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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: The Best Game Day Snack

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These crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are the ultimate game day snack—crunchy, spicy, and completely addictive. With a double-coating technique and a high oven temperature, they stay shatteringly crisp even after being tossed in buffalo sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2 pounds), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving
  • Celery sticks and carrot sticks, for serving
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the cauliflower: Remove leaves and core, cut into bite-sized florets (1 to 1.5 inches). Rinse and pat very dry with a clean towel.
  3. Make the seasoned flour mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
  4. Prepare the milk wash: In a separate medium bowl, pour in the milk.
  5. Coat the cauliflower: Toss a few florets in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off excess, dip into milk wash, then toss back into flour mixture for a second coating. Place on prepared baking sheet in a single layer, not touching. Repeat with remaining cauliflower.
  6. Bake for 20 minutes. Flip each floret with tongs, then bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until golden brown and crispy (total 30 to 35 minutes).
  7. Make the buffalo sauce: While cauliflower bakes, combine hot sauce, melted butter, honey/maple syrup, and Worcestershire sauce in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring, until smooth. Keep warm.
  8. Toss baked cauliflower in sauce: Transfer cauliflower to a large bowl, pour warm sauce over, and gently toss with tongs until evenly coated.
  9. Serve immediately: Transfer to a platter, garnish with parsley or chives, and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing, celery, and carrot sticks.

Notes

For extra crispiness, add 2 tablespoons of cornstarch to the flour mixture. To make ahead, bake cauliflower unsauced, store in fridge for up to 2 days, then reheat at 400°F for 5-7 minutes and toss with warm sauce. For an air fryer version, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, game day snack, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, buffalo sauce, cauliflower bites

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