Description
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce are a delicious vegetarian appetizer made with seasoned batter, panko breadcrumbs, and a creamy garlic dip. This easy oven-baked cauliflower snack is perfect for parties, game days, or healthy weeknight cravings.
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower florets
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup cornstarch
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
olive oil spray
½ cup mayonnaise
1 clove minced garlic
1 tablespoon lemon juice
pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and set aside.
2. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Slowly add the milk and mix until a smooth batter forms.
3. Dip each floret into the batter, letting the excess drip off, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place them evenly on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Lightly spray the coated florets with olive oil. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
5. While the cauliflower is baking, stir together mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Chill until ready to serve.
6. Serve the crispy cauliflower bites hot with a side of garlic sauce for dipping. Enjoy!
Notes
Crispy cauliflower bites are best enjoyed fresh, but can be reheated in the oven to restore crispness.
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the batter.
Using panko breadcrumbs is key for extra crunch—avoid regular breadcrumbs if possible.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Vegetarian, Snack
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 5mg