Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Print Version)

Spicy, crispy cauliflower bites with a rich buffalo sauce and fresh herb garnish, ideal for snacking.

# 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., Frank’s 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 Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Add unsweetened plant-based milk to the dry ingredients and whisk until smooth.
04 - Toss cauliflower florets in the batter until fully coated.
05 - Place battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without pieces touching.
06 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
07 - In a small bowl, mix hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup or agave until combined.
08 - Remove cauliflower from oven and gently toss with buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
09 - Return cauliflower to baking sheet and bake an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
10 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives, and accompany with vegan ranch or blue cheese dip if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tender inside, with zero apologies for being completely plant-based.
  • These come together in under an hour, which means you can go from grocery bag to party-ready in the time it takes to watch one episode of something.
  • The buffalo sauce strikes that sweet-spicy-savory balance that keeps people reaching for just one more bite.
02 -
  • Don't skip the cornstarch—it's the difference between merely crispy and that satisfying crunch that makes you want to keep eating.
  • Flipping halfway through the first bake isn't optional; it ensures even browning and prevents soggy bottoms.
  • If your batter seems too thick, thin it slightly with more milk, but don't go overboard or your coating will be thin and streaky.
03 -
  • Toss the hot-sauced cauliflower gently—aggressive tossing can dislodge that precious crispy coating you just worked for.
  • Serve these immediately while they're still warm and crispy; they soften as they cool but taste amazing even at room temperature if you have leftovers.
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