Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower bites with bold buffalo sauce for a flavorful plant-based snack or appetizer.

# What You'll Need:

→ Vegetables

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

→ Batter

02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1/4 cup cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
06 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
09 - 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)

→ Sauce

10 - 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Franks RedHot)
11 - 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
12 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave

→ Garnish (optional)

13 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
14 - Vegan ranch or blue cheese dip, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
02 - In a large bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk in plant-based milk until smooth batter forms.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.
04 - Place battered cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring pieces do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - In a small bowl, mix hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup or agave.
07 - Remove cauliflower from oven and gently toss in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs and vegan ranch or blue cheese dip if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The crunch rivals any deep fried wing without the grease or guilt
  • You get all that bold buffalo flavor without anyone missing the meat
02 -
  • Crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to end up with soggy cauliflower instead of crispy bites
  • The second bake after saucing is crucial for that restaurant style sticky coating
03 -
  • For extra crispy bites, broil for 2 to 3 minutes at the very end but watch closely to prevent burning
  • Adjust the hot sauce amount based on your heat tolerance, starting with less if you are sensitive
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