Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites (Print Version)
Golden crispy cauliflower florets coated in spicy Buffalo sauce for a flavorful snack or appetizer.
# What You Need:
→ Cauliflower
01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
→ Breading
02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 3/4 cup water
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
→ Buffalo Sauce
10 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Franks RedHot)
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
12 - 1 tablespoon honey (optional, for balance)
→ To Serve
13 - Celery sticks and carrot sticks
14 - Ranch or blue cheese dressing (optional)
# How to Prepare:
01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with nonstick spray.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
03 - Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss well to coat evenly on all sides.
04 - Place panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dip each batter-coated floret into the panko, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs.
05 - Arrange breaded florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
06 - While cauliflower bakes, combine hot sauce, melted butter, and honey (if using) in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until warmed and well combined.
07 - Remove cauliflower from the oven after 20 minutes. Gently toss the baked florets with the Buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return the sauce-coated florets to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crispy and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and your choice of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The crunch on these bites is absolutely addictive thanks to the double coating technique I stumbled upon
- You get all that Buffalo wing satisfaction without the post snack heaviness that usually follows
02 -
- Crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with soggy instead of crispy bites
- Letting the battered florets sit in the panko for 30 seconds before pressing helps the crumbs adhere better
03 -
- Pat your cauliflower florets dry before battering for the best adhesion
- Let the coated florets rest 10 minutes before baking for a crunchier texture