Vegan Cauliflower "Wings" Make the Perfect Party Snack

by Teresa Merelman, Broker 09/11/2024

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

Teresa Merelman, Broker

Teresa's beginnings were at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. She was child #5 of 8 and born into an Air Force family that moved all over the United States but usually ended up back in the Washington, D.C. area. Teresa attended Miami University in Oxford, Ohio and received her bachelor's degree in business from George Mason University, in Fairfax, Virginia. Some of her prior careers include: computer buyer in Fairfax, Virginia; Deputy Clerk at the U.S. District Court in Denver, Colorado; Police Officer in Steamboat Springs, Colorado; and Bed & Breakfast owner in Stowe, Vermont. Teresa obtained her license as a Realtor® in 1998. She has been through many ups and downs in this profession and continues to learn every day. She very much enjoys the real estate profession and the wonderful people she has met and assisted along the way. In order to serve her clients and customers, Teresa continually attends classes and seminars. Some of her Designations and Certifications include:

ABR - Accredited Buyer Representative (2003)
CBR - Certified Buyer Representative (2000)
e-PRO - Internet Certified Professional (2001)
CNHS - Certified New Home Specialist (2005)
CRS - Certified Residential Specialist (2005)
AHS - Accredited Home-Stager Specialist (2008)
TRC - Transaction Referral Certification (2009)
RSPS - Resort and Second Home Specialist (2009)
GREEN - NAR's Green Designation (2009)
SFR - Short Sales & Foreclosures Certification (2009)
SRES - Senior Real Estate Specialist Designation (2012)
AHWD - At Home With Diversity (2021)
SRS - Seller Representative Specialist (2021)

Teresa has also served and continues to serve on several boards:

Lamoille Area Board of Realtors - President and Board of Directors
Vermont Association of Realtors - Board of Directors
NEREN (MLS) - Board of Directors and Shareholder
Vermont Real Estate Commission - as a member of VAR's Liaison Committee
Stowe Vibrancy - Board of Directors - this is a volunteer group that promotes activities in the Village of Stowe

In 2007, Teresa was named Vermont Realtor of the Year.Teresa and her husband, a local attorney, moved to Stowe in 1987. They had two sons and Stowe has been their home for the past 36 years. She still feels the Stowe area is a wonderful place to raise a family, there's always something going on. Teresa can often be found behind the lens of her camera documenting the beauty of the area and its many events.As an update, Teresa's older son is now a Doctor/resident at the University of New Mexico's Emergency Management Program. Her younger son graduated from James Mason University and currently resides in Chicago, IL as a supervisor for OKTA.