Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe

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Cook Time: 30 minutes

This crispy, spicy, and tangy buffalo cauliflower bites recipe is a fantastic gluten-free alternative to classic buffalo wings. A perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion!

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• cup gluten-free baking flour (such as Premium Gold Flax and Ancient Grains All-Purpose Flour)
• teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
• Salt and ground black pepper to taste
• 2 heads cauliflower, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons butter
• cup hot pepper sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 1 teaspoon honey

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 450F (230C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray.

Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the water, gluten-free flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the batter is smooth and slightly runny.

Step 3: Add the cauliflower pieces to the batter and toss until each piece is evenly coated. Spread the coated cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet.

Step 4: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is lightly browned. Remove from the oven and set aside.

Step 5: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in the hot pepper sauce and honey until the mixture is smooth and well combined.

Step 6: Brush the hot sauce mixture generously over each cauliflower piece, making sure to coat them well. Repeat until all the sauce is used up.

Step 7: Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.

Step 8: Remove from the oven and let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. Enjoy your crispy buffalo cauliflower bites!

Recipe Tips

• For a non-gluten-free version, you can substitute all-purpose flour for the gluten-free flour. If you do this, you might need to adjust the amount of water in the batter, as gluten-free flours tend to absorb more liquid than regular flour.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories	218
Fat	7g
Saturated Fat	4g
Cholesterol	15mg
Sodium	907mg
Total Carbohydrate	36g
Dietary Fiber	10g
Total Sugars	10g
Protein	9g
Vitamin C	154mg
Calcium	69mg
Iron	1mg
Potassium	919mg

Note: The nutrition data for this recipe includes the full amount of the breading ingredients. The actual amount consumed will vary.

Buffalo Cauliflower is a delicious and popular alternative to the traditional buffalo wings, made with crispy cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful batter and smothered in a spicy hot sauce. Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or simply looking to try something new, this dish has quickly become a favorite appetizer for gatherings, parties, and game days.

Origin Story

The origin of Buffalo Cauliflower is closely tied to the rise in popularity of vegetarian and plant-based alternatives to traditional meat dishes. Inspired by Buffalo chicken wings, which were created in Buffalo, New York, in 1964, the cauliflower variation began appearing in restaurants and home kitchens as a healthier option. Its roots can be traced to the trend of incorporating more vegetables into traditional comfort foods. The adaptation of using cauliflower instead of chicken became especially popular among those seeking meatless options or looking to reduce their calorie intake while still enjoying the bold flavors of buffalo sauce.

Regional Features

While the Buffalo wing is most famously associated with Buffalo, New York, Buffalo Cauliflower has no specific regional roots. However, it has gained widespread popularity across the United States, particularly in health-conscious and vegetarian communities. Many variations of the dish exist, especially in different regions where hot sauce brands may vary, or where people may adjust the level of spiciness based on local preferences. For example, in some areas, people may add different spices or even use barbecue sauce to create a tangy twist on the classic buffalo flavor.

What Makes It Different?

Buffalo Cauliflower stands out from similar dishes due to its use of cauliflower as the main ingredient instead of chicken. This makes it a healthier, plant-based alternative that still delivers on the bold flavors typical of Buffalo wings. The cauliflower is first battered and baked, which gives it a satisfying crunch, and then coated with a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce made from hot sauce and butter. Compared to the deep-fried chicken wings, this dish is lighter and can be easily modified to fit gluten-free, vegan, or low-calorie diets by swapping ingredients like butter with olive oil or vegan butter and using gluten-free flour.

Where Is It Usually Served?

Buffalo Cauliflower is typically served as an appetizer or snack. It is a popular choice at bars, casual restaurants, and pub-style eateries, especially those that cater to a crowd seeking healthier alternatives to classic fried foods. It's often paired with traditional sides such as celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dipping sauces. Its also an excellent option for vegans and vegetarians at parties and gatherings where other finger foods like buffalo wings are typically served. In addition, this dish is often featured on the menu at places that emphasize plant-based or gluten-free options.

Fun Facts

• The dish is an excellent source of Vitamin C, thanks to the cauliflower, which is a powerhouse vegetable known for its immune-boosting properties.
• Buffalo Cauliflower has become a staple at many Super Bowl parties, serving as a healthier alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
• Some people add Panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunch, making the texture even more similar to that of crispy fried foods.
• Though it's a recent creation, Buffalo Cauliflower has earned a reputation as a crowd-pleasing dish at both casual and upscale restaurants, showing how plant-based alternatives can become culinary favorites.
• Experimenting with different hot sauces can yield unique variations of the dish, allowing for a wide range of flavor profilesfrom mild to fiery hot.

Conclusion

Buffalo Cauliflower is a vibrant and delicious dish that transforms the humble cauliflower into a spicy, crunchy snack that rivals its chicken counterpart. Its healthy twist on the classic Buffalo wings has made it a favorite in restaurants and home kitchens alike. Whether youre looking for a meatless appetizer or simply want to try something new, Buffalo Cauliflower offers the perfect balance of flavor and texture that will satisfy even the most ardent wing fans.

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