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Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites: Easy Game Day Snack with Blue Cheese Dip

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These crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are a bold, spicy, and satisfying vegetarian alternative to wings, featuring a crunchy coating and a cool, creamy blue cheese dip. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you crave a fun, crowd-pleasing snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (about 2 lbs)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 3/4 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant milk)
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free panko)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup buffalo sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup crumbled blue cheese
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon milk
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Fresh chives or parsley, minced (optional garnish)
  • Extra blue cheese crumbles (optional garnish)
  • Celery sticks (for serving, optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or set up a wire rack over the sheet.
  2. Wash and dry cauliflower. Cut into even, bite-sized florets (about 1 to 1.5 inches).
  3. In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in milk until smooth.
  4. Toss cauliflower florets in the batter, coating well. Shake off excess, then roll each piece in panko breadcrumbs spread in a shallow bowl.
  5. Place battered florets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
  6. Bake for 22-26 minutes, flipping halfway, until edges are deep golden and crunchy.
  7. While cauliflower bakes, melt butter and mix with buffalo sauce in a large bowl.
  8. When bites are golden, remove from oven and immediately toss in buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  9. In a small bowl, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, blue cheese, lemon juice, milk, and black pepper. Stir or blend until smooth.
  10. Serve cauliflower bites on a platter, garnished with chives, extra blue cheese, and celery sticks. Serve blue cheese dip on the side.

Notes

For extra crunch, double-coat the cauliflower in batter and panko. Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—use two pans if needed. Toss the bites in warm buffalo sauce immediately after baking for best texture. The recipe is easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets with simple swaps. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven to restore crispiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: buffalo cauliflower, vegetarian wings, game day snack, blue cheese dip, crispy cauliflower, party appetizer, spicy snack, easy recipe

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