Vegan Cauliflower "Wings" Make the Perfect Party Snack

by Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS® 05/28/2023

Buffalo chicken wings are a classic party snack for any occasion. However, if you prefer a meatless alternative, cauliflower floret “wings” are the perfect option. This spicy and savory snack is simple to make and a vegan and vegetarian favorite. Here’s everything you need to know for making your own cauliflower wings:

Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower

3/4 cup all-purpose flour

1 tbsp garlic powder

1 tbsp onion powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 cup Frank’s Red Hot or other vegan-friendly buffalo sauce

1 tbsp of vegan butter

1 tbsp pure maple syrup or agave

How to Make Cauliflower Wings

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees. Add a piece of parchment paper to the baking sheet and top with some oil or cooking spray.
Chop up the cauliflower into bite-sized pieces. The simplest way to do this is to cut the head in half and trim the individual florets from the main stalk.
Combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and water in a large mixing bowl. Whisk the mixture together until it’s smooth.
Add the cauliflower. Make sure each piece gets an even coat of batter.
Remove each piece of cauliflower and shake off the excess batter into the bowl before placing on the baking sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes and then flip. Bake on the other side for about 15 minutes.
Prepare the hot sauce mixture in a small saucepan. Melt the butter over medium heat, add hot sauce and your choice of sweetener. Stir until combined and set aside while the cauliflower finishes baking.
Once the cauliflower is crispy, take them out of the oven and put them in a mixing bowl. Add the sauce mixture and combine. Serve right away or put them back in the oven for extra crispiness.

If you’re not worried about animal products, traditional ranch and blue cheese dressings are delicious and creamy dipping options. Otherwise, these vegan-friendly buffalo “wings” go perfectly with vegan versions of ranch or blue cheese.

This recipe also works well with gluten-free flour if you prefer. You can substitute any sauce to make a variety of “wing” flavors like BBQ, teriyaki or chipotle lime. Serve with some fresh veggies and you have the perfect balance of spice and refreshment in the same excellent party snack.

About the Author

Bill and Aby Brooks, REALTORS®

Aby’s understanding of excellent customer service stems from her extensive professional background. Prior to earning her real estate license in 2005, along with her college degree that focuses on business and engineering, Aby was the head of purchasing, inventory and quality assurance for an OEM medical and aerospace manufacturing company. Known by her clients and fellow realtors for her tenacity, honesty, integrity, and attention to detail, as a full-time realtor, she is also appreciated for her quick response to her client’s needs. Aby has been an avid horse rider and owner since the age of eight, with her husband Billas a local firefighter/EMT they are very active within the community. Bill served as a US Army Airborne Ranger in 75th Ranger Regiment, he is a combat-wounded veteran who was awarded a Purple Heart. Bill's background as facility Manager for an International metals company and as a firefighter/EMT gives him the experience, attention to detail and the desire to go above and beyond to serve his customers. The Brooks' serve on the board of a local non-profit (501c3) that gives back to the veterans, first responders and their families. The Brooks family resides on their small ranch in Manatee County. Aby& Bill excel in all types of real estate and their passion is helping people. “We genuinely like people, growing up in Sarasota and Manatee counties and now raising our own family here, it is an absolute pleasure to share our growing area with newcomers and reminisce with longtime residents. Our area has so much to offer and it is our business to help folks buy and sell their own piece of paradise.”