Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 4
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Get ready to indulge in these Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites that are spicy, crispy, and entirely plant-based. Perfect for game nights or just when you're craving that buffalo flavor without the chicken. Quick, easy, and packed with flavor!

Ingredients for Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Cauliflower: This versatile vegetable acts as the perfect canvas, soaking up the spicy buffalo flavors while providing a satisfying crunch.

All-purpose flour: Helps create a thick batter that clings to the cauliflower, giving it that crispy texture after baking.

Unsweetened almond milk: Keeps the batter dairy-free and adds a subtle nuttiness without overpowering the spices.

Garlic powder & onion powder: These spices enhance the savory depth of the batter, complementing the buffalo sauce's heat.

Smoked paprika: Adds a hint of smoky flavor, which pairs beautifully with the spicy sauce.

Salt & black pepper: Basic seasonings that balance the flavors in the batter.

Hot sauce: The star of the show, providing that essential buffalo kick.

Vegan butter: Gives the sauce a rich, buttery finish without any dairy.

Maple syrup: A touch of sweetness that rounds out the heat, creating a well-balanced sauce.

Tips & Tricks

  • For extra crispiness, try using an air fryer instead of the oven.
  • If you prefer a milder sauce, adjust the amount of hot sauce to taste.
  • Make sure the batter is thick enough to stick to the cauliflower. If it’s too runny, add a bit more flour.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these bites with a crisp salad or some celery sticks to balance the heat. They also make a great addition to a vegan platter with other dips and snacks for a party spread.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of flour?
Yes, you can substitute with gluten-free flour or whole wheat flour, though the texture might vary slightly.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Is there a substitute for almond milk?
Sure! Any plant-based milk like soy or oat milk will work well.

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe Walkthrough

Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (230°C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for an easy cleanup.

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. You're aiming for a smooth, lump-free batter here, so take your time whisking until everything's nicely blended.

Now, take your cauliflower head and cut it into bite-sized florets. Dip each floret into your batter, making sure it's well-coated. Transfer them onto your prepared baking sheet, trying to leave a bit of space between each one.

Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and let the florets bake for about 20 minutes. You’ll want to flip them halfway through, around the 10-minute mark, to ensure even browning.

While your cauliflower is baking, it's time to make the buffalo sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup until smooth. This is where the magic happens!

Once the cauliflower is lightly browned and crisp, remove it from the oven. Toss the baked florets in the buffalo sauce until they're well-coated. Return them to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Serve these spicy delights right away, preferably with some vegan ranch dressing on the side for dipping. Enjoy!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • A spicy kick that satisfies any buffalo wing craving.
  • Completely vegan and guilt-free.
  • Simple ingredients you likely already have.
  • Ready in under an hour — no deep-frying required.

Ingredients

1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup hot sauce
2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
1 tablespoon maple syrup

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a smooth batter.
3. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is fully coated, and place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until lightly browned and crisp.
5. While the cauliflower is baking, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a small bowl.
6. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss in the buffalo sauce mixture until well coated.
7. Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes.
8. Serve immediately with vegan ranch dressing on the side.

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