Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Print Version)

Crispy and spicy buffalo cauliflower bites, a flavorful plant-based snack bursting with crunch and heat.

# Components:

→ 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

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 the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the plant-based milk and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
03 - Add the cauliflower florets to the batter and toss until fully coated.
04 - Arrange the battered cauliflower pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup or agave.
07 - Remove baked cauliflower from the oven and gently toss with the buffalo sauce to coat evenly.
08 - Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot, optionally garnished with chopped fresh parsley or chives and accompanied by vegan ranch or blue cheese dip.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tender inside, delivering a satisfying crunch that keeps you reaching for just one more.
  • Zero animal products means you can serve them guilt-free at any gathering, and meat-eaters won't even miss the traditional version.
  • Ready in under an hour with minimal hands-on time, making them perfect for last-minute entertaining or a spontaneous snack craving.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flipping halfway through the first bake—I learned this the hard way with a batch that was golden on one side and pale on the other, and it changed everything.
  • The secret to staying crispy even after sauce is using vegan butter instead of oil in your sauce and not oversaucing—less is more here.
  • If your batter seems too thick, it'll clump on the cauliflower; too thin and it won't coat properly, so aim for the consistency of pancake batter.
03 -
  • If you want maximum crispiness, broil them for 2-3 minutes right at the end—watch carefully because they go from golden to burnt quickly.
  • An air fryer is your shortcut here—200°F for 15-20 minutes with a shake halfway through gives you the same crispy results with less oven space and faster cooking time.
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