Step 4: Bake and Finish
- Bake the pizza: Return the assembled pizza to the oven and bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Drizzle with ranch and garnish: Once the pizza is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. If desired, drizzle vegan ranch dressing over the top of the pizza. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or basil for a pop of color and flavor.
- Slice and serve: Use a pizza cutter to slice the pizza into wedges, and serve hot. Enjoy the combination of the spicy buffalo cauliflower, creamy cheese, and the zesty ranch drizzle.
Nutrition Information (per slice, based on 8 slices):
- Calories: 240 kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Carbohydrates: 31g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
Note: Nutrition values can vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use, especially with the choice of vegan cheese and ranch dressing.
Tips for Success
- Cauliflower roasting: Roasting the cauliflower at a high temperature is key to achieving a crispy texture. Don’t skip this step, as it adds an irresistible crunch to the pizza, contrasting nicely with the soft dough and gooey cheese.
- Customizable dough: For those in a rush, you can substitute a store-bought pizza dough, but making your own dough will give you a fresher, more artisanal result. Gluten-free flours work well in this recipe if you’re looking for a gluten-free option.
- Cheese selection: The vegan mozzarella melts beautifully in this recipe, but feel free to experiment with other vegan cheeses like gouda or cheddar for a more complex flavor profile. If you prefer, you can make a homemade cashew-based cheese sauce for a creamy alternative.
- Adjust the spice: Not everyone can handle the heat! If you or your guests prefer a milder pizza, reduce the amount of buffalo sauce or mix it with a little more vegan butter to tame the spiciness.
- Meal prep option: This pizza can be prepped ahead of time. Make the dough and roast the cauliflower in advance. Store them separately in the fridge and assemble right before baking for a quick weeknight dinner. The buffalo cauliflower also makes a great side dish on its own!
- Vegan ranch dressing: If you prefer a more health-conscious option, you can make your own vegan ranch dressing using cashew cream, unsweetened plant-based milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Pizza with a crisp side salad, like a kale and avocado salad, to balance the spiciness with something fresh and light. For drinks, serve it with a chilled sparkling water infused with lemon or lime, or for a treat, a cold glass of kombucha.
This recipe offers an excellent way to satisfy pizza cravings while keeping the meal entirely plant-based and loaded with flavor. The bold buffalo cauliflower combined with creamy vegan mozzarella will make this pizza a hit at any dinner table.
