Spicy Black Friday Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe You’ll Love
By: Shivani Choudhary
Updated On: November 7, 2024
Thanksgiving has come and gone, and now Black Friday is upon us — a day filled with great deals and, let’s be honest, even more great food! While I'm all about holiday indulgence, sometimes I crave something a bit lighter yet still packed with flavor.
That's where my Spicy Black Friday Buffalo Cauliflower Bite Recipe comes into play. These crispy, spicy bites are an ideal snack or appetizer that's sure to please everyone, whether they're vegetarian or just looking for a tasty treat.
Article Includes
Tips for Perfect Crispiness
Achieving the perfect crispiness is key for these buffalo cauliflower bites. Here are some tips:
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Make sure the cauliflower florets are spaced out on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can make them steam instead of crisp up.
- Double Baking: The initial bake without the sauce helps set the coating, while the second bake with the sauce crisps them up and infuses them with flavor.
- Use High Heat: The high baking temperature is essential for getting that desirable crispy texture.
Variations to Try
While this recipe is delicious as-is, feel free to experiment with some variations:
- Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Vegan: Use a plant-based butter alternative and skip the honey or use agave nectar.
- Extra Spicy: Up the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the buffalo sauce or using an extra-hot hot sauce.
Spicy Black Friday Buffalo Cauliflower Bite Recipe
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper (optional)
- Small mixing bowl
- Tongs (for flipping and tossing the cauliflower)
- Serving platter
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup hot sauce Frank's RedHot Sauce works great
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon honey optional, for a hint of sweetness
- Fresh celery sticks for serving
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until a smooth batter forms.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until each piece is well-coated.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Spread the coated florets out on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, turning them over halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, mix together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl.
- Coat with Buffalo Sauce: After 20 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss them in the buffalo sauce.
- Bake Again: Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are lightly browned and crispy.
- Serve: Serve immediately with celery sticks and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Nutrition
Calories: 150kcalCarbohydrates: 20gProtein: 3gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.5gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 1200mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 30mgCalcium: 30mgIron: 0.7mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
Food Lover and Storyteller ????️✨
With a fork in one hand and a pen in the other, Shivani brings her culinary adventures to life through evocative words and tantalizing tastes. Her love for food knows no bounds, and she's on a mission to share the magic of flavors with fellow enthusiasts.