These Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are the perfect appetizer for both vegans and meat eaters. These little bites are seriously addictive, with a perfect combination of spicy flavors and a tangy twist. Whether you're vegan, a fan of cauliflower, or just want to try something new, this recipe is going to be your new favorite.
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are perfect for anyone. They're great for parties, game nights, or when you're craving a guilt-free late-night snack. They won't leave you feeling heavy or regretful, just satisfied and wanting more.
Buffalo Cauliflower Ingredients
These cauliflower bites are made with simple ingredients and a handful of spices.
- Cauliflower
- Flour - I prefer using all purpose flour in this recipe.
- Non-dairy milk - You can use any plant-based milk but my favorite is unsweetened soy milk. Unsweetened almond milk works well too.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper
- Frank's Red Hot sauce
- Vegan butter - My favorite brand to use is Earth Balance
How to Cut Cauliflower
Cutting a cauliflower into florets is a simple process. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:
- Start by removing any leaves attached to the base of the cauliflower.
- Place the cauliflower on a cutting board with the stem side facing down.
- Using a sharp knife, make a vertical cut through the center of the cauliflower, dividing it into two halves. Cut each half again so it's now in quarters.
- Cut the core out of each quarter.
- Take one quarter of the cauliflower break it apart with your hands into florets. You can also slice it into smaller, bite-sized pieces.
- Repeat the process with the other quarters of the cauliflower.
If the florets are too large, cut them lengthwise into smaller pieces. Remember, the size of the florets can affect the cooking time, so try to make them relatively even in size for more consistent results.
Making the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
To start, preheat the oven to 425°. Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Cut the cauliflower into florets and set aside. If you aren't sure of the best way to cut cauliflower, see the section above.
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper until it's well combined. This makes the wet batter for the cauliflower.
Add the cauliflower florets into the bowl and toss to coat.
Place the cauliflower onto the prepared sheet pan in a single layer. Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
Meanwhile, make the spicy buffalo sauce. In a small pot melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add in the hot sauce, stir and set aside.
After 30 minutes, remove the cooked cauliflower from the oven and put in a large bowl. Add the hot sauce mixture and stir well to coat.
Place the buffalo cauliflower back on the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Storage
Store these buffalo cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For best results, eat within 4 days.
FAQ
Can you make this in the air fryer?
Yes you can and it's delicious. But you need to make sure the air fryer basket isn't too full so you may need to make multiple batches. Cook it at about 375 for 15 - 20 minutes. Add the sauce and then heat for another 5 minutes.
How can I make this less spicy?
These definitely have a kick! For less spice, reduce the amount of Frank's hot sauce to ⅓ cup. Also, increase the amount of vegan butter to 3 tablespoons.
What do you serve with the buffalo cauliflower?
Just think of buffalo wings! Serve with celery and carrot sticks and you favorite vegan ranch dressing or vegan blue cheese dressing.
Can I make these gluten free?
Sure! Just substitute the all purpose flour with gluten-free flour.
Summary
If you want to make vegan buffalo wings, this recipe made with cauliflower pieces is the one for you. It's spicy and has that classic buffalo sauce flavor...just without the chicken. It's the perfect game day snack, side dish or just as a healthy alternative to traditional wings which are usually fried.
So try out this delicious vegan appetizer. Your taste buds will thank you.
Interested in other vegan appetizer recipes? Check out:
Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (Vegan)
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- ½ cup all purpose flour
- ½ cup unsweetened soy milk (or other plant-based milk)
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- ½ cup Frank's Red Hot sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut the cauliflower into florets and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, non-dairy milk, onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and pepper until it's well combined.
- Add the cauliflower florets into the bowl and toss to coat.
- Place the cauliflower onto the baking sheet in a single layer.
- Bake for 30 minutes in the preheated oven.
- Meanwhile, in a small pot melt the vegan butter over medium heat. Add in the hot sauce, stir and set aside.
- Remove the cooked cauliflower from the oven and put in a large bowl.
- Add the hot sauce mixture and stir well to coat.
- Place the buffalo cauliflower back on the baking sheet and bake for another 15 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Jill says
We loved these! My whole family likes spicy food so these were perfect. Everyone loved them including my kid who “hates cauliflower”. Will definitely make these again.
Jen Cardenas says
That's great Jill! This recipe definitely wins over the cauliflower haters!