Buffalo cauliflower bites have become a staple in my kitchen because they’re easy to make and always disappear quickly. The first time I made them, I was surprised by how satisfying the crispy coating and spicy aroma were coming out of the oven.

I often serve these bites as a casual appetizer for friends or as a fun side with burgers on game night. The tangy, spicy buffalo sauce clings to the cauliflower, and each bite has just the right balance of crunch and tenderness.

What I love most is how adaptable this recipe is—it’s just as good with a cool dip or tossed into a salad. The kitchen smells fantastic while they bake, and they always bring a little excitement to the table.

Quick Facts

Why You’ll Love It

These spicy buffalo cauliflower bites are a crowd-pleaser for both vegetarians and meat-eaters. They’re easy to prepare, deliver big flavor, and are perfect for sharing at parties or as a weeknight snack.

• Crispy outside, tender inside
• Bold, tangy buffalo flavor
• Simple ingredients, pantry-friendly
• Great for parties or casual meals
• Easily made vegan or gluten-free

Ingredients

This recipe uses basic pantry staples and a fresh head of cauliflower. The batter gives the bites a crisp shell, while the buffalo sauce brings the heat. You can adjust the spice level to your liking.

• 1 medium head cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 3/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for greasing)
• 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• Optional: chopped parsley or chives, for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

These buffalo cauliflower bites come together quickly. The cauliflower is coated in a simple batter, baked until crisp, then tossed in spicy buffalo sauce. Serve them hot for the best texture.

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with olive oil.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Add water and 2 tablespoons olive oil to the dry ingredients. Whisk until you have a smooth, thick batter.
4. Add cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss until each piece is well coated.
5. Arrange the battered cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure the pieces don’t touch.
6. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is crisp and lightly golden.
7. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together buffalo hot sauce and melted butter.
8. Remove cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a large clean bowl. Pour buffalo sauce mixture over and toss to coat evenly.
9. Return the cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes, until the sauce is bubbling and the edges are crisp.
10. Let cool slightly, then garnish with chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dip.

Chef Tips

A few simple tips will help you get the crispiest, most flavorful bites every time. Don’t skip preheating the oven, and be generous with the parchment paper for easy cleanup.

• Cut cauliflower into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet; use two if needed.
• Flip bites halfway for even crisping.
• For extra crunch, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end.
• Serve immediately for best texture.

Substitutions

This recipe is flexible if you need to swap ingredients. You can easily make it gluten-free or vegan with a few adjustments.

• Use gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
• Replace butter with vegan margarine for a dairy-free version.
• Try rice flour for a lighter, crispier coating.
• Use avocado oil or another neutral oil instead of olive oil.
• Adjust hot sauce brand to control heat and flavor.

Storage & Reheating

Buffalo cauliflower bites are best fresh, but leftovers can be stored and enjoyed later. Reheating helps restore some of the original crispiness.

• Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheat in a 400°F oven for 8-10 minutes to crisp up.
• Avoid microwaving, as it makes the coating soggy.
• Freeze un-sauced, baked bites for up to 1 month; reheat and toss with sauce before serving.

Perfect Pairings

These bites pair well with a variety of dips and sides. I like to serve them with something cool and creamy to balance the heat.

• Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
• Celery and carrot sticks
• A crisp pilsner or dry white wine
• Grilled chicken or veggie burgers as a main

FAQs

Here are answers to some common questions about making buffalo cauliflower bites. These tips should help you get the best results at home.

Nutritional Note

Approximate per serving: 180 calories, 7g fat, 27g carbs, 4g protein. Values will vary with brands and serving size.