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Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – a meatless version of your favorite buffalo wings. No breading station required – these are so easy!!
These bites are so flavorful, tender on the inside, with a bit of crunch on the outside. These are meant for sharing, but I’m pretty sure you won’t want to. 😉
And because these are made with cauliflower instead of the traditional stuff buffalo bites are made with (chicken), they are healthier! So go ahead and chow down guilt free!
I’m sure you’ve seen various different recipes for these cauliflower bites floating around online. Most of them seem to have some sort of tedious breading involved. While I do love breaded things, it takes a long time and can make a big mess.
I wanted to find a way to make these without the need of a breading station. These Buffalo Cauliflower Bites still have a crunch from the Panko breadcrumbs, but the breadcrumbs are just loosely shaken on, which actually makes them a bit healthier because you can use less. It also makes them super easy! And addictive. I can eat an entire head of cauliflower this way!
How Do You Prepare Cauliflower?
I find the easiest way to prepare cauliflower is to first cut it in half down the middle and then work with each half on it’s own. Tear or cut off the outer leaves, then cut off the stem. If there are any smaller leaves in between the florets, I take a small paring knife and carefully cut the stem from the cauliflower.
Once the leaves and stem are gone, you can gently pull apart the florets. You want them bite size for this Buffalo Cauliflower recipe. If you have any florets that are on the larger size, you can cut them in half. Any smaller florets or crumbled pieces you can save for a different recipe – throw them in soups, toss them with pasta, or add them to rice dishes.
Don’t miss these other vegan cauliflower recipes:
- Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tacos
- Orange Cauliflower
- Roasted Cauliflower Salad
- Cauliflower Scampi
- Sweet Potato Cauliflower Soup
- Vegan Cauliflower Bolognese
What is Buffalo Sauce Made of?
Typical buffalo style sauce is made by combining hot sauce with butter and sometimes adding seasonings like garlic or Worcestershire sauce.
For this recipe, we are taking an even easier route and using store-bought bottled buffalo sauce! Tobasco Buffalo Sauce and Frank’s Red Hot Buffalo Wing Sauce are both vegan and taste delicious. Don’t worry about the “natural butter flavor” in the Frank’s brand…it is indeed vegan (as of the time of this writing, anyway).
Why is Celery Served with Buffalo Wings?
If your mouth needs a break from the hot spicy bites, a little crunch of fresh celery with ranch should cool things down. Carrots could work, too.
More savory vegan snacks you’ll love!
- Vegan Polish Mistakes
- Crunchy Black Bean Mini Tacos
- Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
- Easy Vegan Bruschetta
- Street Cart Soft Baked Pretzels
- Southwest Rollups
- Easy Tortilla Pizzas
- Smoky Roasted Chickpeas
Dairy Free Ranch Dip
These tangy spicy cauliflower wing bites are the perfect appetizer, game day snack, or late night munchie. Serve ’em up with this Cheater Vegan Ranch Dip and I dare you to try to stop eating them.
I call this dip “cheater” because I used a store bought processed ingredient as the base. Many vegan ranch recipes call for cashews soaked for 3-4 hours. Those are delicious, but sometimes I want something I can whip up in just minutes.
I originally used vegan sour cream as the base, but I have also made it using vegan mayo as the base. Both are delicious, so use what’s in your fridge.
Creamy Cumin Ranch Dressing would be wonderfully delicious with these spicy bites, as well, and it is made with all whole food ingredients!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
I hope you love these Buffalo Cauliflower Bites as much as we do. If you try them, please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback and be sure to leave a star rating in the recipe card.
You can also find me on social media. Be sure to tag @veggie_inspired and #veggieinspired so I’m sure to see it.
Enjoy!
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites and Cheater Vegan Ranch Dip
Buffalo Cauliflower Bites – a meatless version of your favorite buffalo wings. No breading station required – these are so easy!!
Ingredients
For the Buffalo Cauliflower Bites
- 1 large head cauliflower (cut into bite size florets)
- 1-2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (depending on the size of your head of cauliflower)
- 1/3 - 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup Tabasco Buffalo Style Hot Sauce
For the Cheater Vegan Ranch Dip
- 1/2 cup vegan sour cream (or vegan mayo)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (or to taste)
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened plain non-dairy milk (soy or almond would work) (*see note)
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over the cauliflower florets and toss to coat well.
- Pour the breadcrumbs over and toss again to coat.
- Pour cauliflower onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread out into one layer.
- Roast for 20 minutes or until cauliflower starts to get tender.
- Take out of oven and pour back into the large bowl.
- Pour hot sauce over cauliflower and toss to coat.
- Place back on baking sheet and roast for another 10-15 minutes or so until cauliflower starts to get crispy on the edges.
