Description
Crispy and flavorful Baked Cauliflower Bites, roasted to golden perfection with a Parmesan and panko breadcrumb coating, make a perfect vegetarian appetizer or side dish. Easy to prepare and baked until crunchy, these bites are garnished with fresh parsley and pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower and Coating
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure an easy cleanup.
- Toss cauliflower in olive oil: In a large mixing bowl, add the cauliflower florets and drizzle with olive oil. Toss well until all pieces are evenly coated, which helps the coating stick and promotes crispiness during baking.
- Mix coating ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper, creating a flavorful and crispy coating mixture.
- Coat cauliflower with breadcrumb mixture: Add the cauliflower florets to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture and toss thoroughly until every floret is well coated with the mixture, ensuring a crunchy texture when baked.
- Arrange and bake: Spread the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, turning them halfway through to ensure even browning and crispness.
- Optional broiling for extra crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, place the cauliflower under the broiler for 2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness, and serve warm. These bites go well with ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli dipping sauces.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower bites for 2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
- These cauliflower bites pair deliciously with ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli dipping sauce.
- To make the recipe gluten-free, substitute the regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
