Go Back
- 1 medium head of cauliflower - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 cup buttermilk or non-dairy milk substitute - 1/2 cup buffalo sauce - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish For Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, I love using fresh, high-quality ingredients. The heart of this dish is the cauliflower. Choose a medium head, and cut it into bite-sized florets for the best texture. The cheese mix is key; I use one cup of shredded mozzarella and half a cup of grated parmesan. Together, they create a rich, gooey topping. Next, I prepare the batter. I mix half a cup of all-purpose flour with spices: half a teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. This blend gives the bites a savory kick. I also season with salt and pepper. For the sauce, I recommend one cup of buttermilk or a non-dairy milk substitute mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar. This helps the batter stick. The buffalo sauce, at half a cup, adds that iconic spicy flavor. Don’t forget to adjust the sauce to your taste! Finally, I love to sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. - Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a large bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Dip each cauliflower floret into buttermilk. Let any extra liquid drip off. Then, coat it with the flour mixture. Make sure each floret is covered well. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking. They should be golden and crispy. - While the cauliflower bakes, mix the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese in a bowl. - After 20 minutes, take the cauliflower out of the oven. Pour buffalo sauce over the bites. Toss gently to coat them evenly. - Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the cauliflower. Return it to the oven for another 10-15 minutes. Watch for the cheese to melt and bubble. - Once done, take them out and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. These steps will guide you to make a tasty and fun snack! Enjoy the savory flavor hit of cheesy buffalo cauliflower bites. To make your cauliflower bites crispy, start by drying the florets well. This helps the coating stick better. After washing, use a clean towel to pat them dry. For even baking, spread the coated florets apart on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to flow around each piece. Flipping them halfway through cooking ensures they brown evenly. For that gooey, stretchy cheese, use mozzarella and parmesan. Mozzarella melts smoothly, while parmesan adds a nice flavor. Grate both cheeses finely for best results. When you add cheese, make sure the cauliflower is hot. This helps the cheese melt quickly and become bubbly. Adjusting buffalo sauce to your taste is easy. Start with half a cup, then taste. If you want more heat, add more sauce. For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne or smoked paprika to the flour mix. Fresh herbs, like cilantro or chives, can also boost the taste. These small changes can take your bites to the next level. {{image_2}} You can make these bites vegan easily. Start by swapping the buttermilk. Use non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar. This works well and keeps the flavor. Next, replace mozzarella and parmesan with vegan cheese alternatives. There are many good options available now. Look for ones that melt well for that cheesy goodness. If you like heat, change up the hot sauce. Different brands offer unique flavors. You can also add spices to the flour mix. Try cayenne pepper or chili powder for an extra kick. This lets you control the spice level to your liking. Don’t stop at just cheese. You can add more garnishes. Fresh herbs like cilantro or chives work great. For dips, try ranch or blue cheese dressing. Salsas also pair well with these bites. They add a fresh twist and enhance the flavor. To keep your Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. This helps prevent them from getting soggy. Place the container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. These bites are best eaten within three to four days. After that, they may lose their crunch and flavor. For reheating, use an oven or air fryer to keep the bites crispy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for about 10 minutes. If using an air fryer, cook them at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it makes them soft. You can freeze the bites for up to three months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before freezing. To reheat from frozen, follow the same oven or air fryer method. These bites are great for parties and gatherings. Prepare them ahead of time to save effort on the day. You can batch cook and store them in the fridge or freezer. For easy reheating, portion the bites into smaller containers. This way, you can quickly grab a serving whenever you want a tasty snack. Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites can last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store them in an airtight container. This keeps them fresh and helps avoid sogginess. Yes, you can prep these bites ahead of time. Coat the cauliflower florets and store them in the fridge. Bake them just before serving. This way, you have a hot snack ready in no time. Some tasty dipping sauces include ranch, blue cheese, or a creamy garlic sauce. These add a nice contrast to the spicy buffalo flavor. You can also try a tangy yogurt sauce for a refreshing twist. Yes, you can freeze them. Freeze the uncooked coated florets on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a bag. They can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Bake them straight from the freezer; just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. These bites pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, or a light salad. They make a great appetizer for game day or any party. Friends and family will love the flavors and textures. In this post, we explored how to make Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites. We covered the key ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for success, and tasty variations. Whether you choose to go vegan or spice it up, these bites are a hit. Storing and reheating them properly ensures they stay delicious. Try different flavors and enjoy these bites at your next gathering. You now have the tools to create a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Make sure to share your creations!

Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Get ready to spice up your snacking with these Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites! This delicious recipe combines crispy cauliflower with gooey mozzarella and parmesan cheese, all coated in zesty buffalo sauce. Perfect as a party appetizer or a tasty treat, these bites are simple to make and bursting with flavor. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your guests with this irresistible dish!
Print Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with non-dairy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)

1/2 cup buffalo sauce (adjust to taste)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

    In a large bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

      Dip each cauliflower floret into the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Then coat it with the flour mixture until fully covered. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

        Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.

          While the cauliflower is baking, combine the melted mozzarella and parmesan cheese in a bowl.

            After 20 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven and pour the buffalo sauce over the bites, gently tossing them to coat evenly.

              Sprinkle the cheese mixture over the cauliflower and return to the oven for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

                Once done, remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

                  Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4