- Meanwhile, make the Cheater Vegan Ranch Dip. Combine all ingredients in a high speed blender and blend until combined.
- Take cauliflower out of oven. Toss with a little more Panko breadcrumbs. Serve with Cheater Vegan Ranch Dip.
Notes
~Some brands of vegan sour cream are thinner than others. If yours seems very loose, you may not need to add any milk at all. On the other hand, if yours is thicker (or if you're using vegan mayo which tends to be thicker), add more milk 1 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency for dipping is reached.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
4 ServingsAmount Per Serving: Calories: 157Total Fat: 9gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 1492mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 3gSugar: 3gProtein: 5g
Zoe DeAngelis says
Hey this looks frrakon delish! Ive been wanting to make these for quite some time but wasn’t down with the breading thing so this is perfect!
Before I make it, I want to ask, can I use almond milk instead of soy milk in the vegan ranch?
So excited, cant wait to try it!
Jenn S. says
Hi, Zoe. Yes, almond work will certainly work as well. Enjoy!
Kara says
Aloha!
I made these last night, I followed all the instructions but when the cauliflower came out of the oven they were super soggy. What did I do wrong? Also, the breadcrumbs weren’t really sticking to the cauliflower and the cauliflower was pretty covered with the oil.
Thanks for your recipes. I will definitely be trying more of them and tweaking this buffalo cauliflower one.
Jenn S. says
Hi, Kara. I’m thinking it was too much oil for the size of your cauliflower. The cauliflower shouldn’t be totally coated in oil…just a small drizzle to help the breadcrumbs stick (even though some of them will still fall off). You should really be able to see the oil on the cauliflower – they should still look dry. Also, did you use Panko breadcrumbs, not regular ones? Panko are definitely crispier and hold up better.
Thanks for your comment. I hope it works out better next time.
Heather says
I made these for dinner tonight. I had a problem with the panko not sticking though. It just ended up a soggy pile of crumbs on the bottom of the sheet pan. Any suggestions? Also, that “ranch” dip is killer! 1/2 a cup of soy seemed like a lot to me so I just added a slash at a time until I had the consistency that I wanted. The addition of the lemon the dip was lovely. Thanks for the recipe.
Jenn S. says
Hi, Heather. Did you use the oil? The only thing I can think is if the oil wasn’t dispersed enough, so the cauliflower was too dry for the panko to stick. Also, I usually add more breadcrumbs after adding the hot sauce just to make sure they are coated well. Glad you liked the flavor and the ranch! Check out my Baked Cauliflower Tacos too – they are crispy and delicious! (And basically foolproof!).
Jordan says
Can coconut oil be used instead of olive oil? I’ve just run out of olive oil and won’t be able to go get someuntil the morning.
Jenn S. says
Yes, that would work! Enjoy!
Katie says
Hi! I was wondering how long these keep for? I want to make them and bring them over to a friend’s house and I’m wondering how long they stay good for. Maybe I should do the final cooking step at their house…?
Jenn S. says
Hi, Katie. They are best straight from the oven. They will lose that crispy outside once you store them. Definitely do the final step at their house! Enjoy!
Ryan Houk says
Don’t know if you’re aware, but McDonald’s adds pop up all over this website. You should talk to someone about that…
Jenn S. says
The ads are served to each person differently based on their own recent online searches.
Liz says
Greetings from switzerland. ……I’m not sure what panko breadcrumbs are as we don’t have any in switzerland. …so what should I use instead? And I don’t know about the buffalo sauce never seen it around here either. …
Jenn S. says
Hi, Liz! Panko are coarse breadcrumbs. They are super crunchy. But, you could use regular breadcrumbs if you can’t find them. Or you could make your own by blitzing some bread in a food processor and baking it until crispy…just be careful not to burn it. As for Buffalo sauce, I’m not sure of an alternative to that. You could use straight BBQ sauce, but it definitely won’t have the same flavor. Buffalo sauce is a spicy, tangy sauce. Can you shop on Amazon? Or are the shipping fees outrageous to Switzerland?
Amy Katz from Veggies Save The Day says
I can’t wait to try your recipe, Jenn! It’s different from the one I usually make, and sounds a lot easier!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Amy! This is definitely the lazy man’s version, but it tastes just as good! Hope you love it!
Holley says
Love this recipe so much! My carnivore boyfriend asks me to make them at least once a week so I would say it’s a hit in my house. Definitely learned not to use any soy milk in my cheater ranch though– the tofutti “better than sour cream” makes it way too runny for any more liquid. Letting it thicken up and the flavors sit overnight seems to make it perfect. Thanks for the amazing recipe!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Holly! I’m so glad you guys like it. I need to revisit the ranch and work out the kinks as many have said theirs is runny. Glad it thickens up over night, but I think I need a quicker method. LOL! Thanks so much for your feedback!
