Oven-Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

In recent years, there has been a notable shift towards plant-based diets, and this trend has permeated the snack food realm. With health-conscious consumers seeking delicious alternatives to traditional snacks, plant-based options have surged in popularity, particularly those that deliver on flavor and satisfaction. Among these, Buffalo cauliflower bites stand out as a scrumptious substitute for chicken wings, offering the same satisfying heat and crunch without the added calories and fats.

Discover the ultimate guilt-free snack with these oven-baked Buffalo cauliflower bites! Perfectly crispy and bursting with flavor, this healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings is a crowd-pleaser. Made with nutrient-rich cauliflower, a flavorful batter, and zesty Buffalo sauce, these bites are great for game days or casual gatherings. Easy to customize with your favorite spices and dipping sauces, they’re sure to satisfy your cravings while keeping your healthy eating goals in check. Enjoy a spicy kick without the calories!

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice level)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional garnishes: chopped fresh parsley, celery sticks, and ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets and set aside.

Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt. Gradually whisk in the almond milk until the batter is smooth and well combined.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off and place the coated florets onto the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Cauliflower: Bake the coated cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the batter is golden brown and crispy.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce with olive oil in a large bowl. This will add richness to the sauce.

Toss with Buffalo Sauce: Once the cauliflower has baked for 20 minutes, remove it from the oven. Carefully toss the hot florets in the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.

Final Bake: Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the florets are crispy and the buffalo sauce has caramelized slightly.

Serve: Remove from the oven and allow them to cool slightly. Serve warm with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, celery sticks, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4