Buffalo Ranch Cauliflower Bites

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 1 1/2 cups club soda
• 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
• 1/4 cup ranch dressing, for serving
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Optional: blue cheese crumbles or extra parsley for garnish

Steps

1. 1 In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
2. 2 Add cornstarch to the bowl and mix well.
3. 3 Gradually add club soda while whisking to create a smooth batter.
4. 4 Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until well coated.
5. 5 Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350°F (175°C).
6. 6 Fry cauliflower in batches until golden and crispy, about 4-5 minutes per batch. Drain on paper towels.
7. 7 Toss the hot cauliflower in buffalo wing sauce until evenly coated.
8. 8 Transfer to a serving platter and drizzle with ranch dressing.
9. 9 Garnish with blue cheese crumbles or parsley if desired.
10. 10 Serve immediately with extra ranch dressing on the side.

Equipment

• Large bowl
• Whisk
• Deep fryer or large skillet
• Slotted spoon
• Paper towels

Variations

• For a smoky twist, use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
• Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet and spicy version.

Substitutions

• For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.

Pairings

• Classic buffalo wings
• Loaded nachos
• Spicy deviled eggs

Nutrition

Tips

• For an extra crispy texture, freeze the battered cauliflower for 10 minutes before frying.
• Adjust the cayenne pepper amount to control the spiciness to your liking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until crispy.

Freezing: Freeze uncooked, battered cauliflower on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Fry straight from frozen, adding 1-2 extra minutes cooking time. Best eaten fresh.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with celery sticks and carrot sticks for a classic buffalo wing experience.
• Pair with a cold beer or tangy lemonade for a refreshing contrast.

FAQ