Buffalo Cauliflower Bites With Homemade Ranch Dip

50 min | easy | vegetarian

Buffalo cauliflower bites piled on a parchment-lined plate, coated in glossy orange sauce with lightly charred edges, served beside a small bowl of creamy ranch dip speckled with herbs.

Recipe by Eunice Published Dec 17, 2025

Prep Time	Cook Time	Total Time
25 min	25 min	50 min

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Introduction

These buffalo cauliflower bites are crispy, spicy, and so satisfying, even if you usually reach for classic wings.

They bake up golden and tender inside, then get coated in a buttery hot sauce that packs just the right kick.

The cool, creamy homemade ranch dip balances the heat and makes these perfect for game day, parties, or easy snacking.

Buffalo cauliflower bites piled on a parchment-lined white plate, coated in bright orange sauce with lightly charred spots, served with a small bowl of creamy ranch dip on the side.

How to Make Buffalo Cauliflower Bites With Homemade Ranch Dip

Prep mode (keeps screen active)

Preheat the oven and prepare the pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Lightly spray the parchment with cooking spray for extra insurance against sticking.
Mix the seasoned batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Whisk until the batter is smooth and about the consistency of pancake batter, adding a splash more water if needed.

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Coat the cauliflower florets

Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl and gently toss until every piece is well coated in batter.
Let any extra batter drip off, then arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the baking sheet.
Bake the cauliflower until lightly crisp

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes, turning the florets halfway through, until the batter looks set and lightly golden.
The cauliflower should be tender but still hold its shape when nudged with a spatula.
Stir together the buffalo sauce

While the cauliflower bakes, stir together the hot sauce, melted butter, and honey in a small bowl.
Taste and adjust the honey if you prefer a slightly sweeter or less intense buffalo flavor.

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Coat the baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce

Transfer the baked cauliflower to a large bowl and pour the buffalo sauce over the warm florets.
Toss gently with a spatula until every piece is evenly coated and glossy with sauce.
Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet in a single layer for the final bake.
Bake again for deeper flavor and texture

Bake for another 5 to 8 minutes, just until the sauce thickens slightly and the edges start to caramelize.
Remove from the oven and let the bites cool for a few minutes while you make the ranch.
Stir together the creamy ranch dip

In a medium bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Stir until very smooth, then chill in the refrigerator until serving so the flavors blend and the dip thickens.

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Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites

Transfer the warm buffalo cauliflower bites to a serving platter and sprinkle with extra dried or fresh herbs if you like.
Serve right away with the chilled ranch dip on the side for dunking.

Substitutions

All-purpose flour -> gluten-free all-purpose flour blend: Use a cup-for-cup gluten-free all-purpose blend in place of regular flour to keep the batter wheat free. The texture stays light and crisp, and most people will never notice the swap.
Sour cream and mayonnaise -> plain Greek yogurt: Replace both the sour cream and mayonnaise with full-fat plain Greek yogurt for a lighter, tangier ranch dip. The dip thickens slightly and tastes extra fresh, which pairs nicely with the spicy cauliflower.
Butter -> vegan butter or neutral oil: Swap the butter in the buffalo sauce for vegan butter or a neutral oil to make the bites dairy free. You lose a little richness, but the hot sauce shines even more and the texture stays sticky and satisfying.

Tips

Dry the cauliflower well: Make sure the cauliflower florets are very dry before coating, or the batter can slide off and bake up patchy. Pat them with paper towels after washing to remove extra moisture.
Do not overcrowd the baking sheet: Give the florets space on the sheet so hot air circulates, which helps them brown instead of steam. If needed, use two baking sheets and rotate them halfway through baking.
Adjust the heat level to your taste: For milder bites, use a medium hot sauce and add a touch more honey to soften the spice. For extra heat, mix in a pinch of cayenne or use a very spicy hot sauce.
Chill the ranch for the best flavor: If you have time, mix the ranch at least thirty minutes ahead so the dried herbs can fully hydrate. The dip thickens and the flavors taste more cohesive and mellow.
Use an air fryer for extra crispiness: You can air fry the battered florets at 390°F, working in batches, until crisp before tossing in buffalo sauce. This gives an even crunchier texture with a slightly shorter cooking time.

Nutrition Facts ^*

Energy	446	kcal
Protein	11	g
Total Fat	32	g
Carbohydrates	35	g
Dietary Fiber	7	g

^* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.

FAQ

How do I keep the cauliflower bites from turning soggy?: Sogginess usually comes from too much moisture or crowding on the pan. Dry the florets very well, coat them lightly, and bake them in a single layer with space between pieces. Let them sit a few minutes after baking so the exterior can firm up before serving.
Can I make these buffalo cauliflower bites ahead of time?: You can prepare the ranch and cut the cauliflower a day ahead, then store both covered in the refrigerator. Bake the cauliflower and toss in sauce just before serving for the best texture. Leftovers reheat best in a hot oven or air fryer to bring back some crispness.
What kind of hot sauce works best for the buffalo coating?: A classic vinegar-based cayenne hot sauce works best, since it gives that familiar buffalo wing flavor. Avoid very thick or sweet hot sauces, which can make the coating too sticky or sugary.
Can I make the ranch dip without buttermilk?: Yes, you can replace the buttermilk with regular milk plus a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vinegar. Let it sit a few minutes to thicken slightly before mixing with the other ingredients.
How spicy are these buffalo cauliflower bites, and how can I make them kid friendly?: With standard hot sauce, the bites land at a medium heat level that many adults enjoy. For kids, use mild hot sauce, add extra honey, and serve plenty of ranch for dipping between bites.

Serving Suggestions

These buffalo cauliflower bites make a fun game-day platter or easy meatless dinner with loads of zippy, spicy flavor.

Try serving them with crunchy celery sticks, carrot sticks, and extra hot sauce for anyone who likes serious heat.

For a more filling meal, tuck the bites and ranch into warm tortillas with shredded lettuce and a squeeze of lime.

Reviews

Mary Sullivan, Kelowna: Tried baking these buffalo cauliflower bites and they came out more soggy than crisp, even after the second bake. The batter didn’t cling evenly and the sauce made them slide off the parchment. The homemade ranch was the only win and saved the plate. — 2 ★

Eunice: Sorry they went soggy, Mary; for crispier bites, keep florets very dry, use a thicker batter that coats like tempura, and bake on a well-preheated sheet or rack with space between pieces before tossing lightly with sauce right at the end. If the sauce is making them slide, try flipping onto fresh pa...