Oven-Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites

In recent years, plant-based appetizers have surged in popularity, as more people lean towards healthier lifestyles and diets. Among the myriad of options available, Buffalo Cauliflower Bites stand out as a delightful, guilt-free alternative to the traditional buffalo chicken wings. These bites are not only packed with flavor but also cater to a wide range of dietary preferences, making them an appealing choice for vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free eaters alike. As we explore this recipe, you’ll discover how to create these oven-baked treats that boast the same fiery zest as their meaty counterparts, without compromising on taste or texture.

Discover the deliciousness of Oven-Baked Buffalo Cauliflower Bites, a perfect plant-based appetizer that everyone will love. These crispy, flavor-packed bites offer all the zing of traditional buffalo wings without the guilt. Easy to make, they're ideal for parties, game days, or simply enjoying at home. Packed with nutritious cauliflower and a spicy buffalo sauce, this recipe is both satisfying and healthy, catering to vegans, vegetarians, and gluten-free diets alike.

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Ingredients

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 cup almond milk (unsweetened)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buffalo sauce (your favorite brand)

2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional: chopped green onions and celery sticks for serving

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are all roughly the same size for even cooking.

Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, almond milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth, creating a thick batter.

Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess batter and place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re spaced apart.

Bake the Cauliflower: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cauliflower is golden and crispy.

Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, mix the buffalo sauce with olive oil in a small bowl to enhance flavor and richness.

Toss and Finish Baking: Once the cauliflower bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and carefully toss them in the buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated. Spread them back out on the baking sheet.

Final Bake: Return the sauced cauliflower bites to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until they are sticky and slightly darker.

Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions and accompanied by celery sticks for crunch.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes | Servings: 4