Baked Crispy Cauliflower (with BBQ or Buffalo Sauce)

 

Baked Crispy Cauliflower (With BBQ or Buffalo Sauce) — The Ultimate Plant-Based Snack! 🌱🔥

Looking for a guilt-free snack that hits the crispy, saucy, addictive sweet spot without the fryer? Say hello to your new favorite appetizer, side dish, or meatless main: Baked Crispy Cauliflower — tossed in your choice of BBQ or Buffalo sauce.

It’s everything you love about wings, minus the meat, the mess, and the grease.

Whether you're vegan, vegetarian, or just cauliflower-curious, this recipe delivers that crunchy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside goodness that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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🛒 Ingredients

For the cauliflower:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)

• ¾ cup plant-based milk (or regular milk)

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for maximum crispiness)

• Cooking spray or oil

For the sauce (choose your flavor):

• Buffalo: ½ cup buffalo hot sauce + 2 tbsp melted vegan butter (or regular)

• BBQ: ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce

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🔥 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make the batter: In a large bowl, whisk together flour, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Dip & coat: Toss the cauliflower florets in the batter until well-coated. Then, roll each floret in panko breadcrumbs to coat completely.

4. Bake 'til crispy: Arrange the florets in a single layer on the baking sheet. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.
   Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

5. Sauce it up: Remove cauliflower from the oven. Toss gently with your chosen sauce (Buffalo or BBQ) in a bowl.

6. Bake again (optional but awesome): Return sauced florets to the oven and bake another 10 minutes for that sticky, caramelized finish.

7. Serve hot with your favorite dip: ranch, vegan ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even plain old ketchup!

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💡 Tips for Perfect Crispy Cauliflower

• Don’t overcrowd the pan – give each floret room to crisp up.

• Want it spicier? Add a dash of cayenne to the batter or go full fire with extra hot Buffalo sauce.

• Make it gluten-free by using almond flour and GF panko breadcrumbs.

• Add honey or maple syrup to BBQ sauce for a sweet twist!

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🍽️ How to Serve It

• As a party appetizer with dipping sauces

• Tucked into tacos or wraps with slaw

• Served over rice or salad for a nourishing bowl

• As a healthy game day snack everyone can enjoy

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✅ Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔️ Baked — not fried
✔️ Crispy, saucy, and totally satisfying
✔️ Easy to customize
✔️ Vegan & vegetarian-friendly
✔️ Done in under an hour

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📝 Final Thoughts

This Baked Crispy Cauliflower recipe proves that plant-based food can be just as crave-worthy as traditional comfort food. Whether you're going for tangy Buffalo heat or smoky-sweet BBQ vibes, this dish brings bold flavor and satisfying crunch — no deep fryer required.

Once you try it, you might just ditch the chicken wings for good. 💁‍♀️