Name: Crispy Oven Baked Buffalo Cauliflower
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 small to medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1–1½ inch pieces; 3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour; 3 eggs, scrambled; 3⁄4 cup panko bread crumbs; 1⁄2 cup shredded parmesan cheese; 1 tsp salt (divided); 1 tsp black pepper (divided); 1⁄2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot Original); 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter; 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper; 1⁄2 tsp garlic powder

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Extra crispy oven baked cauliflower bites coated in a flavorful buffalo wing-style sauce make one of my favorite vegetarian appetizers. I love how these bites are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a spicy, buttery sauce that rivals classic chicken wings. Perfect for game day or a party platter, these buffalo cauliflower bites always get devoured quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it gives me the bold, spicy flavor of buffalo wings but in a lighter, veggie-based version. The dredging process creates a perfectly crispy coating without frying, which means less oil and less mess. The homemade buffalo sauce has a balance of heat, tang, and richness that I can adjust to my own spice preference. Whether I’m serving vegetarians or just want something different from chicken wings, this is always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Crispy Cauliflower:

1 small to medium head of cauliflower, cut into 1–1½ inch pieces
3⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
3 eggs
3⁄4 cup panko bread crumbs
1⁄2 cup shredded parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper

Buffalo Sauce:

1⁄2 cup hot sauce (I like Frank’s RedHot Original)
1⁄4 cup unsalted butter
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
1⁄4 tsp cayenne pepper
1⁄2 tsp garlic powder
1⁄2 tsp salt

Directions

Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour, salt, and pepper; one with scrambled eggs; and one with panko, parmesan, salt, and pepper.
Coat each cauliflower piece in flour, shake off excess, then dip in eggs, and finally press into the panko-parmesan mixture. Place on the baking tray.
Bake for about 35 minutes, until golden brown and crispy.
While baking, make the buffalo sauce by combining hot sauce, butter, vinegar, Worcestershire, cayenne, garlic powder, and salt in a saucepan over low heat until melted and smooth.
Once the cauliflower is baked, let it cool briefly, then toss in the buffalo sauce.
Serve immediately with ranch or bleu cheese dressing, plus celery and carrots.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. The total time is 1 hour, with 25 minutes of prep and 35 minutes of baking.

Variations

I sometimes swap parmesan for vegan cheese to keep the dish vegetarian-friendly. For extra spice, I add more cayenne or even a drizzle of sriracha. If I want a smoky flavor, I mix in a little smoked paprika with the flour coating. I’ve also made a BBQ version by swapping the buffalo sauce for barbecue sauce, and it was a huge hit.

Storage/Reheating

I prefer eating these fresh, since the coating is at its crispiest right out of the oven. If I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I bake them in a 375°F oven for 10–12 minutes until warmed through and crisp again. I avoid microwaving since that makes the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these buffalo cauliflower bites gluten-free?

Yes, I swap the flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Can I make them ahead of time?

I don’t recommend fully baking them ahead, but I sometimes bread the cauliflower earlier in the day and bake right before serving for the best crispiness.

What can I serve with buffalo cauliflower?

I love serving them with ranch or bleu cheese dressing, plus carrot and celery sticks. They also pair well with coleslaw or potato wedges.

Can I air fry instead of baking?

Yes, I’ve air fried them at 400°F for about 15–18 minutes, shaking halfway through, and they turned out extra crisp.

How spicy are these?

They have a medium heat level with Frank’s RedHot. I reduce cayenne if I want them milder, or add extra hot sauce for a spicier kick.

Conclusion

Crispy oven baked buffalo cauliflower is one of my favorite ways to enjoy the classic buffalo flavor without chicken wings. I love how the dredging process creates a satisfying crunch and how the sauce clings to every bite. Whether it’s game day, a party, or just a fun weeknight snack, this recipe always hits the spot.