Description
These Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a deliciously healthy and crispy snack perfect for any occasion. Lightly breaded and baked to golden perfection, they offer a flavorful alternative to traditional fried snacks, combining the natural goodness of cauliflower with a cheesy, herb-infused crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
Breading and Seasoning
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Binding and Cooking
- 2 large eggs
- Olive oil spray or 2 tablespoons of olive oil
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower under cold water to remove any dirt or impurities. Cut it into uniform bite-sized florets about 1 to 1.5 inches to ensure even cooking.
- Mix Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the two large eggs until fully combined to create the coating base.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create the seasoned breading.
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to prepare for baking the bites.
- Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the whisked eggs, letting any excess drip off. Then transfer them to the breadcrumb mixture and toss until each floret is well-coated with the parmesan and seasoning mixture.
- Arrange and Oil: Place the coated florets evenly spaced on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over the florets to help them crisp in the oven.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Cool and Garnish: Once golden brown, remove from the oven and let the bites cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired.
- Serve: Serve warm with marinara sauce or creamy ranch dip for added flavor and enjoyment.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are uniformly sized to promote even cooking.
- Using panko breadcrumbs results in a crispier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Flipping the bites halfway through baking improves crispiness on all sides.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute Parmesan with nutritional yeast and omit eggs, using a flaxseed egg or aquafaba as a binder.
- Serve immediately for maximum crispiness; leftover bites can be reheated in the oven to restore texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
