Description
Deliciously crispy and cheesy cauliflower bites baked to perfection. These savory snacks combine cauliflower florets with Parmesan, cheddar cheese, and herbs for a flavorful and healthy appetizer or side dish. Easy to prepare and great for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Mixture
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
For Baking
- Vegetable oil, for greasing the baking sheet
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking crispy cauliflower bites.
- Process Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped, resembling a rice-like texture.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the chopped cauliflower to a large bowl and add grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, chopped fresh parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Add Cheese and Egg: Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and the beaten egg into the cauliflower mixture until everything is fully incorporated to help the bites hold together.
- Form Balls: Shape the mixture into approximately 1-inch balls and arrange them on a baking sheet that has been greased lightly with vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake the cauliflower bites in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and develop a crispy texture on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can lightly spray the cauliflower bites with cooking spray before baking.
- Make sure to pulse the cauliflower just until finely chopped; over-processing may make it too mushy.
- These bites can be prepared ahead of time and baked right before serving.
- Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or add some finely chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best texture.
