Description
Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a deliciously crispy, cheesy, and low-carb snack or side dish made by roasting cauliflower florets tossed in olive oil and a savory Parmesan spice blend. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or party finger food, these bites come out golden and tender-crisp with a flavorful crust. Served with optional marinara or ranch dipping sauce, they make a satisfying vegetarian and gluten-free option for any occasion.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Garnish and Serving (Optional)
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Marinara or ranch dressing for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Toss Cauliflower with Olive Oil: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil and toss well to ensure all pieces are evenly coated, which will help them roast beautifully and develop a crisp texture.
- Make Parmesan Spice Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. This mixture adds flavor and a cheesy crust to the bites.
- Coat Cauliflower with Cheese Mixture: Sprinkle the Parmesan spice blend over the oiled cauliflower florets. Toss again thoroughly so that each floret is evenly coated with the seasoning and cheese.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet and Roast: Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking. Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time to brown all sides evenly. The bites should be golden brown and tender-crisp when done.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, broil the cauliflower bites for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve the parmesan cauliflower bites hot with marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the cauliflower bites for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
- You can also prepare these in an air fryer by cooking at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even browning.
- Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the seasoning quantities to suit your taste, adding more paprika or garlic powder if desired.