Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are not for the faint of heart. Hot sauce gives them a spicy taste, just like Buffalo wings, while paprika gives them the smoky taste. One bite and you’ll find that you can’t stop eating the appetizing morsels.
Cauliflower a versatile vegetable
It seems that cauliflower is riding high in popularity. It’s so versatile it’s shoving out many of our favorite ingredients and finding new uses for this savory staple.
- Cauliflower “Mac” and Cheese – Sorry, but I can’t give up my pasta.
- Creamy Dip – This might be good with crudites.
- Pizza crust – No way will I give up my dough.
- Chocolate Cake – I’d have to think {and taste} on this one.
- Steaks – Not in this carnivore household.
- Cream in soups – It might work.
- Burger with red lentils – See the answer with steaks.
- Buddha Bowl – This could work.
- Potato Soup – Why not just call is cauliflower soup?
- Tater tots – Nothing could ever replace tater tots!
- Buffalo wings – No way! You may call it Buffalo Cauliflower– that’s okay.
Buffalo Cauliflower an excellent appetizer or side
When I’m in produce at the store I have a tendency to go a little wild. I see the gorgeous vegetables and fruit and I start thinking of all the possibilities. Are you that way?
I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with the cauliflower when we bought it, I just knew I wanted to do something fantastic! As I was scrolling through my inbox I came across an Epicurious post – it had a recipe, Buffalo Cauliflower, by Dale Talde.
If that wasn’t enough, that same day I came across another recipe titled Roasted Buffalo Cauliflower by the Midnight Baker.
I thought somebody on high was talking to me. And if that was the case, I was NOT going to ignore that directive. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites it was going to be.
Roast Cauliflower first cut into florets later
If there’s an easier way to do something I’ll try to find it. If you’ve cut cauliflower into florets you know it can get messy. You get little white particles jumping everywhere.
Besides having little white bits to clean, the florets will not be uniform. Come to find out, if you roast the cauliflower first and then cut into florets, you’ll get uniform pieces without the little pops of white particles littering the counter.
I will not tell you that Buffalo cauliflower tastes just like Buffalo wings. I know our readers are too smart for that!! What I will tell you is that I couldn’t stop eating them.
Yes!! They are that good. You can control the heat by either adding more or less sauce. You don’t have to eat this as an appetizer – your family will enjoy it just as much as a side.
We had it as a side, but next time we’ll make it as an appetizer with a blue cheese dip to go along. Doesn’t that sound yummy?😉
We hope you try the recipe — you and your family won’t be disappointed.
Tutti a tavola è pronto!
Un caro saluto e alla prossima.
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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – Spicy Smoky Appetizing and Irresistible
Ingredients
- 1 medium head fresh cauliflower leaves removed.
- 3 Tablespoons extra- virgin olive oil divided.
- 1/2 cup hot sauce such as Frank's Buffalo Style Wing Sauce we didn't have Franks' but we did have Cholula and it was very good.
- smoked paprika
- Kosher salt and ground black pepper.
Instructions
- Arrange rack in the middle the oven and heat oven to 375 F.
- Cut the stalk end off the cauliflower so that the head sits flat. Place it on a foiled lined baking sheet. Rub 2 Tablespoons of olive oil over the cauliflower, season to taste with salt and pepper. Roast until the outside starts to brown, about 25-35 minutes.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a cutting board and let it cool. Once the cauliflower is cool enough to work with, cut into small florets. ***
- In large, deep sautè pan over moderate heat, heat the remaining 1 Tablespoon of olive oil. Add the cauliflower florets, season to taste with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sautè until heated through and the cut sides start to brown, about 5 minutes.
- Shake sauce over the florets and continue to cook. The heat of the bites will depend on how much sauce you put on. Continue sautèing until both the cauliflower and the sauce are hot, about 5 minutes.
- If not serving right away keep warm in a 190F. oven.
Notes
Nutrition
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Jyothi (Jo) says
I love roasted veggies and cauliflower is one of my favorite vegetable. cauliflower bites with buffalo wings sauce sounds absolutely delicious! What a great appetizer to share with friends during the holidays.
Jeannette says
Do you think it would be too much to have these “with” buffalo wings? I am always looking for sides for buffalo wings. I don’t think rice goes to well and cutting my own fries is so time-consuming.
Marisa Franca says
Absolutely not, Jeannette! The spicy cauliflower carries on the spicy flavor but you’ve got a veggie instead of something high in calories. I start nibbling on the tasty flowerets and I can’t stop. Try them! You won’t be disappointed — let me know how it goes.
Cheese Curd In Paradise says
I love buffalo and am loving this recipe! Spicy and cauliflower with the crispy edges look fantastic and a wonderful side dish!
Mahy Elamin says
This is so creative. I have never tried something like this before. This look delicious and I will definitely give this a try. Looks VERY tasty!
Lisa at celebrate creativity says
Marisa, this looks absolutely delicious. I can almost taste them through the screen.
