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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – Easy 30-Minute Snack with Ranch

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These oven-baked buffalo cauliflower bites are crispy, spicy, and perfect for snacking or sharing. Served with a cool ranch dipping sauce, they’re a healthier, veggie-forward twist on classic buffalo wings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 6 cups / 700g)
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1/2 cup unsweetened plant milk (almond, oat, soy, or dairy milk)
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (plus more for seasoning)
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter or vegan butter, melted
  • 1 tsp honey or maple syrup (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (regular or vegan)
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (for ranch)
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder (for ranch)
  • Salt and pepper to taste (for ranch)
  • 2 tbsp chopped fresh chives or parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper. Add plant milk and whisk until smooth and thick like pancake batter. Adjust consistency with more milk or flour as needed.
  3. Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until coated. Shake off excess, then roll each floret in panko breadcrumbs. Arrange in a single layer on the baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and starting to crisp.
  5. While baking, melt butter and stir in buffalo hot sauce and honey or maple syrup. Whisk until combined.
  6. Remove cauliflower from oven, gently toss in buffalo sauce until coated, and return to the baking sheet (use fresh parchment for extra crispness). Bake another 10-15 minutes until edges are crisp and color is vibrant.
  7. For ranch: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic powder, dried dill, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chives. Chill until serving.
  8. Let bites cool for 5 minutes before serving. Arrange on a platter with ranch, celery sticks, and carrot sticks if desired.

Notes

For gluten-free bites, use gluten-free flour and panko. For vegan, use plant-based milk, vegan butter, and vegan mayo/yogurt. Batter consistency is key for crispiness; adjust with milk or flour as needed. Serve fresh for best crunch. Air fryer method: cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, toss with sauce, then cook another 5 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, crispy cauliflower, vegetarian snack, oven baked, ranch dip, game day, party food, healthy appetizer, gluten free option, vegan option

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