Vegan Crispy Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

Introduction

Buffalo cauliflower bites are a delightful and healthy alternative to traditional buffalo wings, perfect for vegans and anyone looking to enjoy a flavorful snack or appetizer. These bites are not only crispy and satisfying but also packed with nutrients. This recipe provides step-by-step instructions, nutritional information, and helpful tips to ensure your buffalo cauliflower bites come out perfectly every time.

Ingredients

For the Cauliflower Bites:

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 1.5 to 2 lbs), cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (e.g., almond, soy, or oat milk)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (use gluten-free if necessary)

For the Buffalo Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup hot sauce (e.g., Frank’s RedHot or your favorite brand)
  • 1 tablespoon vegan butter (melted)
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (to balance the heat)

For Serving:

  • Fresh celery sticks
  • Carrot sticks
  • Vegan ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade)

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 120
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5g
  • Carbohydrates: 20g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 1g
  • Protein: 4g
  • SmartPoints (WW): 3 points per serving (based on a 6-serving recipe)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Cut the Cauliflower: Rinse and pat dry the cauliflower head. Cut it into bite-sized florets, ensuring uniform size for even cooking.

Step 2: Make the Batter

  1. Prepare the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower without dripping excessively.

Step 3: Coat the Cauliflower

  1. Coat the Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off. Roll the coated florets in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they are well-coated.

Step 4: Bake the Cauliflower

  1. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cauliflower bites on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they are not crowded.
  2. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.

Step 5: Prepare the Buffalo Sauce

  1. Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, and maple syrup. Stir well until fully combined. Adjust heat level to your preference.

Step 6: Toss with Sauce

  1. Toss the Bites: Once the cauliflower bites are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the oven. Toss the hot cauliflower bites with the buffalo sauce until evenly coated.

Step 7: Final Bake

  1. Return to Oven: Place the sauced cauliflower back on the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes to set the sauce and increase crispiness.

Step 8: Serve

  1. Prepare to Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve with fresh celery and carrot sticks, alongside vegan ranch dressing for dipping.

Helpful Tips

  • Gluten-Free Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Air Fryer Method: For a quicker method, use an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Storage: Leftover buffalo cauliflower bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for optimal crispiness.

Conclusion

Vegan crispy buffalo cauliflower bites are a perfect choice for game day, parties, or simply as a flavorful snack. With their crispy exterior and tangy buffalo flavor, they will please both vegans and non-vegans alike. Enjoy these bites with your favorite dipping sauce, and savor the deliciousness of a plant-based treat!

Additional Nutritional Benefits

These buffalo cauliflower bites are low in calories and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamins. Cauliflower is rich in antioxidants and vitamins C and K, making it an excellent addition to a healthy diet. By using plant-based ingredients, this recipe supports a vegan lifestyle while providing the flavors and textures that many crave.