I’d love to make these… even though I know I would be the only one to enjoy them.
I’m the only one in my house who eats cauliflower. My family is definitely missing out-lol.
I’ll print the recipe and let you know how mine turns out.
Happy day to you and enjoy the upcoming wee.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Lisa! If your family likes Buffalo wings they could be convinced to try these. I couldn’t stop eating them and I didn’t feel guilty! Have a great week. Hugs!
Teresa says
Cauliflower is one of my favorite raw veggies! My hubs loves hot and spicy food and through the years it has started rubbing off on me. This looks and sounds great; thank you for sharing at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Teresa! We just made the cauliflower again and it didn’t last long. We nibble on it and eat it as a side. Nice part is you can make it as hot as you want. And thank you for the link party.
Anne Murphy says
Oh, yes, I’m with you on the cauliflower! I love it, but as itself – not pretending to be rice or cream sauce!
And I have been looking at the Buffalo Cauliflower and thinking that (unlike some of the others… LOL) it does look like a good idea! So now I’ll have to try it.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Anne! I love it when you can find a tasty recipe that’s easy and NOT fattening. Need more of those recipes.
Carol ("Mimi") says
It’s great to find new, tasty, and fun ways to serve vegetables. Thank you for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I’m sharing your link on social media.
Carol (“Mimi”) from Home with Mimi
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Carol. And thank you for sharing.
Jean | DelightfulRepast.com says
Marisa, this looks soooo good! And I love the fact that it calls for so little oil. Even though I always use good oil, extra virgin olive oil, I like to use small amounts. I love that you can roast it ahead of time and finish it when you’re ready for it.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jean! I can guarantee that you can’t stop nibbling on it — better to make it right before you’re ready to eat. Have a great weekend.
Lori Hill-Smith says
Sounds so good and healthy too! Thank you for sharing at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty
Marisa Franca says
You’re welcome, Lori! Thank you for hosting.
Cynthia Nicoletti says
I love cauliflower it is delicious and healthy. I love the way your cooked it. I have to try your recipe. Thanks !!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Cynthia! Let me know how you like it! Thank you for commenting.
Becca Talbot says
I’ve never had roasted cauliflower before – only ever pickled, boiled or raw. But I love it, so always looking for something else to do with it! Plus I love hot sauce too 👍🏻
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Becca! Well, it sounds like this recipe is a win-win. If there’s anyone else who likes hot sauce around you may want to make extra. I couldn’t stop “tasting it” to make sure it was good. 😉
Candy Rachelle says
How interesting! I’ve never heard of anything like this before! Must give this recipe a try!
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Candy! It really is a great recipe — the cauliflower absorbs the other flavors. Have a great day!
Kim says
Such a yummy recipe! I need to make this for my fiancé!!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Kim! If he like Buffalo wings, he’ll really like the cauliflower.
Kizzy says
I love cauliflower cheese and this sounds like a perfect addition. I’m not sure the kids will like it though but I’m going to have a go and see.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Kizzy! Happy Independence Day!I don’t know how old your kids are, but our kids and grandkids love anything spicy or tangy. I loved the taste and couldn’t stop nibbling.
Allison says
I’ve never eaten cauliflower, but this recipe looks so good! I’d definitely try making it!
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Allison! I believe you’ll be surprised and how tasty it is.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Allison! You will enjoy it, I’m sure. Have a great day!! 🇺🇸
Glenda says
This Buffalo Cauliflower bites looks so delicious! I would love to try this out for my family, thank you!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Glenda! When you put it out, put out a dip they can go wild with. How about Greek yogurt with ranch dressing? Or bleu cheese? Oh, dear. I’m getting hungry.
Whitney says
Next time I try to get my husband to eat cauliflower I’m going to try this recipe. I think it will work!
Marisa Franca says
If he likes spicy then spice it up like wings, put a ranch/bleu cheese dip next to it. I bet he’ll go wild over cauliflower. Whitney, let me know what happens.
Lois Alter Mark says
Okay, that looks amazing! I love when you can find new ways to make healthy foods seem decadent!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Lois! I agree! Put this out for the family and they won’t know it’s good for them.
Perla Jacobs says
These photos looks so yummy! I like very very much cauliflowers and this is a new recipe for me, thank you for sharing. I usually eat it with butter and fine bread crumbs, sometimes I’ll add Parmesan on top.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Perla. The recipe is really tasty and it makes a great appetizer. It’s a nice switch from the usual way we serve cauliflower.
Sarah Arrow says
I just love the versatility of cauliflower – you’ve convinced me to start cooking with it again – thank you. I think it will go perfect with barbeque food.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Sarah! We are having it again with our grilled chicken. Can’t wait!!😋
Christie Hawkes says
I love roasted vegetables, but for some reason have never considered roasting cauliflower. I will now though. Thanks for sharing the recipe and thanks for linking up at #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
~Christie
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Christie! I really appreciate adding my link to the party.
