Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Vegetarian Healthy-ish Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
These vegetarian healthy-ish Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are made with simple ingredients and paired with ranch dressing. Perfect for game day!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 4
If you’re looking for a healthy low-carb game day snack to add to your spread for Super Bowl Sunday, make these delicious oven baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. No, they don’t taste like chicken wings. But they are definitely healthier and just as spicy and delicious! It’s a really easy recipe to make with simple ingredients that will wow your friends!
There are many variations of these cauliflower wings. I make mine healthier by using water instead of milk for the batter, making my own buffalo sauce (less fat that way), and using less batter to coat the cauliflower. They come out of the oven hot and crispy, and pair so well with the cool and creamy ranch dressing. It’s an easy crowd-pleasing appetizer or delicious snack!
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Low in calories and carbs and loaded with fiber and nutrients.
- Flour: Use all purpose or gluten-free for a crispy coating.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper.
- Hot sauce: Use your favorite hot or buffalo sauce.
- Butter: Use plant-based butter to make it vegan.
- Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice for tang.
How to make buffalo cauliflower bites
There are two main parts to make these buffalo cauliflower wings: the batter to coat and crisp the cauliflower, and the buffalo sauce that binds to the batter and flavors the cauliflower.
Step 1: Make the batter
The batter is equal parts flour and water plus spices like paprika and garlic powder. The mixture will be thick, almost like a paste.
Step 2: Coat the cauliflower with the batter
You can toss the cauliflower in the bowl or shake it in a plastic bag. Make sure each piece is well coated, then place them individually on a baking sheet to avoid excess batter and sogginess.
When they come out of the oven, they will be crispy and delicious even before adding the buffalo sauce.
Step 3: Make buffalo sauce and coat the cauliflower
Buffalo sauce is typically 2 parts hot sauce to 1 part butter. To make it healthier, use less butter and add lemon juice for brightness. Brush or spoon the sauce onto the cauliflower, then return them to the oven until the sauce adheres and the bites are crisp and golden.
Tips for making buffalo cauliflower bites
- Cut florets large—about half the size of traditional wings—to prevent mushiness.
- Use a colander to drain excess batter for crispier results.
- Bake on parchment paper or a lightly oiled sheet to prevent sticking.
- Bake right before serving for maximum crispness.
- Air fryer option: Air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes, add sauce, then cook 5 more minutes.
I love this healthy vegetarian appetizer option that’s baked and not fried. These spicy buffalo cauliflower bites are battered and baked to perfection with a small amount of butter. They’re big on flavor and perfect for snacking!