Description
Crispy parmesan cauliflower bites offer a delightful twist on classic appetizers that bring Mediterranean flavors to your table. Crunchy edges and savory cheese make these morsels irresistible for casual gatherings or elegant cocktail parties.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup (120 ml) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup (240 ml) panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup (50 g) grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- olive oil spray or drizzle (for baking)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Coating Setup: Create three distinct stations – one for flour dredging, a second for egg wash, and a third for seasoned Parmesan breadcrumb mixture combining breadcrumbs, Parmesan, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Floret Transformation: Meticulously coat each cauliflower floret by first rolling in flour, dipping thoroughly in beaten eggs, then generously covering with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
- Baking Arrangement: Position the breaded florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single, uncrowded layer to maximize crispiness and promote even browning.
- Pre-Roasting Enhancement: Lightly spritz or drizzle olive oil over the coated cauliflower pieces to promote a golden, crisp exterior.
- Roasting Process: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, rotating the baking sheet halfway through to ensure uniform browning and achieving a perfectly crisp texture.
- Serving Presentation: Rest the cauliflower bites briefly after roasting, then serve immediately with complementary dipping sauces such as marinara, ranch, or spicy mayo for an irresistible appetizer experience.
Notes
- Prevent Moisture Buildup: Pat cauliflower florets completely dry with paper towels before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
- Master Even Coating Technique: Use one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet to maintain clean, clump-free breading process and achieve uniform coverage.
- Optimize Crunch Factor: Position florets with slight spacing between each piece on baking sheet to allow hot air circulation, creating crispy exterior without steaming.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives or almond flour for low-carb version, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for vegan adaptation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg