Description
Crispy baked cauliflower bites offer a healthier, delicious alternative to fried snacks with a crunchy exterior and tender interior, perfect for dipping or as an appetizer.
Ingredients
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
1/2 cup flour (all-purpose or chickpea for gluten-free)
1/2 cup water or plant-based milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Black pepper to taste
1–1.5 cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
Optional glaze: 1/4 cup hot sauce + 2 tbsp melted butter (for buffalo-style) OR your favorite BBQ or sweet chili sauce
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, water or plant-based milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and black pepper until smooth.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
- Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping the bites halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- If desired, toss the baked cauliflower in your chosen sauce (buffalo, BBQ, or sweet chili), then return to the oven for an additional 5–10 minutes to let the glaze set.
- Serve hot with a dipping sauce like ranch, blue cheese, or tahini.
Notes
Use chickpea flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version.
Double-dip the florets by repeating batter and breadcrumb coating for extra crispiness.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to restore crispiness.
Air-frying at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes is a good alternative to baking.
Customize spices and sauces to suit your taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 150-180 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
