Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printer-friendly)

Crispy, spicy cauliflower bites with a fiery kick, ideal for plant-based snacking or flavorful gatherings.

# 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

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 bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add plant-based milk and whisk until smooth.
03 - Add cauliflower florets to the batter and toss to coat thoroughly.
04 - Place battered cauliflower on the prepared sheet in a single layer without pieces touching.
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 until blended.
07 - Remove cauliflower from oven and gently toss in buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return 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 hit that perfect crunch-to-sauce ratio that makes you reach for just one more bite.
  • No fancy equipment or technique required—just a bowl, an oven, and about 45 minutes of your time.
  • They work as party food, game day snacks, or even a protein-forward appetizer when you need something quick.
02 -
  • Don't crowd your pan—I learned this the hard way when half a batch came out soft instead of crispy because pieces were touching and trapping steam.
  • The second bake is what takes these from good to unforgettable; don't skip it or rush it.
  • If your batter feels too thick, thin it slightly with a splash more milk; if too thin, add a tablespoon of flour to help it cling.
03 -
  • If you want extra crispiness without additional cooking time, broil them for 2-3 minutes at the very end—watch them constantly so they don't char.
  • Air fryers produce equally crispy results at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes with a shake halfway through, and they're faster and use less oil.
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