Buffalo Cauliflower Bites Recipe

If you love buffalo wings but want a plant-based twist, these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites will be your new obsession.

They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and coated in a tangy, spicy buffalo sauce that packs just the right amount of heat.

Whether you’re making them for game day, a party, or just a fun snack, these cauliflower bites are guaranteed to disappear fast.

Plus, they’re easy to make and way healthier than traditional wings. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Bites:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

• ¾ cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, oat, soy, etc.)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika

• ¼ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• ½ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s RedHot)

• 2 tablespoons melted vegan butter

• 1 tablespoon maple syrup or agave (optional, for a hint of sweetness)

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For Serving:

• Vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing

• Celery and carrot sticks

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven & Prep the Baking Sheet

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).

2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

2. The batter should be thick but pourable—similar to pancake batter. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

1. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, making sure it’s fully coated.

2. Let any excess batter drip off, then roll the coated florets in panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

3. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Make the Buffalo Sauce

1. While the cauliflower is baking, heat hot sauce, melted vegan butter, maple syrup, and garlic powder in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until well combined.

Step 6: Coat in Buffalo Sauce & Bake Again

1. Remove the cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a large bowl.

2. Pour the buffalo sauce over the bites and toss until fully coated.

3. Place them back on the baking sheet and bake for another 10–15 minutes until sticky and slightly caramelized.

Step 7: Serve & Enjoy

1. Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving.

2. Serve with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing and celery and carrot sticks on the side.

Serving Ideas

Buffalo cauliflower bites are great on their own, but you can also:

• Make Buffalo Tacos: Stuff them into tortillas with slaw and avocado.

• Turn Them Into a Wrap: Add to a tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and vegan ranch.

• Serve Over a Salad: Toss them on top of a fresh salad for extra flavor and crunch.

Customize Your Buffalo Cauliflower

• Less Spicy? Use mild hot sauce or mix in a little more vegan butter.

• Extra Crispy? Air fry them at 400°F for about 15 minutes, shaking halfway through.

• No Oil? Skip the vegan butter in the sauce and replace it with a little extra hot sauce and a splash of lemon juice.

Final Thoughts

These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites are crispy, spicy, and downright addictive.

Whether you’re making them for a party or just craving something bold and flavorful, they’ll always be a hit.

Grab a plate, dip them in some ranch, and enjoy every bite! 🔥👇🥦👇💖👇