Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe Lazy Vegan Made Easy and Tasty

Updated On: October 7, 2025

If you’re looking for a delicious, spicy snack or appetizer that’s completely plant-based and requires minimal effort, this Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe is your new go-to. Perfect for lazy vegans or anyone craving that iconic buffalo wing flavor without the fuss, this recipe transforms simple cauliflower into fiery, crispy bites that pack a punch.

Whether you’re hosting a game day party, need a quick weeknight snack, or just want to spice up your vegetable intake, these buffalo cauliflower bites deliver on flavor and texture. They’re easy to prepare, require just a handful of ingredients, and bake up beautifully without any deep-frying.

Plus, they’re gluten-free and oil-free if you choose, making them as healthy as they are tasty.

Get ready to enjoy a mouthwatering, guilt-free snack that even meat-eaters will love. Let’s dive into how to make these irresistible buffalo cauliflower bites the lazy vegan way!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is perfect for those who want big flavor with minimal time and effort. Here’s why it’s a winner:

  • Simple ingredients: No fancy or hard-to-find items needed, just everyday pantry staples.
  • Quick prep and bake: No frying or complicated battering, just toss, bake, and sauce!
  • Customizable heat: Adjust the buffalo sauce spiciness to suit your taste buds.
  • Great texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, just like classic buffalo wings.
  • Perfect for sharing: Great for parties, game days, or a fun family snack.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for GF option)
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat, or your favorite)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup vegan buffalo sauce (store-bought or homemade – see notes below)
  • 1 tbsp vegan butter, melted (optional for extra richness)
  • Fresh parsley or chives, chopped for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • Baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Small saucepan (if making homemade buffalo sauce)
  • Tongs or spatula for tossing
  • Serving platter or plate

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
  2. Prepare the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. The batter should be thick enough to coat the cauliflower but still pourable.
  3. Coat the cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then place it onto the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the florets evenly so they don’t touch to ensure crispiness.
  4. Bake the cauliflower: Place the tray in the oven and bake for 20 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through. This initial bake firms up the batter coating.
  5. Make the buffalo sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, gently warm the vegan buffalo sauce with melted vegan butter in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir to combine and set aside.
  6. Toss the baked cauliflower: After 20 minutes, carefully transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl. Pour the warm buffalo sauce over and toss gently with tongs or a spatula until all pieces are evenly coated.
  7. Return to the oven: Place the coated florets back on the baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the sauce thickens and the edges become crispy.
  8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives on top for a fresh touch. Serve immediately with vegan ranch or blue cheese dressing if desired.

Tips & Variations

Pro tip: For extra crispiness, sprinkle a tablespoon of cornstarch into the batter mix before coating the cauliflower.

You can swap out the buffalo sauce for other spicy sauces like a Cajun wing sauce or even a sweet and sour glaze for a different flavor profile.

To make this recipe oil-free, skip the melted vegan butter in the sauce. The buffalo sauce alone will still provide plenty of flavor.

Try air frying the coated cauliflower at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for a crispy, lower-fat alternative.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per serving (6 florets)
Calories 140 kcal
Carbohydrates 22 g
Protein 4 g
Fat 3.5 g
Fiber 3 g
Sodium 450 mg

Serving Suggestions

Buffalo cauliflower bites are incredibly versatile. Serve them as:

  • A spicy appetizer alongside celery sticks and vegan ranch or blue cheese dip
  • A flavorful topping for vegan tacos or wraps
  • A protein-packed snack with a side salad for a light lunch
  • A game day favorite paired with fries or chips
  • An exciting addition to a vegan party platter featuring other snacks like Low Fodmap Appetizer Recipes or Harvest Hash Recipe

Conclusion

This lazy vegan buffalo cauliflower recipe proves that you don’t need hours in the kitchen or complicated ingredients to create a mouthwatering, spicy snack. With just a few simple steps and pantry staples, you can enjoy crispy, flavorful bites that satisfy your buffalo wing cravings without the animal products or deep frying.

This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual get-togethers, or whenever you want a delicious plant-based treat with minimal fuss.

By making it yourself, you can control the spice level and ingredients, ensuring a healthier and more customizable snack. Plus, it’s a fun way to introduce more veggies into your diet!

If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out other tasty dishes like Cajun Ranch Wing Sauce Recipe for more flavorful vegan wings or our Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Arugula Recipe for a refreshing pasta twist.

Happy cooking and enjoy your spicy bites!

📖 Recipe Card: Buffalo Cauliflower Recipe Lazy Vegan

Description: A quick and easy vegan buffalo cauliflower that’s perfect for a spicy snack or appetizer. Minimal ingredients and fuss, delivering maximum flavor.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup vegan buffalo sauce
  • 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted
  • Cooking spray or oil for greasing

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and salt to make a batter.
  3. Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, coating well, then place on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake for 20 minutes until edges start to crisp.
  5. Mix buffalo sauce with melted vegan butter in a large bowl.
  6. Toss baked cauliflower in buffalo sauce mixture until evenly coated.
  7. Return cauliflower to baking sheet and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with vegan ranch or celery sticks.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 5g | Fat: 7g | Carbs: 25g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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