Delicious Homemade Buffalo Cauliflower Sliders

Recipe Overview

If you’re searching for a mouthwatering and easy Buffalo cauliflower sliders recipe that satisfies your craving for spicy, crispy goodness, you’ve come to the right place! These sliders make an incredible vegetarian and vegan-friendly alternative to traditional Buffalo chicken sliders. Originating from the beloved Buffalo wing recipe, these sliders serve up big flavor without the meat, making them perfect for both veggie lovers and the health-conscious. You will love the contrast of the tender cauliflower with the zesty Buffalo sauce, all sandwiched between soft slider rolls.

Are you ready to impress your friends at your next gathering, or just want to whip up something fun for dinner? These homemade Buffalo cauliflower sliders from scratch are not only simple to prepare, but they are also packed with flavor. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, you can enjoy this scrumptious vegan Buffalo cauliflower sliders recipe in no time!

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Serving Size: Serves 4

Ingredients

For the Buffalo Cauliflower:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
• 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (substitute with regular milk if preferred)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank’s RedHot)
• 4 tablespoons vegan butter or regular butter
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)

For Assembly:

• 12 small slider buns (whole wheat or gluten-free)
• Lettuce or shredded cabbage for topping
• Vegan ranch dressing or your favorite condiment (optional)

Ingredient Swaps/Substitutions

• Use almond milk instead of whole milk for a dairy-free option.
• For low-carb options, you can substitute cauliflower rings instead of slider buns.
• Try adding spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick in the batter.

Equipment List

• Baking sheet
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Pastry brush (optional)
• Large saucepan for making the sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F (232°C). This high temperature will help achieve that crispy texture you desire for your Buffalo cauliflower sliders.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower: Rinse and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, about 1-2 inches long. Make sure they’re evenly sized to ensure thorough cooking.
3. Make the Batter: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Gradually whisk in the almond milk until the mixture is smooth and lump-free.
4. Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring they are completely coated. Allow excess batter to drip off and place the coated florets onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Bake the Cauliflower: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the edges are crispy and golden. You may want to flip the florets halfway through for even browning.
6. Prepare the Buffalo Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, melt the vegan butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add the hot sauce and apple cider vinegar, stirring until combined. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.
7. Combine Cauliflower and Sauce: After the florets are done baking, remove them from the oven. Transfer the crispy cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and pour the Buffalo sauce over the top. Toss gently to ensure each piece is coated in the sauce, allowing the spicy flavor to permeate.
8. Assemble the Sliders: Take a slider bun and fill it with some of the saucy cauliflower. Top with lettuce or shredded cabbage and a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing if desired. Place the top bun on and press down gently to secure.
9. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately while they’re warm and crispy. These sliders are perfect for game day, parties, or a casual dinner!

Special Notes

For best results, enjoy your sliders the same day. However, leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the sliders in an oven preheated to 350°F (176°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.

If the Buffalo sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk until the desired consistency is achieved.

Variations and Customizations

• Gluten-Free: Easily make this recipe gluten-free by using a gluten-free all-purpose flour.
• Vegan Option: This entire recipe is vegan-friendly; just be sure to use vegan butter and your favorite plant-based milk.
• Low-Carb: Substitute the slider buns with cucumber slices or lettuce wraps for a fresh, low-carb version of the dish.
• Flavor Boost: For added flavors, consider toppings like avocado slices, pickled jalapeños, or a sprinkling of blue cheese crumble (or dairy-free alternative).

Nutritional Information

Estimated per serving (2 sliders): 300 calories, 10g protein, 15g fat, 32g carbs, 6g fiber.

Engaging Visual Details

As you prepare this Buffalo cauliflower sliders recipe, notice how the colors of the ingredients come together—vibrant orange from the Buffalo sauce, snowy white cauliflower, and crisp greens from the lettuce. After baking, the cauliflower should be golden-brown, with that glorious, spicy red glaze sticking to each piece. The aroma of the hot sauce mingled with the buttery notes will have everyone in the house flocking to the kitchen. Don’t forget to capture those Instagram-worthy shots just before serving!

Conclusion

Now that you have a delicious and satisfying recipe for homemade Buffalo cauliflower sliders, it’s time to put on your apron and get cooking! Whether you’re hosting a party, enjoying a casual lunch, or just treating yourself to something special, these sliders are bound to impress. Don’t forget to leave a comment below if you tried this recipe or share your version on Instagram and tag us with MyDeliciousDish. Happy cooking!