Description
These Baked Cauliflower Bites are a healthy and crispy snack or side dish perfect for any occasion! With a savory blend of seasonings and a light coating, these cauliflower bites are baked to perfection for a crunchy exterior and tender interior. Great as a snack, appetizer, or even a low-carb alternative to breaded snacks. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for extra flavor!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
- 1/2 cup (50g) breadcrumbs (use gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
- 1/4 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (for drizzling or spraying)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
3. Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs.
4. Coat the Cauliflower:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then, dip the cauliflower into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the florets are fully coated.
- Place the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not crowded.
5. Bake the Cauliflower Bites:
- Drizzle or spray the cauliflower with a little olive oil to help them crisp up.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through the baking time, until the cauliflower is golden and crispy on the outside.
6. Serve:
- Once the cauliflower bites are done baking, remove them from the oven and serve immediately.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, buffalo sauce, or a tangy yogurt dip.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Version: For a gluten-free option, use chickpea flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoning mix if you like a little heat.
- Make Ahead: You can prep these cauliflower bites ahead of time and store them in the fridge for a couple of hours before baking. Alternatively, freeze them before baking for a quick snack later.
- Air Fryer Version: You can also cook these cauliflower bites in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe (about 6-8 cauliflower bites)
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 70mg