Crispy oven-roasted cauliflower florets tossed in a bold buffalo sauce and finished with fresh herbs. These fiery, flavorful bites are the perfect plant-based appetizer, game day snack, or healthy side dish with a kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Spicy Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites offer all the bold, tangy heat of classic buffalo wings—without the meat. With a satisfying crispy texture and a punchy, buttery hot sauce glaze, they’re an excellent appetizer, side, or even a light meal. This recipe is easy to make, naturally vegetarian, and can be adapted to be vegan or gluten-free.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the buffalo sauce:

• 1/4 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or vegan butter)
• 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Optional garnish:

• Chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges for serving

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large mixing bowl, toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
3. Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the edges are crisp and golden brown.
5. Meanwhile, prepare the buffalo sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, whisk together hot sauce, butter, honey (or maple syrup), and vinegar until fully combined and warmed through.
6. Transfer the roasted cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over and toss well to coat.
7. Return the coated cauliflower to the oven and roast for an additional 5–7 minutes to caramelize and crisp further.
8. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people as an appetizer or side dish.
Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes.
Total cooking time is 35–40 minutes.
Total time: 45–50 minutes.

Variations

• Vegan Version: Use plant-based butter and maple syrup instead of honey.
• Extra Crunchy: Coat cauliflower in a light cornstarch or rice flour dusting before roasting.
• Cheesy Twist: Sprinkle with crumbled blue cheese or vegan cheese after baking.
• Grain-Free: Ensure no breading is used; this version is naturally grain-free.
• Mild Option: Reduce the amount of hot sauce or mix it with extra butter for a gentler heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes to restore crispiness.
Microwaving is not recommended as it softens the cauliflower.

FAQs

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, roast the cauliflower ahead and store it plain. Reheat and toss in buffalo sauce just before serving.

Is this recipe vegan?

It can be made vegan by using plant-based butter and maple syrup.

What’s the best hot sauce to use?

Frank’s RedHot is classic, but any vinegar-based cayenne hot sauce works well.

Can I air-fry the cauliflower?

Yes, air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway through, then toss in sauce.

Do I need to boil the cauliflower first?

No, roasting from raw gives the best texture and flavor.

Can I freeze buffalo cauliflower bites?

Freezing is not recommended as the texture becomes soggy upon reheating.

How spicy are these bites?

They are moderately spicy. Adjust hot sauce quantity to your preference.

What can I serve these with?

Celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing make classic accompaniments.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Fresh is best for texture, but if using frozen, thaw and pat dry thoroughly first.

Will this work as a main dish?

Yes, pair with grains or a hearty salad for a complete plant-based meal.

Conclusion

Spicy Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are a flavorful, crowd-pleasing alternative to traditional buffalo wings. With their crispy edges and bold, tangy coating, they’re a versatile addition to any menu—whether for game night, parties, or a light, satisfying dinner. Simple to make and easy to customize, this is a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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