Description

Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites feature tender cauliflower florets coated in a flavorful spiced flour mixture, dipped in milk, then coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and baked to golden perfection. These crispy, cheesy bites make a delicious and healthier snack or appetizer, served best with a cool ranch dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Cauliflower and Coating

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 cup unsweetened almond milk (or regular milk)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional for a cheesy touch)
1 tablespoon olive oil

Garnish and Serving

Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
1/4 cup ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating base.
Set up Dipping Stations: Pour the almond milk (or regular milk) into a separate shallow bowl to serve as the wet dip, and in a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the grated Parmesan cheese if using, to add a crunchy and cheesy crust.
Coat the Cauliflower Florets: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coverage. Then dip it into the almond milk to moisten, followed by coating it thoroughly with the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Arrange for Baking: Place the breaded cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer to allow for even crisping during baking.
Drizzle with Olive Oil: Lightly drizzle the cauliflower bites with olive oil to help achieve a golden, crispy texture in the oven.
Bake the Cauliflower Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through to ensure they become crisp and golden brown on all sides.
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

You can substitute all-purpose flour with chickpea flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
For a vegan version, use plant-based Parmesan alternatives or omit the cheese.
Ensure florets are roughly the same size for even cooking.
Baking instead of frying makes this a healthier option with less oil.
Flip the bites midway to promote even browning and crispiness.