Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower bites with a flavorful buffalo-style sauce, ideal for plant-based 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., 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

# 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, whisk together flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add plant-based milk and whisk 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, combine 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 coated cauliflower to baking sheet and bake 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 -
  • They're ready in under an hour, making them perfect for unexpected guests or last-minute cravings.
  • The batter trick gives you a shatteringly crispy exterior that rivals any fried version, no deep fryer needed.
  • One batch feeds four people as an appetizer, but honestly, you might want to double it.
02 -
  • Don't skip the half-way flip during that first 20 minutes; uneven baking means some bites will be soggy while others are perfect.
  • The second bake with sauce is non-negotiable—it's what turns a good version into a crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside bite that feels like you deep-fried them.
  • If your batter feels too thick when you dip, add a splash more milk; if it's too thin and slides off, add a tablespoon more flour and let it sit for a minute.
03 -
  • If you want extra char and crispness, set your oven to broil for the last two minutes of that second bake and watch closely; thirty seconds can mean the difference between perfectly caramelized and slightly burnt.
  • Air fryer devotees: toss them at 200°C (400°F) for 15 to 20 minutes, shaking halfway through—you'll get comparable crispness without heating up your kitchen.
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