Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets with Spicy Maple Glaze – Vegan Thanksgiving Snack 🥦🍁
Crispy, flavorful vegan bites that bring holiday cheer to your table without the guilt!
These golden-crisped vegan tofu nuggets are the perfect festive upgrade to traditional appetizers. With a sweet-spicy maple glaze, they’re ready in 20 minutes and packed with plant-based protein for a guilt-free snack. Dip, serve, or layer these tender bites into your Thanksgiving platter!
Looking for a vegan appetizer that’s both festive and satisfying? These crispy baked tofu nuggets are your new holiday staple. The smoky-spiced coating pairs perfectly with the bold maple glaze, creating a flavor explosion that’s sure to impress even the most adventurous guests.
Perfect for those cozy Thanksgiving pre-dinner noshes or mid-meal breaks between courses, these bite-sized wonders deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort. No deep frying required – just 20 minutes in the oven for restaurant-quality crispiness.
What makes these nuggets truly special? The contrast between the crunchy exterior and tender tofu interior, plus the balance of sweet maple and fiery spices in every bite. They’re also vegan, gluten-free (with adjustments), and loaded with 10g protein per serving!
Whether you’re hosting a plant-forward holiday meal or simply adding variety to your spread, these nuggets offer a modern twist that’ll elevate your festive entertaining game.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Quick Holiday Prep
Bake in 20 minutes with no deep frying required. Perfect for last-minute holiday entertaining!
💪 High-Protein Vegan
9g protein per serving without dairy or animal products, making it the perfect holiday option for vegans and flexitarians.
🎉 Festive Appeal
The golden color and sweet-spicy flavor make these nuggets an eye-catching addition to any holiday spread.
🌟 Versatile Dipping
Comes with two glaze options – original and extra-spicy – for matching different heat preferences at the snack table.
Crispy Baked Tofu Nuggets Recipe
Vegan-friendly high-protein bites perfect for holiday platters
🛒 Ingredients
- - 2 blocks (14 oz total) firm tofu, drained
- - 1/4 cup cornstarch for coating
- - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or chickpea flour
- - 1 tsp nutritional yeast for extra umami
- - 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- - 1 tsp garlic powder
- - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- - 1 tsp salt
- - 1 tbsp olive oil or vegan butter for coating
- - 2 tbsp maple syrup
- - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- - 1 tsp liquid smoke
- - 1 tbsp chili flakes (optional)
👨🍳 Instructions
Press the Tofu
Wrap tofu blocks in paper towels, place on a plate, cover with more paper towels, and add a heavy can or book. Press for 15-30 minutes until firm to the touch.
💡 Use a tofu press for faster results
Crush Tofu
Cut pressed tofu into 1" cubes. In a bowl, mash cubes with 1/2 tsp salt. Let sit while you prepare glaze.
💡 Add a splash of water if mixing becomes too dry
Mix Flavor Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine cornstarch, flour, nutritional yeast, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and 1/2 tsp pepper.
💡 For gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce
Add Moist Ingredients
Add olive oil, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, and liquid smoke to the dry mixture. Mix to form a thick paste.
💡 Adjust sweetness or heat according to personal taste
Coat and Bake
Add the crushed tofu to the bowl. Toss until all pieces are fully coated. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and flatten to 1" thick. Bake at 400°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crunchy.
💡 For extra crispiness, broil for final 2 minutes
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Tofu
Use extra-firm for maximum texture contrast. Silken tofu won't achieve the same crispy results.
Substitutions: Tempeh cubes
Maple Syrup
Provides natural sweetness and caramelized color during baking. Helps glaze stick to the coating.
Substitutions: Agave nectar, brown rice syrup
Cornstarch
Creates the signature crispy exterior. Can use chickpea flour for gluten-free.
Substitutions: Tapioca starch, almond flour
Chili Flakes
Add warmth and depth but can be omitted for milder flavor. Adjust to taste!
Substitutions: Crushed red pepper flakes
Pro Tips for Perfect Baked Tofu Nuggets
⚠️ Tofu Pressing Trick
Line two rimmed baking sheets with paper towels. Press tofu between them for 30 minutes in fridge before using. This removes most moisture for perfect crunch!
🌶️ Spice Control
Start with 1/2 tsp chili flakes, taste test, and add more if desired. Always mix glaze in a separate bowl before combining with tofu.
🔥 Crispy Coating Tip
After mixing, let the coating rest for 5 minutes before forming nuggets. This allows flavors to penetrate and the coating to bind better.
❄️ Ahead-of-Time Prep
Coat entire batch, then refrigerate for 4 hours or freeze for 1 month. Bake directly from fridge or freezer (add 5 min to time).
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Option
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and chickpea flour for coating. Verify all spices are GF.
Extra-Spicy Version
Add 1 teaspoon gochujang paste to glaze for Korean-style heat. Substitute 2 of the chili flakes with cayenne pepper.
Sweet Variation
Double the maple syrup and add 1/2 tsp cinnamon. Skip the chili flakes for a holiday candy-inspired flavor.
Crumble Topping
Mix 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers into coating for extra texture. Perfect with vegan cream cheese dippers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Sweet Potato Fries with Cinnamon Dipping Sauce
- Cranberry Relish for tart contrast
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Maple Balsamic Glaze
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with vegan sparkling apple cider or a spiced chai latte for festive balance. For wine, try a semi-sweet Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Prepare the glaze and coating mixture 1 day in advance. Store in airtight containers in fridge. Pressed tofu can be prepared 4 hours ahead.
Refrigerator Storage
Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Add extra olive oil when reheating to restore crispiness.
Freezer Storage
Freeze baked nuggets in single layer on parchment-lined sheet before transferring to freezer bag. Thaw at room temp before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat individual portions in air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes or oven at 375°F for 8 minutes. Avoid microwave for best texture.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Nuggets came out soggy?
A: To ensure crispiness, press tofu 30+ minutes. Use parchment paper for baking to prevent sticking. Flatten pieces to 1" thickness before baking.
Q: Can I add cheese?
A: For non-vegan versions, sprinkle crumbled vegan parmesan on top during last 2 minutes of baking. Store-bought options recommended for better flavor.
Q: How to store leftoverss?
A: Store in airtight containers in fridge. Reheat individual portions in oven or air fryer rather than microwave. Avoid stacking when storing.
Q: Want extra spice?
A: Add 1-2 tbsp sriracha to final coating or drizzle extra glaze during baking. For intense heat, add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper.
Final Thoughts
These crispy baked tofu nuggets prove that plant-based holiday treats can be both healthy and flavorful. The combination of sweet maple and spicy kick creates a memorable snack that'll convert even skeptical diners.
With endless variations and make-ahead possibilities, this recipe is perfect for both small gatherings and large holiday feasts. The vibrant colors and crispy texture make it as visually appealing as it is delicious!
