Description
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites are a flavorful and healthy snack or appetizer, featuring seasoned breading and a satisfying crunch. Perfect for dipping, these easy-to-make bites are sure to satisfy your cravings!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative like almond milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Your favorite dipping sauce (like ranch, buffalo sauce, or a yogurt dip)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C).
- Remove the leaves from the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets, aiming for uniform sizes.
- Rinse the florets under cold water and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel.
- In a medium bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- In another bowl, pour in the buttermilk (or dairy-free alternative) and let it sit for about 5 minutes if using the alternative.
- In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the flour mixture, coating it completely and shaking off excess flour.
- Next, dip the floret into the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
- Roll the floret in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Once all florets are breaded, drizzle olive oil over the top.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes.
- Carefully flip the cauliflower bites over and return to the oven for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the crispy cauliflower bites to a serving platter and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Feel free to experiment with different spices in the flour mixture to customize the flavor.
- These bites can be made ahead of time and reheated in the oven for a few minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes