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Spicy Garlic Parmesan Baked Cauliflower Bites

A pile of golden brown, crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites seasoned with visible red chili flakes on a white plate.
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Make crispy, flavorful cauliflower bites using only your oven. This recipe includes instructions for a spicy garlic coating and a vegan alternative.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free blend)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 cup unsweetened plant milk (for vegan option) OR 1/4 cup water (for standard option)
  • For Coating: 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (for vegan) OR 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for standard)
  • 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter or vegan butter (for tossing after baking)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit (220 degrees Celsius). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  3. Add the cauliflower florets to the dry mixture. Toss to coat lightly.
  4. Pour in the plant milk or water. Stir until the cauliflower is lightly coated with a thin batter. Do not overmix; the coating should be thin.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the nutritional yeast or Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, and minced garlic.
  6. Place the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch.
  7. Bake for 15 minutes.
  8. Remove the sheet from the oven. Gently toss the florets. Sprinkle half of the spicy Parmesan mixture over the cauliflower. Toss lightly to distribute.
  9. Return the cauliflower to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy.
  10. Remove from the oven. Immediately toss the hot bites with the melted butter or vegan butter. Serve warm with your preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can bake the florets plain for 10 minutes before adding any coating mixture.
  • If you prefer a Buffalo flavor, toss the baked bites with your favorite hot sauce after they come out of the oven.
  • You can prepare the cauliflower coating mixture up to one day ahead and store it in an airtight container.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytipster.com/baked-cauliflower-bites-recipe/