Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Print)

Crispy spicy cauliflower bites with buffalo sauce, ideal for flavorful snacking or appetizers.

# Ingredients:

→ 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

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add plant-based milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to ensure they are evenly coated.
04 - Place the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure pieces do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - Mix hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup in a small bowl until well combined.
07 - Remove cauliflower from the oven and gently toss in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives and accompanied by vegan ranch or blue cheese dip if desired.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Crispy, crunchy texture that rivals any meat-based version without the heaviness.
  • Comes together in 45 minutes with zero fussy techniques or special equipment.
  • Naturally vegan and dairy-free, so everyone at your table actually gets to eat them.
  • The spicy-maple glaze hits that perfect sweet-heat balance that makes you reach for just one more.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flip at the 10-minute mark, even though it seems unnecessary; it's the difference between crispy and halfway there.
  • Space matters more than you think because touching florets steam instead of crisping, and that's a total waste of potential crunch.
  • The cornstarch is non-negotiable if you want that satisfying crunch; flour alone just won't deliver the same texture.
03 -
  • Keep your oven temperature consistent and don't open the door during the first bake; every peek drops the heat and extends cooking time.
  • Glaze them while they're still hot so the sauce clings and caramelizes instead of just sitting on top like an afterthought.
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