This homemade honey buffalo cauliflower bites recipe is baked in the best buffalo wing sauce in town and served with dips to die for! Ideal for game night and perfect for any occasion! You're going to love this buffalo cauliflower bites recipe.
Homemade Honey Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Come game night, if there ever was a substitute for chicken wings, honey buffalo cauliflower bites are it! If there's such a thing as meatless chicken wings, here they are in all their glory! These delightful morsels are not only a vegetarian's delight, they can satisfy even the most dedicated meat lovers!
Don't get me wrong. I adore chicken wings and they've earned their rightful place at the game night table. There's plenty of room for these Buffalo cauliflower bites at the table as they add choice and variety.
Cauliflower Bites
Cauliflower bites are a recent phenomenon and I wish they'd existed when my son was young. Back in the day, getting Patrick to eat cauliflower was mission impossible!
Knowing this cruciferous vegetable was healthy, high in vitamin C and contained certain amounts of vitamins B, K and minerals. I tried every which way to get him to eat cauliflower but to no avail.
I'm pretty sure Patrick would have eaten these crispy cauliflower bites because he has no hesitation digging into them today! Although he enjoys them smothered in honey Buffalo sauce, hot sauce is where his heart is. I've witnessed him and his buddies devouring these cauliflower bites like there was no tomorrow.
Thank goodness for these small wonders! Ideal for those on Keto, low carb or gluten free diets, they're a tasty and refreshing meatless alternative snack whether it's game night or family time.
Baked Cauliflower Bites
Incorporating more veggies in one's life is a good thing. Given Patrick's dislike for cauliflower, I almost abandoned it.
When this recipe appeared on the scene, I had to give cauliflower another try. And I'm not the least bit sorry I did. It gave me a whole new respect for cauliflower.
Depending on the size of these cauliflower pieces, these little darlings should be baked at 425 degrees for approximately 20 minutes, then flipped over for another 15-20.
Once the edges turn brown, remove from the oven.
Beautifully baked in a seasoned batter then generously coated in Buffalo or hot sauce, these baked cauliflower bites are an absolute pleasure to eat.
Cauliflower bites that taste like they're fried, these sweet and sticky morsels are a baked healthy alternative. If you weren't friends with cauliflower before, then meet your new veggie BFF!
Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Recently, my trustworthy, taste tester neighbor, Renate, tried this cauliflower bites recipe on for size. Having never experienced cauliflower this way before, she made no bones about her distaste for the ones coated in hot sauce. Frankly, it's not my favorite either but it's all a matter of taste. Like Patrick, many adore them with hot sauce as it gives these cauliflower bites a spicy edge.
Renate was amazed at how good the honey Buffalo sauce was and couldn't wait to share this recipe with her daughter-in-law. Much the same as Patrick was in his younger days, Renate's grandkids are not a fan of cauliflower and perhaps this recipe would convince them otherwise.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe
Before I get to this Buffalo cauliflower bites recipe, for even cooking, ensure the cauliflower pieces are approximately the same size. They don't have to be perfect; just close.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 cup of all purpose flour
- a teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon of chili powder (optional)
- ½ teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1-¼ cups of milk
- Cooking spray—vegetable, olive oil, canola or coconut
Sauce Ingredients
- ¼ cup butter, melted
- ½ cup Buffalo wing sauce or hot sauce (Sriracha or Frank's Red Hot)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup of honey
Instructions
Prep Time: 15 minutes; Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees
- Remove leaves and cut the cauliflower into bite sized pieces
- Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (or tinfoil) and lightly coat with cooking spray to avoid sticking.
- In a large bowl, blend together flour, garlic and onion powder, salt, pepper and paprika.
- Whisk in the milk until the batter is smooth and thick.
- In small batches, dip the cauliflower florets into batter and gently turn to coat evenly.
- Using a fork or slotted spoon, pull out the florets and allow excess batter to drip into a bowl.
- Place cauliflower florets onto the baking sheet and space one inch apart
- Bake approximately 20-25 minutes.
- Gently flip cauliflower wings over and bake for another 15-20 minutes.
- In the meantime, in another bowl make the sauce and combine thoroughly until smooth. Set aside.
- Remove baked cauliflower wings from the oven and allow them to cool for 3-4 minutes.
- Gently toss the florets in the sauce of your choice.
Serve immediately as the coating softens the longer the cauliflower sits. With a little of your favorite dipping sauce on the side, you're ready to indulge!
What is Buffalo Sauce?
Buffalo sauce was the creation of a bar owner in, wait for it, in Buffalo, New York in 1964. Basically, this concoction consists of hot sauce, vinegar, butter, Worcestershire sauce and some seasonings. It exploded in popularity and is featured in many American restaurants to this day.
Using store bought Buffalo sauce is perfectly acceptable. But if you're so inclined, consider making your own Buffalo sauce. It's easier than you think and no preservatives added.
Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- ½ cup of hot sauce
- 6 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons of molasses (not Blackstrap)
- 1 teaspoon of cornstarch
Mix together in a small bowl and there you have it.
Homemade Hot Sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup hot sauce like Frank's Red Hot or sriracha
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Give it a whisk then fire up these cauliflower bites and feel the fireworks on your tongue.
Side Dips
Classic ranch and blue cheese are the ultimate side dips and give these cauliflower bites a boost of flavor. For garlic lovers out there, consider Caesar. Store bought dressings will work well with baked cauliflower pieces.
But, if you're in the mood for a little adventure and you've got a wee bit of time on your hands, give these homemade versions a try. I promise you won't be disappointed!
