A spicy, flavorful, and satisfying vegan pizza featuring crispy buffalo cauliflower florets, creamy vegan ranch, and your favorite pizza toppings. Perfect for game day or a fun weeknight meal!
Ingredients:
- For the Cauliflower:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3/4 cup plant-based milk (almond, soy, oat)
- 1/2 cup Buffalo hot sauce (check for vegan ingredients)
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter, melted.
- For the Pizza:
- 1 pre-made pizza crust (or homemade)
- 1/2 cup vegan ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup vegan mozzarella shreds
- Optional toppings: red onion slices, green onions, fresh cilantro, vegan blue cheese crumbles.
Instructions:
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- In a large bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Gradually whisk in plant-based milk until a smooth batter forms.
- Dip cauliflower florets into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Place battered cauliflower florets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- While the cauliflower is baking, melt the vegan butter, and mix it with the hot sauce in a bowl.
- Once the cauliflower is cooked, place the cauliflower in the bowl with the hot sauce mixture, and toss until the cauliflower is coated.
- Assemble the Pizza:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place pizza crust on a baking sheet or pizza stone.
- Spread vegan ranch dressing evenly over the crust.
- Sprinkle vegan mozzarella shreds over the ranch.
- Arrange buffalo cauliflower florets over the cheese.
- Add any optional toppings, such as red onion slices.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crust is golden brown and cheese is melted.
- Finish and Serve:
- Remove pizza from oven and let it cool slightly.
- Garnish with green onions and fresh cilantro, if desired.
- If you desire vegan blue cheese crumbles, now is the time to add them.
- Slice and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy cauliflower, you can air-fry the florets instead of baking.
- Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
- Experiment with different vegan cheese varieties.
- Add other vegetables like bell peppers, or jalapenos.
- For a different crust, try using a whole wheat crust, or a gluten free crust.
- For a less messy eating experience, you can chop the cooked cauliflower into smaller pieces before placing it on the pizza.
- If you do not have vegan ranch, a garlic infused olive oil, or a vegan alfredo type sauce can be used as a base.