Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are covered in spicy Buffalo sauce and melted sharp cheddar cheese. This easy recipe can be enjoyed as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. It’s gluten free and has only 3 net carbs per serving.
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There are so many vegetables that you can enjoy when following a low carb or keto diet. But, arguably, none are as versatile as good ole cauliflower.
While we love Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers as much as the next person, these Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are giving them a run for their money as the best low carb spicy appetizer recipe.
These bites are cheesy, spicy, and absolutely addicting!
Why This Recipe Works
This recipe is really easy to make and pretty quick too! It takes just 6 ingredients, including salt, pepper, and olive oil.
You can prepare this recipe in an air-fryer, as shown in the recipe card below, or an oven or skillet (see the notes section of the recipe card for more information).
This recipe has only 3 net carbs per serving, making it perfect for those following a keto diet, and is naturally gluten free.
How to Make Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Please note that this recipe includes instructions on how to make this recipe in an air fryer. If you don’t have an air fryer, no worries! Please see this post on How to Cook Cauliflower for directions on your preferred cooking method, then continue following the directions, melting the cheese in the oven or microwave instead.
What You Need to Make This Recipe
You only need 6 ingredients to make this recipe – a small head of cauliflower, olive oil, salt, pepper, Buffalo sauce, and sharp cheddar cheese.
Prep!
Cut the cauliflower into bite-size florets. Shred the cheddar cheese.
Tip: shredding cheese from a block, rather than using pre-shredded bagged cheese, will give you the best melting and texture.
Create!
Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Place the cauliflower into the basket of an air fryer in a single layer. See the recipe notes section if you don’t have an air fryer or prefer to cook the cauliflower a different way.
Cook for 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Remove the cauliflower and toss in a bowl with the Buffalo sauce.
Return the cauliflower to the air fryer basket and top with the cheddar cheese.
Return the basket to the air fryer for 1-2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
Present!
Transfer the cauliflower to a plate and serve with Ranch dressing, if desired.
Tips and Techniques
- If you don’t have an air fryer, or prefer to cook the cauliflower using another method, see this post on How to Cook Cauliflower for the cooking instructions for your preferred method. Then, follow the rest of the recipe instructions, either melting the cheese in the oven or microwave instead.
- You can drizzle on Ranch dressing for added flavor, or add some to a small bowl for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.
FAQ’s
- Is cauliflower keto? Cauliflower is low in carbs and most definitely keto-friendly. There are 3 net carbs in 1 cup of chopped cauliflower. It’s a great alternative to potatoes and rice for those following low carb diets.
More Low Carb Recipes to Try
Cauliflower is such a popular vegetable to use in low carb and keto recipes. It’s a great stand in for potatoes like in this recipe for Loaded Cauliflower Bites.
You might also enjoy this Buffalo Chicken Cauliflower Casserole recipe. It basically turns the popular dip recipe into a complete meal. And, this is the low carb pizza version – Buffalo Chicken Pizza on Cauliflower Crust.
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Cheesy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets * from one small head
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/3 cup Buffalo sauce
- 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese * shredded
Instructions
- Toss the cauliflower with the olive oil and season with the salt and pepper.
- Place the cauliflower into the basket of an air fryer in a single layer. See notes section below if you don't have an air fryer.
- Cook for 9 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Remove the cauliflower and toss in a bowl with the Buffalo sauce.
- Return the cauliflower to the air fryer basket and top with the cheddar cheese.
- Return the basket to the air fryer for 1-2 more minutes or until the cheese is melted.
- Transfer the cauliflower to a plate and serve with Ranch dressing, if desired.
Notes
Tips and Techniques
- If you don’t have an air fryer, or prefer to cook the cauliflower using another method, see this post on How to Cook Cauliflower for the cooking instructions for your preferred method. Then, follow the rest of the recipe instructions, either melting the cheese in the oven or microwave instead.
- You can drizzle on Ranch dressing for added flavor, or add some to a small bowl for dipping.
- Store leftovers in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Use within 3-5 days.
Jen says
Easy and delicious, perfect not-so-guilty pleasure.
Marie-Charlotte Chatelain says
Now this is what I will make next time I have a craving for mac and cheese ! LOOOOVE
Emily Liao says
What a healthy way to eat nachos! Will definitely be making these tonight 🙂
Cathleen says
I just bought some cauliflower with no idea what to do with it. This looks so good, bookmarked to make later 🙂
Bry says
Hubby LOVES cauliflower so I made these for him, sprinkled with some crispy bacon bits, and he loved them! Thanks so much for such a great idea!