Description
These crispy baked cauliflower bites transform a humble vegetable into a flavorful snack or side dish, offering the crunch you crave without the guilt.
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjustable to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- (Optional) ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup milk (buttermilk optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or vegetable oil)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Wash the cauliflower under cold water, remove the outer leaves, and trim the core.
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
- In one shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Dip each cauliflower floret into the wet mixture, then coat it in the dry mixture.
- Place the coated florets on the baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.
Notes
For maximum crunch, let the cauliflower bites rest for a few minutes after baking. Experiment with different spices for personalized flavors.