Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Print version)
Crispy baked cauliflower florets coated in tangy buffalo sauce for a spicy vegetarian appetizer.
# What you'll need:
→ Vegetables
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
→ Batter
02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/2 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
→ Buffalo Sauce
09 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
10 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
11 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional)
→ To Serve
12 - Celery sticks
13 - Carrot sticks
14 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until you have a smooth batter.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until well coated.
04 - Arrange the battered florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until just starting to brown.
06 - While cauliflower bakes, mix hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small bowl.
07 - Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with buffalo sauce until well coated. Return to the baking sheet.
08 - Bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until crispy and lightly browned.
09 - Serve hot with celery, carrot sticks, and your favorite dipping sauce.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- That crispy exterior gives way to tender cauliflower like a secret handshake between comfort food and something lighter
- Even people who swear they hate vegetables have been caught sneaking thirds
- The whole house smells like Friday night sports bar without any deep fryer mess
02 -
- Crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with soggy, sad cauliflower instead of crispy bites
- Let them cool for about 5 minutes after that final bake, or the sauce won't set properly and they'll fall apart
03 -
- Pat your cauliflower dry with paper towels before battering, even after washing, because water clings to those nooks
- If your batter seems too thick, add water one tablespoon at a time until it coats the back of a spoon