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- Cauliflower florets - All-purpose flour or chickpea flour - Almond milk or plant-based milk To make these bites, start with fresh cauliflower. Cut it into bite-sized florets. You want them small enough to cook well but big enough to hold sauce. Next, choose your flour. All-purpose flour works well, but chickpea flour is a great gluten-free option. Finally, grab some almond milk or any plant-based milk. This will help create a smooth batter to coat the florets. - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Smoked paprika - Hot sauce and vegan butter Don't forget the seasonings! Garlic powder adds depth, while onion powder gives a nice flavor kick. Smoked paprika brings a warm, smoky taste that pairs well with buffalo sauce. For the sauce, you need hot sauce, like Frank's RedHot, and vegan butter. Mixing these two gives you that classic buffalo flavor everyone loves. - Fresh parsley - Chives For a fresh touch, consider garnishing with chopped parsley or chives. They not only add color but also enhance the taste. These simple additions make your bites look great and taste even better. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat to 450°F (230°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps keep things clean and makes the bites crispier. - In a big bowl, whisk together 1 cup of flour and 1 cup of almond milk. - Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper. - Mix well until you get a thick batter. It should coat the cauliflower well without dripping too much. - Take your cauliflower florets and dip each one into the batter. - Make sure each floret is fully covered. Let the extra batter drip off before placing them on the baking sheet. - Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Halfway through, turn them over. They should look golden brown and crispy when done. - In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of hot sauce with 2 tablespoons of melted vegan butter. - Mix until the sauce is smooth and well blended. This sauce will give your bites that spicy kick. - Once the cauliflower is baked, take it out and drizzle or toss it in the buffalo sauce. - Make sure every floret is coated evenly. This step is key for getting that bold flavor. - Place the coated cauliflower back in the oven for another 5-10 minutes. This helps set the sauce and adds more flavor. - After baking, let them cool for a minute. Then, transfer the bites to a serving platter and garnish with fresh parsley or chives. This adds a nice touch and boosts flavor. To get your vegan buffalo cauliflower bites crispy, focus on the batter's consistency. The batter needs to be thick enough to stick to the cauliflower but not too thick that it clumps. I suggest whisking the flour and almond milk until smooth. You want a coating that clings well. Baking time matters too. Bake your florets at 450°F (230°C) for 20-25 minutes. Turn them halfway through so they brown evenly. Look for a golden brown color to know they are perfectly crispy. To boost the flavor of your bites, add more spices or herbs to the batter. You can try adding a pinch of cayenne for heat or some dried oregano for an herbal touch. If you love garlic, add an extra teaspoon of garlic powder for a punch. When making the buffalo sauce, feel free to adjust the hot sauce to your taste. If you prefer it milder, mix in more melted vegan butter. This balances the heat and adds a rich flavor. Using the right pans can make a big difference. I recommend using a sturdy baking sheet. It should be large enough to hold all the florets without crowding them. This helps them crisp up better. For mixing the batter, a large mixing bowl is best. A whisk works well for getting a smooth consistency. If you have a spatula, it will help coat the cauliflower evenly. Pro Tips Choose the Right Cauliflower: Opt for a fresh, firm head of cauliflower without any brown spots for the best texture and flavor. Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to customize the hot sauce by mixing it with your favorite spices or adding more or less to suit your heat preference. Perfectly Crispy Bites: For extra crispiness, consider double-coating the cauliflower by dipping it back into the batter after the first bake. Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, but reheating in the oven will help retain their crispiness. {{image_4}} To make these bites gluten-free, use chickpea flour instead of all-purpose flour. Chickpea flour adds a nutty taste and a crispy texture. For the milk, almond milk works well, but you can try oat milk or soy milk too. These choices keep the bites tasty and plant-based. You can adjust the heat of your buffalo sauce. For a milder flavor, choose a less spicy sauce. Many brands offer options with lower heat. If you want more fire, add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your batter. This gives your bites an extra kick. Feel free to get creative with your seasonings. Try adding smoked paprika for a smoky taste or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. You can also sprinkle in dried herbs like oregano or thyme for a unique twist. If you want a cheesy touch without using dairy, consider adding vegan cheese alternatives to your batter. These add creaminess and richness to your bites. To keep your Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites fresh, store them in the fridge. Place leftovers in airtight containers. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. Let them cool down before sealing. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. If you want to save some bites for later, freezing works great! First, let them cool completely. Then, spread them out on a baking sheet. Freeze them until solid, about an hour. After that, transfer the bites to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last for up to 2-3 months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To enjoy your bites again, reheating is key to keeping them crispy. The oven is the best method. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the bites on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This will help them regain their crunch. If you use a microwave, they might get soft. Aim for the oven to keep that tasty crispiness intact. You can easily make these bites gluten-free. Just swap all-purpose flour with chickpea flour. This flour gives a nice texture and flavor. You can also use almond flour or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Both options work well. Yes, you can use various sauces. Try a teriyaki sauce for a sweet twist. A barbecue sauce will also give them a smoky flavor. For a kick, use a spicy chili sauce. Each sauce will change the taste, so pick what you love. To store leftovers, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge for up to three days. For longer storage, freeze them. Wrap them well in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. They can last for up to three months. Absolutely! For the air fryer, preheat it to 400°F (200°C). Coat the cauliflower in batter as usual. Place the bites in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through. They should be crispy and golden. These bites pair well with many dips. Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing works great. You can also serve them with celery sticks or carrot sticks. They make a fun snack for parties or game day. This blog post covered how to make Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites step by step. We explored the key ingredients, including cauliflower, flour, and spices. I shared tips on achieving maximum crispiness and variations for special diets. Storing leftovers properly also ensures you enjoy these bites later. Remember, you can customize flavors and adjust spice levels to fit your taste. Now, you’re ready to create a delicious batch and impress your friends! Enjoy every crispy, spicy bite!

Spicy Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Crispy cauliflower florets coated in a spicy buffalo sauce, perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine Vegan
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup almond milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • to taste fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
  • Mix the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined and smooth; the batter should be thick enough to effectively coat the cauliflower florets without dripping excessively.
  • Coat the Cauliflower: Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Allow any excess batter to drip off back into the bowl before placing the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure all pieces are evenly coated for consistent crispiness.
  • Bake the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower florets for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy when done.
  • Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, mix the hot sauce and melted vegan butter in a separate bowl. Stir until the two ingredients are fully integrated and the sauce is smooth.
  • Sauce the Bites: Once the cauliflower is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven, and immediately drizzle or toss the florets in the buffalo sauce. Ensure they are thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
  • Final Bake: Return the coated cauliflower to the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes. This step helps set the sauce and intensifies the flavor of the bites.
  • Plate and Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven, allowing it to cool slightly on the baking sheet. Transfer the bites to a serving platter and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and added flavor.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour.
Keyword appetizer, buffalo, cauliflower, snack, vegan