Buffalo Cauliflower Bites (vegan)
Printed from Inclusive Kitchen — Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
Buffalo cauliflower bites have taken the culinary world by storm, and for good reason. These crispy, spicy morsels are not only a fantastic alternative to traditional buffalo wings, but they also pack a punch of flavor that even the most devoted meat lovers can appreciate. The vegan twist on this classic dish replaces dairy with plant-based ingredients, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the bold flavors without compromising their dietary choices.
Historically, buffalo wings originated in Buffalo, New York, in the 1960s, and have since evolved into a staple of American cuisine, especially during game days and gatherings. The cauliflower version emerged as a healthier, plant-based alternative that allows for all the fun without the guilt. Plus, who can resist the satisfying crunch of a perfectly baked cauliflower bite? It’s like a party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited!
To elevate this dish, we pair the spicy bites with a creamy vegan blue cheese dip. Made with cashews and a few simple ingredients, this dip is rich and tangy, complementing the heat of the buffalo sauce beautifully. It’s the kind of dip that makes you want to dive in headfirst—just be careful not to lose your dignity in the process! So gather your friends, prepare to share (or not), and enjoy these delightful bites that are sure to impress.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a snack, these buffalo cauliflower bites are the perfect choice. They’re easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to satisfy. Just remember, if you eat too many, you might need to roll yourself away from the table—consider it a workout!
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower florets
- 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
- 0.5 cup water
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 cup raw cashews
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 0.25 cup water (for dip)
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 0.5 cup of all-purpose flour, 0.5 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 0.5 teaspoon of salt. This batter will help the cauliflower florets get that crispy coating.
- Add the cauliflower florets to the batter, making sure they are well-coated. Use your hands to toss them gently, ensuring each piece is evenly covered.
- Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the batter is golden and crispy.
- While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the vegan blue cheese dip. In a blender, combine 1 cup of raw cashews (soaked for at least 2 hours), 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of nutritional yeast, and 0.25 cup of water.
- Blend the ingredients until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust the consistency with more water if necessary, and season with black pepper to taste.
- After 20 minutes, remove the cauliflower from the oven and toss it in 0.5 cup of buffalo sauce until well-coated. This is where the magic happens—get ready for some serious flavor!
- Return the sauced cauliflower to the baking sheet and bake for an additional 10 minutes at 450°F (232°C). This will help the sauce set and give the bites a nice glaze.
- Once the cauliflower is crispy and the sauce is bubbling, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help the flavors meld together.
- Serve the buffalo cauliflower bites hot, alongside the creamy vegan blue cheese dip. Garnish with fresh celery sticks or carrot sticks for a classic touch.
- Enjoy your buffalo cauliflower bites with friends or keep them all to yourself—no judgment here! Just remember, sharing is caring... unless it’s the last bite.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 250
- Carbs g: 30
- Protein g: 8
- Fat g: 10
- Sugar g: 2
