoy the spicy kick of buffalo wings with these crispy, baked cauliflower bites. A perfect vegetarian alternative for your next game day or appetizer spread.
Author:Claire
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:35 min
Total Time:50 min
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup milk (or unsweetened plant-based milk for vegan option)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
1/4 cup unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
Celery sticks, for serving
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat evenly.
Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower is tender and lightly golden.
While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the buffalo sauce. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the hot sauce and vinegar. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 minute.
Once the cauliflower is baked, transfer it to a clean bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the cauliflower and toss gently to coat.
Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 5-10 minutes, until the coating is slightly crispy.
Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery sticks.
Notes
For extra crispy bites, you can double-coat the cauliflower: dip in batter, then in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
Ensure your baking sheet is hot before adding the cauliflower for a crispier bottom.
Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your spice preference.
These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.