Ciao Chow Linda says
That looks addictive. I’ll pass on some of those items you listed (as you will, I see), but I know I’d love those buffalo cauliflower bites.
Daniela Anderson says
These bites would be a great hit with my husband, who keeps moaning that I always cook meat, since he is not really into it. I really like cauliflower, I even munch on it raw, so these buffalo bites sound like a real treat.
Chiara says
can’t wait to try, I have a cauliflower in the fridge !Buona settimana, un abbraccio !
Eileen Kelly says
I just love cauliflower and I loved your will/will not do with cauliflower. I agree, cauliflower in lieu of potato,just call it cauliflower soup :)! This is my kind of Buffalo Cauliflower! Such a delicious recipe!
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Eileen! We are having it again on Independence Day! 😋 Can’t wait!
Grammy Dee | GrammysGrid.com says
Would have never thought about making cauliflower this way. Might have to give it a try 🙂 Thank you Marisa for linking up at the #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty. I shared this post.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Dee! Haven’t made it for the grandsons yet but I know they’ll go nuts over it.
Michelle Blackwood says
I love roasted cauliflower, I’m going to try this recipe today. I know it will be a hit!
Marisa Franca says
I haven’t made it for our entire family — I can’t wait because they all love the Buffalo wings. Have a great Independence Day, Michelle.
Donna says
Yum! Looks delicious and healthy. A winning combination!
Thank you for sharing this #BloggingGrandmothersLinkParty.
Marisa Franca says
Thank you, Donna! It’s not often I find something soo good I can keep eating on it and it’s nutritious too.
Veena Azmanov says
Oh I love cauliflower – I often roast them too! But never tired baffallo sauce with them before. SO intrigued. Can’t wait to try. Yum.!
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Veena! If your family likes wings, they’ll love this.
Stephanie@ApplesforCJ says
Yum! I’m all about the cauliflower and spicy as well. I’m definitely guilty of making cauliflower into so many things. This sounds perfect and will add this to my collection.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Stephanie! Don’t fret, I’ve done the same thing with cauliflower but I’m determined I’ll call it what it is. Like cauliflower soup, mashed cauliflower, cauliflower, and cheese, etc. Have a great weekend.
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy says
What a delicious way to enjoy cauliflower…which we ALL love in our house. This is great for entertaining too…I would certainly use it as an appetizer. Yum!!
Marisa Franca says
I can’t wait to make it again, Gloria! I usually don’t say that about too many vegetables. I do like veggies just not so much that I say I can’t wait to make it again. 🙂
Noel Lizotte says
Hot, spicy, healthy, what’s not to love about this recipe? Altho, I’ll admit anything “buffalo” has me reaching for sour cream!! There goes my “healthy” LOL. Thanks for sharing this recipe…
Marisa Franca says
I know what you mean, Noel. We’ve made the Frank’s buffalo sauce with the 1/2 stick of butter. We made it with our hot sauce and it was still fantastic. Next time we will add an additional treat with the sour cream and bleu cheese.
Jovina says
Very nice and what a great appetizer. I love finding ways to use cauliflower and now I have your recipe – perfect for summer entertaining.
Marisa Franca says
Hi, Jovina! I couldn’t believe that dribbling some hot sauce on cauliflower could give it such a flavor boost. If you make a buffalo wing sauce with butter — that would work too. We just don’t think it needed the butter.
Debbie & George says
Good morning! I love Cauliflower, so I’ve got to try doing it grilled 🙂 Our tender little mouths will always take it easy on hot sauce, but my sons eat all things SPICY. One turning 40 Monday, so this is right on time for his birthday dinner. Blessings!!
Marisa Franca says
Hi There!! Good to hear from you! Tell your son Happy Birthday! If your boys like wings the cauliflower will be a winner. We’re making the recipe again this weekend. Tell George, hi!! Blessings to both of you and family.
Adriana Lopez Martn says
It is incredible how cauliflower can be so versatile. I love it roasted just like you are presenting. It is so yummy and pairs with almost any flavor I want some =)
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Adriana! It absorbs flavors so well and it does roast beautifully. Have a great weekend.
valmg @ From Val's Kitchen says
My sister-in-law loves cauliflower. She also loves dishes with some heat so this would be right up her alley.
Marisa Franca says
This is a great dish for heat seekers but you can make it milder. Let me know if your sister-in-law likes it.
Sarah says
I love roasted cauliflower – so much so that my family gets sick of it pretty quickly. I have no problem eating it daily. I also love buffalo sauce, so this recipe is right up my alley! Maybe adding a little kick will get them interested in the cauliflower again. Also, LOL I like your list about how caulifower is taking over.
Marisa Franca says
Hello, Sarah! I bet your family will like this, especially if they are wing lovers. We are going to make a blue cheese sauce next time we make it. Or even a ranch style sauce would get them interested in the cauliflower bites. Yeah! It does seem like cauliflower is infiltrating everything. Have a nice long Independence Day Weekend!