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Irresistible Baked Cauliflower Bites Recipe with Garlic Sauce

baked cauliflower bites - featured image

Crunchy, flavorful baked cauliflower bites paired with creamy garlic sauce make for a healthy and satisfying appetizer or snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 1 cup (120g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for a GF option)
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup (240ml) water
  • 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs (panko works best)
  • 1/2 cup (120g) mayonnaise (use vegan mayo for a dairy-free option)
  • 2 tbsp (30ml) lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp (15ml) olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the batter by whisking together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Gradually add the water, whisking until you have a smooth, lump-free batter.
  3. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate bowl.
  4. Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then roll it in the breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Place it onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each piece.
  5. Bake the cauliflower bites for 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure they crisp up evenly.
  6. While the cauliflower is baking, make the garlic sauce. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  7. Remove the cauliflower bites from the oven once they’re golden and crispy. Serve immediately with the garlic sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

[‘Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet to ensure crispiness.’, ‘Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.’, ‘Adjust garlic sauce seasoning to taste.’, ‘Broil for 2-3 minutes at the end for extra crispiness.’, ‘Prep cauliflower and garlic sauce a day in advance for convenience.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: baked cauliflower, garlic sauce, healthy appetizer, low-carb snack, vegetarian recipe