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5 buffalo cauliflower nuggets on a plate next to a bowl of blue cheese dressing
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5 from 3 votes

Small Batch Baked Buffalo Cauliflower

Crispy baked buffalo cauliflower coated with breadcrumbs and a spicy buffalo sauce. A flavorful, meatless dish that's perfect as a snack, side, or appetizer.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time35 minutes
Total Time45 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian
Keyword: baked buffalo cauliflower, buffalo cauliflower, buffalo sauce, cauliflower bites, crispy buffalo cauliflower, roasted cauliflower
Servings: 2 servings
Author: Joanie Zisk

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ large cauliflower -cut into florets (11 oz)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil, plus 2 teaspoons for the sauce.
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 large egg
  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ¾ cup buffalo sauce
US - Metric

Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven: Preheat to 425°F (220°C) and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Season the Cauliflower: Add cauliflower florets to a medium bowl. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon of oil and toss to coat. Sprinkle with flour, garlic powder, and paprika. Toss again until evenly coated.
  • Set Up Coating Station: Beat the egg in a small bowl. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each floret in the egg, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Bake: Place the baking sheet on the center rack of the oven and bake for 20 minutes.
  • Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix 2 teaspoons of oil with the buffalo sauce.
  • Add Sauce: Remove cauliflower from the oven. Dip each floret into the buffalo sauce and return to the baking sheet.
  • Bake Again: Bake for another 15 minutes until crispy.
  • Serve: Serve hot, plain or with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.

Notes

  • Cut Evenly: Keep florets similar in size so they cook at the same rate.
  • Use Panko: Panko breadcrumbs give the cauliflower a crispier texture.
  • Line the Pan: Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
  • Serve Right Away: The cauliflower is crispiest when served hot.
 
How To Cut Cauliflower Into Florets
  1. Slice the whole cauliflower in half lengthwise.
  2. Cut each half in half again to create four quarters.
  3. Angle your knife to remove the cores from each quarter.
  4. Separate the quarters into individual florets by hand or with a knife.
 
A Note About Buffalo Sauce: I recommend Frank's Red Hot Original Buffalo Wings Sauce, but you can use your favorite brand. For a homemade version, melt 4 tablespoons of butter and mix with 2 teaspoons of hot sauce and 1/2 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce. While this version is thinner and better suited as a dipping sauce, it allows you to customize the spice level.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 278kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 6g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 2980mg | Potassium: 320mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 135IU | Vitamin C: 101mg | Calcium: 104mg | Iron: 3mg

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