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- Cauliflower florets - All-purpose flour or gluten-free flour - Almond milk or other plant-based milk You will need a large head of cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets. This size helps them cook evenly. For the batter, use all-purpose flour or a gluten-free option if needed. Almond milk gives the best flavor, but any plant-based milk works well too. - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Smoked paprika - Salt and pepper Seasonings add depth to the bites. Use garlic powder for a rich taste. Onion powder enhances the flavor too. Smoked paprika gives a nice smoky kick. Don’t forget salt and pepper to taste. This mix makes your bites pop with flavor. - Hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot) - Coconut oil or vegan butter - Optional garnish (fresh parsley) The sauce is what makes these bites special. Hot sauce brings the heat. I love using Frank’s RedHot; it’s a classic! Melted coconut oil or vegan butter adds richness. You can top your bites with fresh parsley for added color and a touch of freshness. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - In a mixing bowl, combine: - 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Gradually whisk in 1 cup of almond milk. - Aim for a smooth batter, like pancake mix. - Dip each cauliflower floret in the batter. Make sure they are fully coated. - Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet. - Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. This helps them cook evenly. - Mix 1 cup of hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted coconut oil in a bowl. - Once the cauliflower is crispy, dip each piece into the sauce. - Return them to the baking sheet and bake for another 10 minutes. - Let them cool for a few minutes before serving. To get those perfect bites, focus on batter consistency. You want a smooth mix. It should feel like pancake batter. If it's too thick, add a splash of almond milk. A thinner batter will coat better. Flipping the florets is key for even cooking. Halfway through baking, turn each piece. This helps all sides get that golden crunch. Don't skip this step. It makes a big difference in texture. Want more flavor? Try adding spices like cayenne or smoked sea salt. These give your bites an extra kick. You can also mix in some black pepper for depth. Not all hot sauces are the same. Experiment with different brands. Some are milder, while others pack heat. Find what you like best for your taste buds. Make your dish look great. Serve the cauliflower bites in a bowl or on a fancy platter. Adding fresh parsley makes it pop. Pair your bites with celery sticks. They add crunch and freshness. Don't forget the vegan ranch dressing for dipping. It balances the spice and adds creaminess. Enjoy the colorful spread! Pro Tips Test for Crispiness: To ensure your cauliflower bites are crispy, make sure to flip them halfway through baking. This allows for even cooking and browning. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the coating mixture to suit your taste preferences. You can also mix in some maple syrup for a touch of sweetness! Make Ahead: You can prepare the battered cauliflower ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. Bake them fresh when you're ready to serve. Garnish for Appeal: Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch for a beautiful presentation and extra flavor! {{image_2}} You can make these bites gluten-free. Just replace all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour. This keeps the texture similar. The taste remains just as good. Look for a blend that works well for frying or baking. If you choose to air-fry, adjust the cooking time and temperature. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway. This gives you a crispier bite without much oil. Feel free to get creative! You can add other veggies like broccoli or bell peppers. They will add more flavor and nutrition. You can also try plant-based cheese. Shredded vegan cheese can be a tasty addition before the final bake. To keep your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites fresh, store them in an airtight container. You should refrigerate them within two hours of cooking. This helps prevent spoilage. They can stay good for about three days. Make sure to separate any sauce from the bites to keep them crispy. When you reheat your cauliflower bites, aim for a crispy texture. The best method is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10 to 15 minutes. This keeps them crunchy and warm. You can also use an air fryer for quick reheating. To freeze your cauliflower bites, let them cool completely first. Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer bag. This helps keep their shape. When you want to eat them, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for best results. Yes, you can make these bites ahead of time. Prepare the cauliflower and coat it in the batter. Bake them for about 20 minutes until they are crispy. After that, let them cool and store them in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, just reheat them in the oven. This makes for an easy snack or appetizer! If you need a substitute for almond milk, there are many options. You can use soy milk, oat milk, or coconut milk. All of these plant-based milks work well in this recipe. Make sure to choose unsweetened versions for the best flavor. To add more heat to your cauliflower bites, try using a hot sauce with a higher spice level. You can also mix in some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the batter. Another option is to add a splash of sriracha into the buffalo sauce. This will give your bites a nice kick! Yes, these cauliflower bites are a healthy snack option. Cauliflower is low in calories and high in vitamins. The batter uses flour and plant-based milk, which is lighter than traditional batter. Plus, you can control the amount of hot sauce used. Enjoy them without guilt! In this post, we explored how to make delicious vegan buffalo cauliflower bites. We covered the main ingredients like cauliflower, plant-based milk, and key seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparation, baking, and tips to get that perfect crisp. Consider variations and storage tips to keep your bites fresh. With these insights, you can easily enjoy a flavorful snack that's both tasty and healthy. Now you’re ready to impress friends and family with this simple yet scrumptious dish!

Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy and spicy cauliflower bites coated in a delicious buffalo sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup almond milk (or any plant-based milk)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot or a vegan-friendly alternative)
  • 2 tablespoons melted coconut oil (or vegan butter)
  • optional fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Gradually whisk in the almond milk until you create a smooth batter. It should have a pancake-like consistency.
  • Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it's fully coated, and then place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the florets are golden and crispy, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
  • While the cauliflower is baking, mix the hot sauce and melted coconut oil in a separate bowl.
  • Once the cauliflower bites are crispy, remove them from the oven and dip each piece into the buffalo sauce mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
  • Return the coated cauliflower bites to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the sauce.
  • Remove from the oven and allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with celery sticks and vegan ranch dressing for dipping.
Keyword appetizer, buffalo, cauliflower, spicy, vegan