Vegetarian Buffalo Bites with Black Pepper Cheesy Crunch are a delicious and spicy treat. These flavorful bites are perfect for parties or as a snack while watching a game. Cauliflower florets are transformed into crispy bites, coated with buffalo sauce and a cheesy, crunchy topping.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great way to enjoy a spicy snack without meat. It’s easy to make and brings a fun twist to traditional buffalo wings. Plus, it’s a healthier option that everyone can enjoy, including vegetarians. With flavors like garlic, onion, and smoked paprika, these bites are so tasty that you won’t miss the meat.
How to Make Vegetarian Buffalo Bites with Black Pepper Cheesy Crunch
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower (about 2-2.5 lbs), washed, dried, and cut into bite-sized florets of roughly uniform size
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup whole milk (or buttermilk for extra tang)
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (do not use the pre-grated kind in a shaker can)
- 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
- 1 ½ teaspoons freshly cracked coarse black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup of your favorite buffalo sauce (like Frank’s RedHot Buffalo Wings Sauce)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Directions
Step 1: Preparation is Key
Start by preheating your oven to 450°F (232°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Make the Wet Batter
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth.
Step 3: Prepare the Black Pepper Cheesy Crunch
In another bowl, mix together the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, nutritional yeast, black pepper, and salt.
Step 4: The Battering Process (Wet Hand, Dry Hand)
Take a cauliflower floret and dip it into the wet batter using one hand (your wet hand). Then, with your other hand (your dry hand), coat it with the cheesy crunch mixture. Place the coated floret on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process until all florets are coated.
Step 5: The First Bake
Bake the cauliflower bites for about 20 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Step 6: Sauce ‘Em Up
Remove the bites from the oven and drizzle the melted butter and buffalo sauce over them. Toss gently to coat evenly.
Step 7: The Second Bake for Final Crispiness
Return the sauced bites to the oven and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, until they are extra crispy.
How to Serve Vegetarian Buffalo Bites with Black Pepper Cheesy Crunch
Serve these tasty bites hot out of the oven. They go well with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. You can also garnish them with chopped green onions or celery sticks for a nice touch.
How to Store Vegetarian Buffalo Bites with Black Pepper Cheesy Crunch
Store leftover buffalo bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and crispy again.
Tips to Make Vegetarian Buffalo Bites with Black Pepper Cheesy Crunch
- Make sure to cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets for even cooking.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese, as pre-grated cheese does not melt the same way and won’t provide the desired crunch.
- Experiment with different flavors of buffalo sauce to find your favorite.
Variation
If you’re looking for a different flavor, you can substitute the buffalo sauce with barbecue sauce or a sweet chili sauce for a milder option.
FAQs
1. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free flour and gluten-free Panko breadcrumbs to make these bites gluten-free.
2. Can I bake the bites instead of frying them?
Yes, this recipe already calls for baking, which keeps them healthier and just as tasty!
3. How can I make these bites spicier?
To add more heat, you can mix in some cayenne pepper or use a hot buffalo sauce. Adjust to your spice preference for a fiery kick!