Description

Crispy, spicy, and addictive baked cauliflower florets tossed in a classic buffalo sauce and served with cool blue cheese dressing. A simple, vegetarian, and gluten-free friendly snack perfect for game day.

Ingredients

Scale

1 large head of cauliflower (approx. 2.5 lbs / 1.1 kg), cut into 1.5-inch florets
1/3 cup (40g) all-purpose flour (or cornstarch for gluten-free)
2 tbsp (15g) cornmeal
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and black pepper to taste
1/2 cup (120ml) Frank’s RedHot Original Cayenne Pepper Sauce
3 tbsp (42g) unsalted butter, melted
1/2 cup (120ml) blue cheese dressing

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
Wash and cut cauliflower into florets. Pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Add the dry cauliflower florets to the bowl and toss gently to coat evenly. Shake off excess flour.
Arrange florets on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until tender but firm.
While cauliflower bakes, melt butter and whisk in hot sauce until smooth.
Remove cauliflower from oven and toss with the buffalo sauce mixture.
Return to oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes until edges are crispy and slightly charred.
Remove from oven and place on paper towels to drain excess oil for 2 minutes.
Serve hot with blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

Ensure cauliflower florets are patted very dry before coating to prevent steaming. Do not crowd the baking sheet; use two pans if necessary to allow air circulation. For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet. If using an air fryer, cook at 380°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 6 bite
Calories: 180
Sugar: 4
Sodium: 450
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 6
Carbohydrates: 12
Fiber: 3
Protein: 5

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, cauliflower bites, game day snack, vegetarian appetizer, gluten-free snack, spicy cauliflower, blue cheese dip, easy recipe