Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Printable)

Crispy cauliflower florets coated in spicy buffalo sauce, ideal for flavorful plant-based snacking.

# What You 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 mixing 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 fully coat each piece.
04 - Place the battered cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring pieces do not touch.
05 - Bake for 20 minutes, flipping the pieces halfway through, until golden and crisp.
06 - In a small bowl, combine hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup or agave.
07 - Remove the cauliflower from the oven and gently toss in the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.
08 - Return the coated cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes until crisp and slightly caramelized.
09 - Serve hot, topped with fresh parsley or chives and accompanied by vegan ranch or blue cheese dip if desired.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're addictively crispy on the outside and tender inside, making them impossible to stop eating once you start.
  • The whole thing comes together in under an hour, so you can serve restaurant-quality appetizers without the stress.
  • Nobody has to know they're vegan until after they've fallen in love with them.
02 -
  • Don't skip the flip at the 10-minute mark during the first bake—uneven browning means some bites crisp while others stay soft, and you want consistency.
  • The second bake is about caramelization, not cooking through; 10 minutes is enough, and any longer risks burning the sauce.
  • Keep everything tossed loosely when saucing—rough handling squashes the bites and squeezes out their structural integrity.
03 -
  • Make the batter and prep your cauliflower the night before, then store in the fridge—everything comes together in minutes when guests arrive.
  • Don't let the finished bites sit around; they're best within 10 minutes of coming out of the oven, while the contrast between crispy outside and tender inside is at its absolute peak.
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