Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’ll love these bites because they are easy to make, high in protein, and perfect for parties or meal prepping. They bring all the bold flavor of buffalo wings without any meat, making them a guilt-free indulgence that’s also gluten-free and dairy-free.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Bites:
- 1 can white beans (15 oz)
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1/4 cup vegan buffalo sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 3 tablespoons chickpea flour
For the Ranch Dressing:
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 2 tablespoons hemp hearts
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1–2 teaspoons dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2–3/4 cup water
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a baking sheet with cooking spray and set aside.
- In a food processor, pulse half the beans, shallot, and garlic until combined, about 10–15 pulses.
- Add buffalo sauce and spices, and process again until smooth.
- Pulse in the remaining beans, quinoa, and chickpea flour until just combined. Stir together to form a dough.
- Shape the dough into golf ball-sized patties and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until browned and crispy.
- Let the bites rest for 5–10 minutes after baking.
- Prepare the dressing by blending all the ranch ingredients until smooth. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve the bites with the vegan ranch dip, alongside optional carrot and celery sticks.
Servings and Timing
This recipe makes about 20 bites and takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to cook, totaling 40 minutes.
Variations
- Swap chickpea flour for almond flour for a nuttier flavor.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra freshness.
- Spice up the bites even more with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Use a different plant-based sauce for a new flavor profile, like barbecue or sriracha.
Storage/Reheating
Store the cooked quinoa bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, bake at 300°F for about 10 minutes or microwave for 30–60 seconds. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months and thaw before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of bean?
Yes, chickpeas or cannellini beans work well as a substitute.
Are these quinoa bites gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
You can mash the beans by hand and mix everything thoroughly; the texture may be a little chunkier.
Can I make these quinoa bites ahead of time?
Absolutely, you can bake them and refrigerate or freeze for later use.
How spicy are the buffalo quinoa bites?
They have a mild to medium heat, depending on the buffalo sauce used.
Can I air fry these instead of baking?
Yes, air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
What can I use instead of tahini in the ranch dressing?
You can substitute cashew butter or a plant-based yogurt.
Can I make mini versions of these bites?
Yes, you can shape them smaller for bite-sized appetizers; adjust the baking time as needed.
Is the vegan ranch dressing necessary?
It’s optional but highly recommended for added flavor and cooling contrast to the buffalo bites.
How do I keep the bites from falling apart?
Make sure not to overprocess the mixture and bake them fully to help them set.
Conclusion
Vegan Buffalo Quinoa Bites are a must-try for anyone looking for a flavorful, plant-based appetizer that’s easy to prepare and loaded with protein. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or anytime you crave that bold buffalo flavor, these bites are sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
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Vegan Buffalo Quinoa Bites & Vegan Ranch Dip
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 20 servings
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Vegan Buffalo Quinoa Bites are a spicy, protein-packed, and plant-based snack or appetizer that’s perfect for parties, meal prepping, or healthy snacking. Gluten-free, dairy-free, and served with a creamy vegan ranch dip, these bites are a flavorful alternative to traditional buffalo wings.
Ingredients
For the Bites:
1 can white beans (15 oz)
1 shallot, chopped
3 garlic cloves
1/4 cup vegan buffalo sauce
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
1 cup cooked quinoa
3 tablespoons chickpea flour
For the Ranch Dressing:
1/4 cup tahini
2 tablespoons hemp hearts
1/4 cup fresh chives
1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1–2 teaspoons dried dill
1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper
Juice of 1 lemon
1/2–3/4 cup water
Instructions
-
Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a baking sheet.
-
In a food processor, pulse half the beans, shallot, and garlic until combined.
-
Add buffalo sauce and spices; process until smooth.
-
Pulse in remaining beans, quinoa, and chickpea flour until just combined.
-
Shape into golf ball-sized patties and place on the baking sheet.
-
Bake for 30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
-
Let cool for 5–10 minutes.
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Blend ranch dressing ingredients until smooth.
-
Serve bites with vegan ranch and optional carrot and celery sticks.
Notes
Chickpea flour can be swapped with almond flour.
Add fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for extra flavor.
Adjust spice levels with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Air fry at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes for a crispier version.
Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking (or Air Fryer)
- Cuisine: American
