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Crispy buffalo cauliflower bites with ranch dip and celery sticks on a platter

Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy baked buffalo cauliflower bites with a crunchy panko coating and tangy hot sauce. A vegetarian game-day snack served with cool ranch dip.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 260
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower about 2 lb / 900 g, cut into bite-size florets
  • 3/4 cup 95 g all-purpose flour
  • 3/4 cup 180 ml water
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 1/2 cups 90 g panko breadcrumbs
  • Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup 120 ml buffalo hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
  • 1 tablespoon honey optional, to balance the heat
  • Ranch dip and celery sticks to serve

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper and set a wire rack on top, if you have one.
  2. Whisk the flour, water, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth. Place the panko in a separate shallow bowl.
  3. Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter, letting the excess drip off, then roll in the panko to coat. Arrange on the prepared sheet, leaving space between florets.
  4. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with the olive oil.
  5. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once halfway through, until deep golden and crisp at the edges.
  6. Whisk the buffalo sauce with the melted butter and honey, if using. Toss the hot cauliflower in the sauce, or brush it over the florets, and return to the oven for 3 to 4 minutes to set the glaze.
  7. Serve immediately with ranch dip and celery sticks.

Notes

Cut the florets to a similar size so they cook evenly. Very large florets stay raw in the middle while small ones overcook.
For a gluten-free version, use a gluten-free flour blend and gluten-free panko, and check the hot sauce label.
Adjust the heat: use a mild buffalo sauce, or add extra honey, for a gentler bite. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne to the batter.
For a vegan version, use a plant-based butter and check that the hot sauce and dip are dairy-free.