Barbara says
I made my own vegan sour cream with raw cashews, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, sea salt, and water, then made the rest of ranch recipe, and together was VEGANlicious!!! Perfect consistency and I added a bit more olive oil to the cauliflower and used large container to shake it up in and the Pablo worked perfectly! Thank you for the recipe!
Jenn S. says
That’s so great to hear, Barbara! You homemade sour cream sounds amazing! Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know how they turned out. I just bought more cauliflower this weekend and I plan on making them again too. Can’t get enough! 🙂
Tiffany says
Mine aren’t crispy!! What did I do wrong? 🙁
Jenn S. says
Hi, Tiffany. Did you add more breading after you added the buffalo sauce? It’s the breadcrumbs that should get crispy, not the cauliflower necessarily. If you did that and it still didn’t turn out, it might have just needed more time in the oven. Every oven is different unfortunately. Thanks for trying them. I hope you liked the flavor!
Tiffany Sonterre says
Hey, they were still delicious! When I tossed them with buffalo sauce and extra breadcrumbs, they just made a paste and didn’t stick :/
I’ll try again sometime.
Jenn S. says
Oh, boo! And you used the Panko breadcrumbs, not regular breadcrumbs? Maybe after you add the sauce, put them back on the baking sheet and then sprinkle more Panko. Glad they tasted good, though!
susan says
Love it very much, I’m not sure if I did something wrong.
They weren’t crispy and my dressing was all liquidity.
Jenn S. says
Hi, Susan! I’ve had 1 or 2 other people tell me their dressing was too liquidy too. I think it must be the difference in brands of vegan sour cream. I honestly don’t remember which one I used. Next time, start with 2 tbsp of soy milk and work up from there until you get the consistency you like. I’m going to change the recipe to note that as well. As for the crispiness – the cauliflower florets won’t be crispy, but the breading should be. Was your breading crispy? If not, maybe you just need a few more minutes in the oven. I’m glad you liked the flavor though. Thanks so much for your feedback!
Katherine says
My ranch dip was very runny too but I added corn starch and it became much thicker!
Jenn S. says
Glad you got it to work out, Katherine! Thanks for the tip!
isha says
hi, if i want to use eggs instead of olive oil to make the breadcrumbs stick will that work? like coat the cauliflower in beaten eggs and then coat them in the breadcrumbs and bake? im not vegan and dont mind using eggs
Jenn S. says
Hi, Isha. I’m sure that would work…like a traditional breading. Enjoy!
Ann Kinder says
Loved this recipe so much! I used a finer bread crumb and they stuck like a charm. Also, I substituted greek yogurt for veggie sour cream (couldn’t find any at the regular grocer), and I added a little more yogurt to thicken the ranch. It was great! I’ll definitely be making this again! Thank you!
Jenn S. says
Oh, that’s so great to hear, Ann!! Thank you so much for stopping by and giving your feedback. I’m so happy that you loved it! Greek yogurt sounds like an excellent sub for those that don’t mind dairy. Thanks! Have a great week!
Cameron says
Hi Ann! What bread crumb did you use? I usually use panko but like others that I’ve seen post, mine don’t always stick. Seems like a finer crumb would work great! I can’t wait to try this!
Jenn S. says
Hi, Cameron. You can pulse your panko in a food processor (or coffee grinder) a few times if you want to make them finer. I hope you enjoy!
Miley says
Was so excited to try this only to be disappointed. The panko did not stick, they did not crisp up. I’d rather broil naked cauliflower and just put buffalo sauce on it. Very bummed. Loved the idea.
Jenn S. says
Oh bummer, Miley! I’m sorry it didn’t work out for you. Not sure what went wrong as I’ve made them numerous times as have many readers and they always turn out. But, broiled cauliflower with buffalo sauce would be great too.
Trish says
Im excited! (I know im sad)… I’m going to make these tonight, will let you know how it goes ?
Jenn S. says
Not sad at all! I hope you love them. Please come back and let me know how they turn out!
Jessica says
I just made these and I do not know what happened but they turned out soggy! I think it might have been too much EVOO. When i went to mix the cauliflower with the buffalo sauce all of the panko breadcrumbs came off and stuck to the bottom of the bowl. They did not get crispier either as I baked them for the last 15 minutes. Luckily I love anything buffalo so they still tasted great just had to use a fork instead of my fingers!
Jenn S. says
Oh man, Jessica, that’s too bad! I’m sorry it didn’t work out. It could be you oven temp is quite a bit different than mine. Maybe try baking them at a higher temp next time…and maybe even a little longer…before mixing with the sauce?? I’m glad you loved the flavor though!
Aly says
Yeah I don’t get the ranch recipe… half cup of veg milk and half a cup of veg sour cream gave me ranch soup. Went back and read the recipe several times as i thought i mustve missed something, but didnt. Had to throw it away and remade it without the soy milk.