Homemade Dips
Buttermilk Ranch
- 1 cup of mayo
- ½ cup of buttermilk (or substitute with ½ tablespoon of vinegar in a one cup measuring glass; pour in ½ cup of milk and gently stir for 5 minutes until it slightly cuddles)
- 4 teaspoons of fresh chives, minced
- 4 teaspoons fresh cilantro, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- a tablespoon of garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon of salt
- ¼ teaspoon black or cayenne pepper
Creamy Blue Cheese
- ¾ cup of bleu or blue cheese, crumbled
- ¾ cup mayo
- 6 tablespoons sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 ½ tablespoons of apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional)
- a pinch of pepper
- pinch of garlic of powder
Caesar Parmesan
- 1 cup of mayo
- ½ cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- ½ cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, minced
- a tablespoon garlic, minced
- a tablespoon of anchovy fillets (2 fillets), minced to a paste
- pinch of black pepper
What to Serve with Buffalo Cauliflower Bites?
If you think craving cauliflower is not possible, think again. These cauliflower bites are dressed to the nines in rich honey Buffalo sauce and will leave you amazingly satisfied.
Dive into the dips and serve these cauliflower bites with the proverbial crunchy celery and carrots on the side. Don't limit yourself as there other veggies to consider:
- Cucumber
- Zucchini
- Green Beans
- Dill pickles
- Broccoli
- Tomatoes
These homemade and healthy bites are just what you want to put on your party menu. They can take the place of chicken wings while still giving you that satisfying flavor. If you're looking for other tasty things to include on your platter, check out that link and I'm sure that you'll find the appetizer of your dreams!
Can I use Frozen Cauliflower for Homemade Honey Buffalo Cauliflower Bites?
Absolutely! The beauty of frozen is they're already sized for you. Thaw first and dry with a paper towel to ensure the batter sticks to them.
Homemade honey Buffalo cauliflower bites make the ideal appetizer and are a dream come true for the vegan or vegetarian in your life.
Score big with these cauliflower bites as chicken wings aren't the only game in town!
Ways to Cook Cauliflower
Cauliflower is astonishingly versatile and although this recipe calls for pieces to be baked in batter, it can also be fried, steamed, boiled, roasted or raw.
Wildly popular these days as a pizza crust, cauliflower is also a terrific alternative to mashed potatoes or rice. Pureed cauliflower thicken soups and stews and gives them that undeniable cauliflower taste.
Let's face it. Cauliflower needs a bit of care in the flavor department and it goes without saying, these honey Buffalo cauliflower bites are just the ticket.
Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
Kickstart game night with these buffalo cauliflower wings and they'll cross the finish line sooner that you think. You're guests will be their biggest cheerleaders and once these cauliflower wings disappear from the plate, your guests will be looking for more. So, doubling the recipe might be a good idea next time around.
Cauliflower Wings
Messy, sticky and sweet best describes these cauliflower wings. So much lighter than chicken wings, you can eat more homemade honey buffalo cauliflower bites with fewer calories and less guilt.
Don't use game night as an excuse to make these honey cauliflower bites as they make a phenomenal snack or appetizer any time, anywhere.
When that craving hits, that's your cue to begin making these restaurant style cauliflower wings.
Vegan Cauliflower Bites
Chances are there's going to be a vegan in the crowd. By choosing non-dairy milk (like almond), a non-dairy butter spread or olive oil, agave or maple syrup (instead of honey), the problem is solved.
And the non vegan guests won't know any better. What matters most is taste and these vegan cauliflower bites deliver that in spades!
Healthy Appetizer
Going meatless seems to be the in thing nowadays and finding a healthy appetizer with flavor can be challenging. From the first bite, I was hooked on these homemade honey buffalo cauliflower bites. They were astonishingly good.
Who knew that buffalo cauliflower bites could leave you feeling so satisfied? And you come away feeling light without the heaviness of meat that sometimes sits in the pit of your stomach.
Gluten Free Homemade Honey Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Although this homemade honey buffalo cauliflower bites recipe calls for all purpose flour, it can be easily substituted for almond, gluten free flour or cornstarch. Believe it or not, corn starch binds well and gives those cauliflower bites the crispiness we all anticipate.
Whether you're on WW, Paleo, Keto or Whole 30, these cauliflower bites fit into your diet nicely.
Buffalo Wing Sauce Recipes
If you're a lover of the sauce in this buffalo cauliflower bites recipe, have I got buffalo wing sauce recipes for you! Chicken and buffalo wing sauce make perfect partners. They're Renate approved, so check them out!
Easy Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
Slow Cooker BBQ or Buffalo Chicken Drumsticks
Homemade Honey Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ¼ cups milk
- cooking spray I used coconut oil spray
For the sauce
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup buffalo wing sauce or sriracha with butter I used Frank’s
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ cup honey
Optional
- bleu cheese, ranch or Caesar dressing for dipping
- carrots and celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or tinfoil. Lightly spray with cooking spray to ensure cauliflower wings don’t stick.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt and black pepper.
- Whisk until well mixed.
- Whisk in the milk until you have a smooth, thick batter.
- Working in small batches, dip the cauliflower florets into the batter and gently turn them to coat evenly.
- Using a fork or slotted spoon, lift the cauliflower wings out of the batter, allowing any excess to drip into the bowl.
- Place the battered cauliflower florets onto prepared baking sheets, at least an inch apart.
- Bake cauliflower for 20-25 minutes or until you see the underside of the wings turn brown and crispy.
- Gently flip the cauliflower wings and place them back into the oven to bake for another 15-20 minutes.
- Meanwhile, make the sauce. In another bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients until smooth and thoroughly combined. Set aside.
- Remove the baked cauliflower wings from the oven and allow them to cool for 3-4 minutes.
- Working a few at a time, gently toss the cauliflower wings in the honey buffalo sauce.
- Serve hot with carrots, celery sticks or veggies of your choosing with your favorite dipping sauce, if desired. Enjoy!
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