Introduction
Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a fantastic, healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks. These bites are packed with flavor and crunch, making them a perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a main course for a light meal. Cauliflower is a versatile vegetable that takes on flavors beautifully, and when it’s coated in a deliciously seasoned batter and baked to golden perfection, it becomes irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a snack to serve at a party or a fun way to get your veggies in, these cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit. Let’s dive into this easy and tasty recipe.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk (or plant-based milk)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- Olive oil spray
For the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
- Make the Batter:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add the milk, whisking until smooth.
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it is well-coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Bread the Cauliflower:
- In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Roll each battered cauliflower floret in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake the Cauliflower:
- Arrange the breaded cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with olive oil spray. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower bites are golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce (optional):
- In a small bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, sriracha sauce, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to taste.
- Serve:
- Serve the golden crispy cauliflower bites hot, with the dipping sauce on the side if desired.
How to Prepare
Begin by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Prepare a seasoned batter with flour, spices, and milk. Coat the cauliflower florets in the batter, then roll them in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Bake the florets until golden and crispy, and prepare a simple, flavorful dipping sauce if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!