Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Savor Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a spicy, tender dish with cauliflower in zesty buffalo sauce. This effortless crockpot snack is perfect for game days or healthy dinners, delivering bold flavors with minimal prep.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites is a fiery, plant-based treat that transforms cauliflower into tender, spicy bites coated in tangy buffalo sauce, perfect for game days, parties, or healthy weeknight dinners. This budget-friendly, vegan recipe is incredibly easy, with the slow cooker doing all the work, requiring minimal effort and cleanup. Its versatility allows for heat and serving tweaks, making it a crowd-pleaser for all ages. Packed with fiber and bold taste, these bites pair beautifully with ranch, celery, or rice, offering a guilt-free, flavorful snack that’s as delicious as it is simple to prepare.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

  • Cut Even Florets: Chop cauliflower into uniform pieces for consistent cooking.
  • Use Low Heat: Cook on low for tender, not mushy cauliflower texture.
  • Coat Evenly: Toss cauliflower with sauce halfway through for better absorption.
  • Adjust Spice Level: Reduce or increase buffalo sauce to control heat to your taste.
  • Crisp at End: Broil for 2-3 minutes after slow cooking for a crispy finish.
  • Use a Liner: Place a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Yield: 6 Servings

Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a spicy, tender crockpot snack perfect for game days.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Additional Time 5 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

  • ½ cup ranch dressing (or vegan ranch)
  • 1 cup buffalo sauce
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tbsp butter (or vegan butter)
  • 4 celery stalks, cut into sticks
  • Optional garnish: green onions, parsley

Instructions

  1. Prep Cauliflower: Wash and cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets for even cooking.
  2. Mix Sauce: In a bowl, whisk buffalo sauce, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder, and vinegar.
  3. Coat Florets: Place cauliflower in a 6-quart slow cooker and pour half the sauce over it.
  4. Toss Gently: Stir cauliflower to coat evenly with the initial sauce.
  5. Cook Low and Slow: Cover and cook on low for 3 hours or high for 1.5 hours, until tender.
  6. Add More Sauce: Halfway through, stir in remaining sauce for maximum flavor.
  7. Check Tenderness: Ensure cauliflower is tender but not falling apart.
  8. Crisp Optional: Transfer to a baking sheet; broil for 2-3 minutes for crispy edges.
  9. Prep Sides: Cut celery into sticks and pour ranch into a dipping bowl.
  10. Serve with Flair: Arrange bites with celery and ranch, garnish with green onions, and enjoy this spicy snack!

Notes

  • Stir halfway through cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even sauce distribution.
  • Adjust buffalo sauce to control spice; start with ¾ cup for milder flavor.
  • Broiling at the end adds crispiness but can be skipped for softer bites.
  • Serve with cooling ranch or blue cheese to balance the heat.

Nutrition Information

Yield

6

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 165Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 4gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 9gCholesterol 15mgSodium 1259mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 4gSugar 5gProtein 3g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

  • Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower provides crisp-tender texture; frozen works but may be softer.
  • Buffalo Sauce: Store-bought or homemade provides spicy tang; choose low-sodium for healthier option.
  • Butter: Adds richness and mellows heat; vegan butter for dairy-free.
  • Garlic Powder: Enhances savory depth; fresh garlic can substitute.
  • Onion Powder: Adds subtle umami; omit if preferred.
  • Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar boosts tang; white vinegar is a neutral alternative.
  • Celery: Fresh celery offers crunch for serving; carrots can substitute.
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy dip for cooling spice; vegan ranch for plant-based.

Variations and Substitutions

  • Protein Add-In: Serve with chickpeas or tofu for a heartier dish.
  • Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free; ensure buffalo sauce is gluten-free certified.
  • Low-Fat: Omit butter and use extra vinegar or broth for a lighter sauce.
  • Spicy Kick: Add cayenne or hot sauce for extra heat.
  • Vegan Option: Use vegan butter and ranch for a fully plant-based version.
  • Sauce Variations: Swap buffalo for BBQ or teriyaki for different flavors.
  • Herb Garnish: Add parsley or green onions for a fresh finish.

Storage Options

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat in oven or microwave.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
  • Reheating: Crisp in a 400°F oven for 10 minutes or microwave with caution.
  • Meal Prep: Portion with dip and veggies for easy snacks throughout the week.

Dish Gallery

Please share this Slow Cooker Buffalo Cauliflower Bites with your friends and do a comment below about your feedback.

We will meet you on next article.

Until you can read, Slow Cooker Bolognese Sauce with Beef and Pork

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *