If you’re looking for a game-day snack that’s crispy, flavorful and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, look no further than this Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower. Made with fresh cauliflower and coated in a perfectly seasoned batter featuring Miller’s Mild Banana Pepper Sauce, these bites are fried to golden perfection.
These crispy cauliflower bites are then paired with a zesty ranch sauce featuring Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce. This vegetarian appetizer delivers a punch of flavor that’s impossible to resist.
Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce
Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce is the ultimate ingredient for adding bold flavor to your dishes. This versatile sauce provides the perfect balance of sweet and spicy, elevating everything from appetizers to entrées.
Whether you’re hosting a party, preparing a quick family dinner or just looking for a way to spice up your favorite recipes, Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauce is your go-to condiment. Available at Whole Foods, Wegmans or on Amazon, it’s never been easier to bring vibrant flavor to your table. Make sure to follow Miller’s on Facebook and Instagram for more recipe inspiration!
Why You Should Make This Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower Recipe
- Game-Day Approved: This crispy cauliflower dish is a guaranteed hit for any party or gathering.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level to your preference by using Miller’s Mild or Hot Banana Pepper Sauce.
- Crispy Perfection: The coating delivers an unbeatable crunch with every bite.
- Versatile: If you do not wish to fry the cauliflower, either air fryer or bake using the instructions below.
- Lighter Option: For a lighter option to this cauliflower recipe, simply coat the raw cauliflower in Miller’s Mild Banana Pepper Sauce and either bake or air fry.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Can be substituted with broccoli, or even boneless chicken (for a non-vegetarian option).
- All-purpose flour: Can be replaced with gluten-free flour or chickpea flour for a gluten-free option.
- Cornstarch: Easily replace with rice flour.
- Buttermilk: Substitute with milk mixed with a tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to create a buttermilk alternative.
- Vegetable oil: Can be substituted with canola oil, sunflower oil, or any neutral oil for frying.
- Ranch Dipping Sauce: Easily mix your favorite bottled ranch dressing with Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce, for ease.
How to Prepare Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower with Zesty Ranch Dipping Sauce
- Wash and dry the cauliflower, then cut it into bite-sized florets.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lemon juice, and buttermilk. Stir until well combined. Place in fridge.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and Miller’s Mild Banana Pepper Sauce.
- Add the florets and toss to fully coat.
- In a large bowl or freezer bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika and salt.
- Transfer about 1/3 of the coated florets (allow any excess buttermilk to drain off) to the flour mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place the coated florets in a mesh strainer and gently shake to remove excess flour.
- Fry the cauliflower in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels. Salt immediately out of the fry.
Alternative Methods to Frying the Cauliflower
Air Fryer Instructions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Baking Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the cauliflower with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve: Arrange the crispy cauliflower bites on a platter and drizzle with the zesty ranch dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Perfect as an appetizer or snack!
- Store Leftovers: Store any leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes to regain crispiness. The dipping sauce can be stored in a separate container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
More Cauliflower Recipes to Love
- Cheesy Roasted Cauliflower
- Cauliflower Purée
- Roasted Cauliflower Soup
- Buttermilk Fried Cauliflower Steaks
- Creamy Cheesy Mashed Cauliflower
Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower with Zesty Ranch Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower with Zesty Ranch Dipping Sauce featuring two of Miller’s Banana Pepper Sauces, is the ultimate game-day snack.
Ingredients
For the Sweet and Spicy Popcorn Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch or rice flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1/3 cup Miller’s Mild Banana Pepper Sauce
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 teaspoon fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
For the Zesty Ranch Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
Instructions
- Wash and dry the cauliflower, then cut it into bite-sized florets.
- In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Miller’s Hot Banana Pepper Sauce, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, lemon juice, and buttermilk. Stir until well combined. Place in fridge.
- Heat the oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a separate bowl, mix the buttermilk and Miller’s Mild Banana Pepper Sauce.
- Add the florets and toss to fully coat.
- In a large bowl or freezer bag, combine the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, and salt.
- Transfer about 1/3 of the coated florets (allow any excess buttermilk to drain off) to the flour mixture, tossing to coat evenly.
- Place the coated florets in a mesh strainer and gently shake to remove excess flour.
- Fry the cauliflower in batches for 4-5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
- Drain on paper towels. Salt immediately out of the fry.
- Place the cauliflower onto a platter. Garnish with fresh parsley and freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Serve with the Zesty Ranch Dipping Sauce.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- Adjust the level of heat to your liking.
- Easily replace the cauliflower with broccoli or chicken.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before placing the cauliflower to fry.
- Easily prepare the zest ranch dipping sauce ahead of time.
- See post for instructions on how to bake or air fry the cauliflower.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Party Food
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
GET TO KNOW ME!
WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
Our life has changed dramatically in the past few years with the passing of our two goldendoodles, Vegas and Viva. We were lucky enough to have Vegas for five years (totally wish it was longer). Most recently, losing our Viva to a brain tumor in July of 2020. We welcomed our mini goldendoodle 7, almost seven years ago. We just added the amazing Hazel! Of course, I am always posting tons and tons of photos! Be sure to check out my recipe for Pet Bone Broth! This broth is super rich in nutrients and will provide your pet with a multitude of health benefits!
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