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Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – Easy Appetizer

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These crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites are a game-day favorite that even skeptics will love. They are crunchy, spicy, tangy, and baked to perfection without deep frying.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (any kind works)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil spray
  • Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, crumbled blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping, sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Remove the leaves and core from the cauliflower. Cut into bite-sized florets (about 1.5 to 2 inches). Rinse and pat very dry with a clean towel.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly pour in the milk while whisking until smooth (consistency of thin pancake batter).
  4. Add the dry cauliflower florets to the batter and toss gently until evenly coated. Let sit for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Using tongs or your hands, lift each coated floret, letting excess batter drip off, and place on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer with space between each piece.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Do not open the oven door during this time.
  7. While the cauliflower bakes, make the buffalo sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and melted butter. Microwave for 20 seconds or warm on the stovetop.
  8. After 20 minutes, remove the sheet from the oven. Brush each floret generously with the buffalo sauce. Return to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until the sauce caramelizes and edges are dark and crispy.
  9. Remove from the oven and let cool on the pan for 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a serving platter, garnish as desired, and serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing.

Notes

Pat the cauliflower bone-dry to ensure crispiness. Do not overcrowd the pan; use two sheets if needed. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet. Serve immediately as crispiness fades. Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or air fryer.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, baked cauliflower bites, crispy cauliflower, game day appetizer, vegetarian appetizer, buffalo wings alternative

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/crispy-baked-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-easy-appetizer/