Jenn S. says
Sorry the ranch didn’t work out for you, Aly. Probably a difference in brands…I wish I remembered which ones I used. But, I’m glad you were able to make it work the second time by adjusting. Hope you liked the cauliflower!
nicoleanndawson says
My least favorite thing about most cauli wings is the batter and mess involved. I’ll be doing this next time! Thanks for sharing.
Jenn S. says
So much easier this way! Thanks, Nicole!
Cadry's Kitchen says
These buffalo cauliflower bites look so delicious! Like you, I’m not always in the mood for the time, effort, and mess of breading something. What a great alternative! And I bet the panko makes the cauliflower extra crispy.
Jenn S. says
Yes! Gotta love panko! Thanks, Cadry!
Alex says
freshly out off cauliflower had you ever tried broccoli ? i’ ll let you know what it gives and for sure cauliflower is next on the list XD Thank you again looks wow
Jenn S. says
I have not tried broccoli, Alex. I can’t wait to hear how it turns out! I do love crispy roasted broccoli.
Alex says
Well it is done and what can i say except DIVINE WOW YUMMY .I ll definetly try it with cauliflower and if the taste is at least this good well SCOREEE
Thank you again Jenn loved every single bite
Lucie says
I’ve always been a cauliflower lover but you might have just turned that love into obsession Jenn <3 such an amazing appetizer!!! And that sauce!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Lucie! It is quite addictive!!
Linda @ Veganosity says
Drooling! Holy crap those look good. I just bought a head of yellow cauliflower. Making these!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Linda!! I am not ashamed to say I have eaten an ENTIRE batch myself in the past. Super addictive!! Can’t wait to hear what you think!
KC the Kitchen Chopper says
This cauliflower snack sounds super yummy. I’ll have to go easy on the heat ’cause of The Hubby. But we both love roasted cauliflower. This takes it to a new level. I’ll have to try that dip too!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, KC! You can certainly use less hot sauce. Or even just serve it on the side and you can dunk your pieces. 🙂
veggiesdontbite says
I love crispy cauliflower of all kinds! These look especially delish, well buffalo sooooo drool! Have I commented on this before? I must have seen this because it screams my name!
Jenn S. says
LOL, thanks, Sophia! Crispy cauliflower is the best!
Becky says
Oh my goodness, these look so good! I love Buffalo cauliflower, but it’s so hard to get it nice and crispy without frying!
Jenn S. says
The panic definitely helps with the crispy! You will LOVE these!! Thanks, Becky!
Cecilie @A Story of Freedom says
These cauliflower “wings” look so delicious!
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Cecilie! Enjoy!
Sina @ Vegan Heaven says
These look amazing, Jenn! Can’t wait to give them a try! 🙂 And that sauce!! YUM!
Jenn S. says
Thank you, Sina! They are super addictive!
Arman @ thebigmansworld says
These were amazing, Jenn. Left the most epic burning sensation too (erm….due to consumption with beer).
Jenn S. says
Hey, I can’t control what you consume with it…but I would guess it was probably worth it anyway. LOL Thanks, Arman! So happy to hear you loved them!
alisamarie says
These are just so darn cute and they sound delicious! I’ve never thought to bread cauliflower.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Alisa! Steamed and breaded cauliflower was a staple growing up. My dad I would drizzle malt vinegar over it. OMG, soooo good! Now, I would use balsamic.
alisamarie says
Now that’s an interesting family recipe tradition!
Jenn S. says
HaHa! I guess it seems a little odd looking back on it, but I loved it as a kid and I still do!! 🙂
Becky says
Love this no-mess breading trick. I’m definitely going to try these! Maybe I can get my toddler to reconsider his stance on cauliflower.
Jenn S. says
Thanks, Becky! They are quite spicy if you use the buffalo sauce. My kids tend to like spicy, but just a fair warning in case yours doesn’t. 🙂 Enjoy!
Bianca says
These look amazing! So, so, so good! I love the cheater vegan ranch dip – haha, sometimes it has to be quick and easy so this one would be perfect for those times!
Jenn S. says
Yes, totally! I don’t usually take the cheat way, but sometimes you just gotta do it! Thanks, Bianca! Please let me know if you try them!
The vegan 8 says
These look wonderful and so crispy!! I don’t like cauliflower (weirdo I know!), but these would change that, the texture looks spot on! Love that dipping ranch too!
Jenn S. says
What? First bananas, now cauliflower!! The horror! LOL! They are quite addictive is you ask me!! Thanks, Brandi!
mannaxc says
I just made this and am in awe. It’s so good. Finally a replacement for wings.
Jenn S. says
I’m so glad you loved it! Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know! Enjoy!