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Crispy Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Easy Game Day Recipe

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These crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites are baked, not fried, and deliver a satisfying crunch with bold buffalo flavor. Perfect for game day, they’re easy to prep ahead and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup milk (any kind)
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup buffalo sauce (plus more for serving)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • Optional garnish: chopped green onions, crumbled blue cheese or feta, fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
  2. Wash the cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets, about 1 to 1.5 inches across. Pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
  3. In one medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the milk and 1 tablespoon of the buffalo sauce.
  4. Toss the dried cauliflower florets in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure each piece is lightly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  5. Dip each floured floret into the milk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then roll it in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between each piece.
  6. Pop the baking sheet in the fridge for 15-20 minutes to let the coating set.
  7. Bake for 20-22 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  8. While the cauliflower bakes, whisk together the remaining buffalo sauce and melted butter in a small bowl.
  9. Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Drizzle the buffalo-butter mixture over the florets and toss gently to coat. Return the sheet to the oven for another 5-7 minutes.
  10. Transfer the buffalo cauliflower bites to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles if desired. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip the drying step or the fridge rest—they are crucial for crispiness. Adjust the heat by varying the amount of buffalo sauce. For gluten-free, use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko. For dairy-free, use almond milk and vegan butter or olive oil.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://cookdella.com/crispy-baked-buffalo-cauliflower-bites-easy-game-day-recipe/