Description
Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a delightful, baked appetizer featuring tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and spices. These bites are perfectly crispy on the outside while remaining soft inside, making them a healthy and delicious snack or side dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to please any crowd.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Breading Station
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- Olive oil spray or drizzle, for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high temperature helps achieve the perfect crispy texture for the cauliflower bites.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Arrange three bowls for the breading process: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a seasoned mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This setup ensures each floret is evenly coated.
- Coat Cauliflower Florets: Dip each cauliflower piece first into the flour to lightly coat, then into the beaten eggs to moisten, and finally into the breadcrumb and cheese mixture, pressing firmly to adhere the coating well. Place each coated floret in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Add Olive Oil: Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the coated florets. This step helps them crisp up beautifully in the oven while keeping them moist inside.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip the cauliflower bites halfway through baking to ensure even browning on all sides. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. These bites go wonderfully with marinara, ranch, garlic aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Try serving with marinara, ranch, or garlic aioli for delicious dipping options.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Ensure the cauliflower pieces are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Lightly greasing the baking sheet with olive oil or using parchment paper helps prevent sticking.
- These bites can be made ahead and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.
