Description
Perfectly seasoned, crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside golden crispy cauliflower bites that transform humble cauliflower into an irresistible treat even vegetable skeptics can’t resist.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Cauliflower Base:
- 1 large head of cauliflower (approximately 2 pounds), cut into 1.5-inch florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- For the Golden Crispy Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (substitute with gluten-free flour blend if needed)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon turmeric (for enhanced golden color)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 large eggs, beaten (or ½ cup unsweetened plant milk mixed with 1 tablespoon flaxseed for vegan option)
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- ⅓ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for dairy-free alternative)
- Cooking spray (preferably olive oil-based)
- For the Optional Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or plant-based yogurt)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (dill, parsley, or chives), finely chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized florets—approximately 1.5 inches each. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil and kosher salt until evenly coated.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Create an assembly line with three containers: First container: Combine flour and all spices. Second container: Beat the eggs until smooth. Third container: Mix panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese.
- Bread the Cauliflower: Working with 5-6 florets at a time, dredge each in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip into beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Roll in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently to ensure complete coating. Place on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they don’t touch each other.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Spray the coated cauliflower lightly with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, then carefully flip each piece and bake for an additional 10 minutes until all sides are evenly golden-brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl, stirring until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer the Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites to a serving platter while still hot. Garnish with additional fresh herbs, lemon wedges, and serve with the prepared dipping sauce.
Notes
- Use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to maintain a clean breading process.
- Ensure cauliflower pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Allow bites to rest for 3-5 minutes after baking for maximum crispiness.
- The dipping sauce can be prepared up to 24 hours in advance for enhanced flavor.
- For extra crispy results, don’t overcrowd the baking sheet – leave about 1 inch between pieces.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 pieces
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: cauliflower bites, crispy cauliflower, baked cauliflower, healthy snack, vegetable appetizer, golden crispy cauliflower
