Paleo Buffalo Cauliflower Bites + Football Party Favorites
If there is ever a reason to get a bunch of people together and pig out on snacks and appetizers, it’s for the Big Game.
Or any sports themed party actually. Because groups of people joined around a TV, cheering for their favorite team, and relaxing on a weekend, screams for easy to eat comfort foods.
Throwing a Superbowl party? Learn all our tricks to master game day, plus a recipe for the best handheld dessert ever.
Shouldn’t America declare Superbowl Sunday a national holiday already? We treat it as such anyways, so let’s just make it official. Plus, with the game on so late in the day, and everyone taking full advantage of the party atmosphere, we are all completely useless at work the next day.
Formal holiday or not, this day of fun is worth the year long wait. Whether you are a football fanatic, watch it for the commercials and halftime show, or just like an excuse to gorge on tons of comfort food (like yours truly), everyone can enjoy.
A well-rounded Super Bowl spread should include all major football food groups – hot dips, cold dips, decadent finger foods, a one-pan serve-a-crowd main dish, and small bite sweet treats.
Here we have included (mostly) healthy options in each category. Don’t forget the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites of course, the recipe follows. Now, dig in!
hot dips
- If you like buffalo sauce in dip form, this lightened Buffalo Chicken Dip is a great option.
- If you can tolerate dairy, then you need at least dip with plenty o’ cheese. This White Pizza Dip is dairy-filled heaven.
- For a dairy-free and lighter option, this Vegan Kale Artichoke Dip still meet that cheesy need.
cold dips
- The best 7 Layer Dip, that also happens to be Vegan.
- Caramelized Onion Dip, served with crisp crunchy veggies.
- Gourmet hummus with loads of toppings, like this Roasted Butternut Squash variety.
- A simple staple of chips, salsa, and guacamole.
DECADENT FINGER FOODS
- A huge tray of loaded nachos is football’s best friend.
- A super fun spin on a Mexican classic, loving these Chicken Enchilada Sweet Potato Fries.
- You can still enjoy bar classics like our Roasted Garlic + Bacon Jalapeño Poppers without guilt, especially when they’re simplified and not fried.
- Several of our Sweet Potato Toasts are a great alternative to potato skins, and you can customize toppings to taste.
- Bacon wrapped dates are one thing, but these Paleo Devils on Horseback are next level.
ONE-PAN/POT MAIN DISHES
- You cannot go wrong with enchiladas. Our Grilled Chicken Enchiladas Verdes are a unique spin full of flavor.
- On that same wavelength, these Crockpot Brisket Tacos are a crowd favorite.
- For BBQ lovers, our Crockpot Pulled Pork Sandwiches are saucy and meaty.
- Our all time favorite chili, Easy Turkey Chili with Kale pleases even beef-loving traditionalists.
sweet bites
- To satisfy sweet and savory palates, our Cracker Jacks Remix hits all notes.
- Paleo Chocolate Coffee Caramel Bars are indulgent yet easily cut into small portions to make them last a few minutes longer.
- Pretzels have to appear somewhere. Especially in the form of our GF + Vegan super simple Maple Toffee Pretzel Bark.
- Sweet, a bit salty, rich, and caramel-y, our Salted Malted Brown Butter Shortbread Bars are beer’s best friend.
Obviously, the food is the main attraction at any party for the food obsessed. Tell my fellow obsessors, what are you making? What are your favorites?
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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites {Paleo, Grain & Dairy free}
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-size florets
- 1/2 cup Cassava flour
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup almond or coconut milk
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tablespoon butter or ghee
- 1/2 cup homemade or store-bought Paleo friendly Buffalo Sauce
- Homemade or store-bought Paleo Ranch sauce or blue cheese sauce if you can tolerate dairy
- Celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together flour and spices. Add milk and stir to combine.
- Dunk cauliflower pieces in batter, a few at a time, letting excess batter drip off. Place in a single layer on the pan.
- Bake for about 15-20 minutes until batter is dry, crispy, and browned. Toss halfway through to ensure even browning.
- While cauliflower is roasting, heat butter or ghee plus wing sauce in a microwave-safe bowl, or in a small saucepan on the stove. Stir until smooth and combined.
- Remove cauliflower from oven, drizzle hot sauce mixture on top, and toss to evenly coat each piece. Return pan to the oven and bake for another 10-15 minutes, again tossing halfway through, until crunchy and caramelized.
- Remove from oven and serve immediately with ranch sauce and celery sticks.
Notes
**These bites are best eaten fresh out of the oven, as they will get softer the longer they sit.
***Tessemae's has the best Paleo-friendly Buffalo sauce, and Frank's Red Hot will work in a pinch. Tessemae's and Primal Kitchen also have wonderful bottled ranch dressing.
This looks like the perfect healthy snack that doesn’t scream healthy food! Will have to try it soon!
That’s a great way to describe it, spot on! Let us know what you think once you try it ?
I have been wanting to make some cauliflower bites, these look yummy!
They’re an awesome healthy option, we know you’ll love them!
Gahhhh!! Another perfect recipe for my paleo diet!!
Hooray for great Paleo recipes! Let us know your feedback once you try them ?
This looks delicious, and so easy! I love that they’re gluten free, so I’m definitely going to try this out. Thanks for sharing!
x Kate
http://www.thegoldsister.com
Absolute Katie! We’re all about simplicity and healthy recipes here ? Looking forward to your feedback once you try it. Thanks for stopping by!
These look amazing, and they’re such a good healthier version appetizers to make for the game!
We appreciate that, and totally agree! We could all use a few healthy options for Game Day ?
These had good flavor but mine didn’t crisp up. They were nice and brown though!
Thanks for sharing Amelia! They don’t get as crispy as fried wings, but should have some crunch. You can try a little less batter next time which will help each piece crisp more ?