·
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients:
* 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets
* 1/4 cup olive oil (or avocado oil)
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)
* 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs work great for extra crispiness)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a little heat)
* Optional: Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish)
* Optional: Dipping sauce of your choice (ranch, aioli, marinara, etc.)
Instructions:
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare Cauliflower: Wash the cauliflower and cut it into bite-sized florets. Make sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
First Coating: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the olive oil, ensuring each floret is well coated.
Dry Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
Coat the Cauliflower: Take each oiled cauliflower floret and dredge it in the dry mixture, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. You can do this by adding the florets to the bowl with the dry ingredients and tossing them, or by dipping each floret individually.
Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This will allow them to crisp up nicely.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender and golden brown. Flip the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
Garnish and Serve: Once baked, remove the cauliflower from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives, if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips and Variations:
* Extra Crispy: For extra crispy cauliflower, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
* Air Fryer: You can also cook these in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
* Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the cauliflower during the last 5 minutes of baking for a cheesy twist.
* Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dry mixture for extra heat.
* Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dry ingredients for a bright, citrusy flavor.
* Dipping Sauces: Experiment with different dipping sauces like buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or a yogurt-based dip.