Vegan BBQ Cauliflower Wings Ranch (Printable version)

Oven-baked cauliflower florets tossed in smoky BBQ and paired with a creamy vegan ranch — a crowd-pleasing snack.

# Ingredient List:

→ Cauliflower wings

01 - 1 large head cauliflower, separated into bite-sized florets
02 - 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 1 tablespoon cornstarch
04 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
08 - 3/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk (almond, soy, or oat)
09 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

→ BBQ glaze

10 - 3/4 cup vegan BBQ sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon maple syrup (optional)

→ Vegan ranch dip

12 - 1/2 cup vegan mayonnaise
13 - 1/4 cup unsweetened plant-based milk
14 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
15 - 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
16 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
17 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
18 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
19 - 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (or 1 teaspoon dried)
20 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place an oven rack in the upper-middle position and preheat oven to 425°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually whisk in the plant-based milk until a smooth, slightly thick batter forms.
03 - Working with a few florets at a time, dip each piece into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then press into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Arrange coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without crowding.
04 - Bake the coated florets for 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to promote even browning and crisping.
05 - While the florets bake, combine the vegan BBQ sauce and maple syrup in a small bowl and stir until smooth.
06 - Remove the tray from the oven. Using tongs, toss each floret in the BBQ glaze until well coated, return them to the sheet in a single layer, and bake an additional 12 to 15 minutes until sauce is caramelized and edges are crisp.
07 - While the glazed florets finish, whisk together vegan mayonnaise, plant-based milk, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, dill, chives, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Let the wings rest for a couple of minutes on the baking sheet, then transfer to a platter. Serve hot with the vegan ranch dip and optional celery and carrot sticks.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It’s the kind of snack that disappears shockingly fast so always make a little extra for yourself.
  • The homemade vegan ranch dip is creamy enough to trick anyone into thinking it’s the real deal.
02 -
  • Don’t skip the second bake after glazing – it’s the secret to getting that sticky, crispy crust instead of a soggy bite.
  • Let the ranch chill in the fridge for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld—it transforms from good to amazing.
03 -
  • Don’t overcrowd your pan—wings need room to stay crisp, not steam.
  • For even more crunch, toast panko breadcrumbs in the oven before coating the florets.
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