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In recent years, plant-based diets have surged in popularity, driven by a growing awareness of health, environmental sustainability, and ethical eating. As more people seek alternatives to traditional meat-based meals, the culinary world has responded with innovative recipes that satisfy both the palate and dietary needs. One such standout dish is the Mini BBQ Cauliflower Slider Buns, an enticing option that caters to vegetarians, vegans, and those following gluten-free diets. These sliders not only pack a flavorful punch but also provide a satisfying and nutritious meal that can easily become the star of any gathering, family dinner, or casual snack time.

Mini BBQ Cauliflower Slider Buns

Discover the delightful world of Mini BBQ Cauliflower Slider Buns, a delicious plant-based alternative that’s perfect for any gathering or snack time. These sliders leverage the versatility of cauliflower, offering a nutritious and flavorful option for vegetarians and vegans alike. With simple ingredients like mozzarella, almond flour, and spices, you can create satisfying slider buns that appeal to everyone. Enjoy a healthy twist on a classic favorite and impress your guests with this innovative recipe!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into small florets

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or plant-based cheese for a dairy-free option)

1/2 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)

2 large eggs (or flax eggs for a vegan alternative)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup BBQ sauce (select your favorite; a smoky or spicy version complements the dish well)

Optional toppings: sliced pickles, coleslaw, or sliced jalapeños

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

    Steam the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a steamer basket over boiling water and steam for about 6-8 minutes or until tender. Once done, allow the florets to cool slightly. To remove excess moisture, transfer them to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze firmly until as much liquid as possible is extracted.

      Combine the Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, mozzarella cheese, almond flour, eggs (or flax eggs), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated into a cohesive mixture.

        Shape the Buns: With your hands, take portions of the mixture and mold them into small patties roughly 2 inches in diameter. Place each patty evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. You should be able to form around 10-12 slider patties.

          Bake the Sliders: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the patties for 20-25 minutes. Be sure to flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides, creating a golden crust.

            Heat the BBQ Sauce: While the sliders bake, pour the BBQ sauce into a saucepan and heat it over medium heat until warmed. Feel free to add any additional spices or ingredients to enhance the flavor, such as hot sauce, honey, or garlic.

              Assemble the Sliders: Once the slider patties are fully baked, remove them from the oven. For each bun, place a slider patty on the bottom half, generously drizzle BBQ sauce over it, and add any desired toppings like pickles, coleslaw, or sliced jalapeños. Cap each slider with the top half of the bun.

                Serve and Enjoy: These Mini BBQ Cauliflower Slider Buns are best served warm. Consider placing extra BBQ sauce on the side for dipping, enhancing the dining experience.

                  Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins | 10-12 sliders