Description
Crispy baked cauliflower bites bring Mediterranean magic to your appetizer game. Herbed with zesty spices and golden-brown perfection, these little morsels will delight your palate and make snack time irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare a baking surface by lining a sheet with parchment paper and heating the oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring optimal roasting conditions.
- Carefully separate fresh cauliflower into uniform florets, creating manageable bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Drizzle olive oil over the cauliflower, massaging each piece to achieve a consistent, glistening coating that promotes caramelization.
- Craft a zesty seasoning blend by combining Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
- Generously dust the oiled cauliflower with the seasoning mixture, tumbling the florets to ensure complete and thorough coverage.
- Arrange the seasoned cauliflower in a single, uncrowded layer on the prepared baking sheet, allowing enough space between pieces for proper roasting.
- Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 25-30 minutes, rotating the pan midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration and tender texture.
- Once emerged from the oven, garnish the crispy cauliflower bites with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish.
- Serve immediately alongside a complementary dipping sauce, maximizing the bites’ temperature and crunch.
Notes
- Customize the spice blend by experimenting with different herbs and seasonings like smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, or chili powder for a unique flavor profile.
- Ensure even roasting by cutting cauliflower florets into similar-sized pieces, which helps them cook uniformly and develop a crispy exterior.
- Transform this recipe into a low-carb or keto-friendly option by using grated Parmesan or almond flour instead of traditional breadcrumbs for added crunch.
- Maximize leftovers by storing cooled cauliflower bites in an airtight container and reheating in the oven to maintain their crispy texture, avoiding the microwave which can make them soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 155
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg