Crispy Cauliflower

In the world of culinary delights, cauliflower has emerged as a versatile superstar. Once overshadowed by its vibrant vegetable counterparts, cauliflower has surged in popularity, finding its way into everything from pizza crusts to rice alternatives. This cruciferous vegetable is not only adaptable in flavor but also highly nutritious, making it a favorite among health-conscious cooks and food enthusiasts alike. Today, we introduce you to a delightful preparation that showcases cauliflower in a whole new light: Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Bites.

Discover a delicious way to enjoy cauliflower with these Crunchy Garlic Parmesan Cauliflower Bites! This easy recipe transforms cauliflower into crispy, flavorful bites that are perfect for snacking or entertaining. Coated with a savory blend of garlic, spices, and Parmesan cheese, they offer a satisfying crunch with every bite. They're versatile enough for various diets, easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack, these bites will impress everyone!

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Ingredients

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 cup buttermilk (or a dairy-free alternative)

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or nutritional yeast for a vegan option)

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Olive oil spray (or regular olive oil)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Prepare the Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into small, bite-sized florets. Ensure they are similar in size for even cooking.

Make the Batter: In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all dry ingredients are incorporated.

Dip in Buttermilk: Pour the buttermilk into the bowl with the dry ingredients, stirring to create a consistent batter. If you prefer a dairy-free version, use unsweetened almond milk mixed with a tablespoon of vinegar as a buttermilk substitute.

Coat with Breadcrumbs: Place the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in another shallow bowl. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing the excess to drip off, then roll in the breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.

Arrange on Baking Sheet: Arrange the coated cauliflower bites in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they do not touch to ensure maximum crispiness.

Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the cauliflower bites with olive oil spray, or drizzle with a little olive oil to enhance crispiness.

Bake: Bake the cauliflower bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through. They should turn golden brown and crispy when done.

Garnish and Serve: After removing from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color. Serve immediately while hot, paired with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch or sriracha mayo.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | Serves 4-6