Easy Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole for a Flavorful Meal

Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole is the perfect dish for vegans, healthy eaters, and home cooks looking to add a little spice to their diet. This zesty and flavorful casserole combines the comforting texture of cauliflower with the bold taste of buffalo sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser at any gathering.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

• 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat milk)
• 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
• 1/4 cup cornstarch or arrowroot powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Buffalo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup hot sauce (such as Frank's RedHot)
• 1/4 cup vegan butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Optional Toppings:

• Chopped green onions
• Fresh parsley
• Vegan ranch dressing

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
3. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 5 minutes until slightly tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the plant-based milk, nutritional yeast, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth. This will create a creamy base for your casserole.
2. In another bowl, combine the hot sauce, melted vegan butter, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Adjust the heat level by adding more or less hot sauce according to your taste preference.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. Spread half of the cauliflower florets evenly in the baking dish.
3. Pour half of the creamy sauce mixture over the cauliflower, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
4. Layer the remaining cauliflower on top and pour the rest of the creamy sauce over it.
5. Drizzle the buffalo sauce evenly over the entire casserole.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

1. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
2. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
3. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
4. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh parsley, and a drizzle of vegan ranch dressing if desired.

Health Benefits

Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits:

• Cauliflower is low in calories and high in vitamins C, K, and B6, fiber, and antioxidants.
• Nutritional yeast is a great source of protein, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and selenium.
• Vegan butter and plant-based milk provide healthy fats and are suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.

Conclusion

We hope you love this Buffalo Cauliflower Casserole as much as we do! It's a spicy, tangy, and incredibly satisfying dish that fits perfectly into a vegan or healthy diet. Give it a try and share your experience in the comments below. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos on social media!

Final Tip: For an extra crispy topping, sprinkle some panko breadcrumbs over the casserole before baking. Enjoy!