Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites
Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites are a deliciously healthier option for the entire family. At first glance, these beauties truly remind you of little chicken nuggets (and trust me, they taste just as good, if not better), however, they aren’t! These bites are ultra crispy and marinated in a delicious vegan ranch sauce and generously breaded. Super easy to make and whipped together in under 45 minutes. All vegan ingredients. Gluten-free option.
This post contains affiliate links + sponsored links by Primal Kitchen.
These Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites are such a big deal, ya’ll. I’m super excited to be sharing this recipe with you because it’s just so darn delicious!
Of course, we’re in the season of comfort foods + easy to make meals and this simple meal comes in real handy, especially on those days when time is of the essence.
Of course, you can always search ‘weeknight meals‘ on our site for more deliciousness.
Who is Primal Kitchen + Why Do I Use Them?
So, if you’ve ever visited my website’s shop page, then you’re aware that I love Primal Kitchen and they’re actually one of my favorite food staples.
Why Primal Kitchen’s Vegan Dressing?
In this recipe, I chose to use Primal Kitchen's Vegan Ranch Dressing as a marinade and dipping sauce to create a burst of ranch flavor. The best part? This Ranch Dressing is made without eggs. Plus, it's made with Avocado oil, ensuring that it keeps the same creamy, tangy, ranch taste you know and love!
This Vegan Ranch Dressing is Whole30 Approved, Paleo-Friendly, Keto-Friendly, and is all plant-based.
Be sure to check out my post on Instagram (#Orchidsandsweettea) about this recipe as well as the best place to locate the sauce!
What You’ll Love Most About These Bites.
They’re super easy to make.
Extra crispy on the outside + soft on the inside.
They are completely dairy-free and vegan.
Super flavorful.
A nice balance of tangy + savory.
Perfect Spring, Summer, Fall or Winter vibes—–any season!
Great as an appetizer or side.
Did I mention, it’s just delicious?
What About ‘Meatless’ Options that Include Cauliflower?
These Vegan Mango Habanero Cauliflower Bites are an awesome balance between sweet and spicy, which work perfectly together! At first glance, these bites truly remind you of boneless chicken (and trust me, they taste just as good, if not better!), however, they aren’t! Just know that your taste buds won’t be able to tell the difference either!
This Sweet + Spicy Cauliflower Bites + Maple Pecan Waffles recipe is EVERYTHING! This dish is anything but short of flavor, the waffles are fluffy, thick, and airy and the cauliflower bites comes bursting with sweet + spicy flavors from the honey-hot sauce mixture. Super easy to make and completely dairy-free.
This Easy Vegan Broccoli Alfredo Pasta is the perfect easy weekday meal or perhaps something simple for a laid-back weekend. Based with a creamy, flavorful Alfredo sauce made from cauliflower and cashews; and tossed with delicious broccoli. Completely dairy-free and vegan. Made in just 25 minutes!
Crispy Baked Sticky Orange Cauliflower Bites are a deliciously healthier option of a classic family favorite—–orange chicken. At first glance, these beauties truly remind you of orange chicken (and trust me, they taste just as good, if not better), however, they aren’t! These bites are ultra crispy and smothered in a sticky sweet orange sauce and topped with sesame seeds. Super easy to make and whipped together in under 45 minutes. All vegan ingredients. Gluten-free option.
Common Q + A’s About Cauliflower Bites.
How Do You Store Leftovers?
Honestly, these little bites are best if consumed within the same day, however, you can always store them in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Simply reheat in the oven once ready to serve for best results.
How Do You Get Them to Be So Crispy?
OK, so this is often the #1 question that I get asked. My bites are crispy because of the flour batter that they are dipped in first followed by the breadcrumbs. Be sure to always shake off excess batter and use parchment paper on your baking sheet. Once they are gently placed on your baking sheet, spray them lightly with oil spray before placing them in the oven and let them golden. They’ll crisp up very nicely! For EXTRA crispness, add ground corn flakes to breadcrumbs.
Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- ⅓ cup Primal Kitchen Vegan Ranch Dressing (See Notes!)
- 1 head of Cauliflower, chopped in medium chunks
- 2-3 cups bread crumbs, GF if needed! (See Notes!)
- ¾ cup fresh water
- ¾ cup organic all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon sea salt + black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
Other:
- Primal Kitchen Vegan Ranch Dressing
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and line your baking sheet with parchment paper. **NOTE: Doing this step is a MUST to prevent sticking.**
- In a medium bowl, add water, flour, ranch dressing, sea salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, dried parsley, red pepper flakes, and whisk together until fully combined. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, add bread crumbs and set aside also.
- Now, dip each cauliflower into batter (shaking off any excess) and then toss into bread crumbs. Then lay each cauliflower side by side on the baking sheet (about an inch apart). Repeat until all cauliflower are coated.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown and “crunchy” looking. NOTE: If not crispy enough, turn on broil and bake for another 5-10 minutes.
- To serve, add cauliflower bites to a salad, atop pasta, as a topping on pizza, with quinoa or rice, or by themselves with Vegan Ranch dipping sauce.
- Bon Appetit!
Tips & Tricks
- STORAGE: Best if consumed within the same day. Store leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in oven when ready to serve.
- HOMEMADE BREADCRUMBS: To make your own breadcrumbs, simply grind 1-2 cups of cubed bread into a food processor until finely chopped. Place crumbs onto a parchment lined baking sheet and spread out evenly. Bake for 5-6 minutes in the oven set at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, stirring occasionally. Once brown + crisp, remove from oven and let cool. Continue recipe steps and store remaining breadcrumbs in a tightly sealed container.
- PRIMAL KITCHEN VEGAN RANCH: Primal Kitchen's Vegan Ranch Dressing is a marinade and dipping sauce. The best part? This Ranch Dressing is made without eggs. Plus, it's made with Avocado oil, ensuring that it keeps the same creamy, tangy, ranch taste you know and love!
Nutrition
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Crispy Vegan Ranch Popcorn Cauliflower Bites.
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