Parmesan Cauliflower Bites

Crispy, golden, and bursting with cheesy flavor, these Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a must-make for snack lovers and veggie fans alike. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a parmesan and herb breadcrumb crust, then baked (or air-fried) until perfectly crisp. Whether you’re serving them as a party appetizer, side dish, or a healthy snack, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser—especially with a tasty dipping sauce on the side.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy Without Frying – Get all the crunch, none of the deep fryer.
Cheesy & Flavorful – Parmesan and herbs pack in rich, savory flavor.
Healthy Alternative – Lower carb and baked, not fried.
Perfect for Dipping – Great with ranch, marinara, or garlic sauce.
Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick prep, and crowd-pleasing results.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• 2 large eggs
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• ½ cup plain or panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika (optional)
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Olive oil spray (for baking)

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Ranch
• Marinara sauce
• Garlic aioli
• Spicy yogurt dip

Tools You’ll Need
Baking sheet or air fryer
Mixing bowls
Whisk
Tongs or fork
Parchment paper

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven or Air Fryer

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.

Step 2: Set Up Breading Station

1. In one bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
2. In a second bowl, mix parmesan, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 3: Bread the Cauliflower

1. Dip each floret into the egg, letting excess drip off.
2. Toss it in the parmesan breadcrumb mix until well coated.
3. Place florets in a single layer on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket.

Step 4: Bake or Air Fry
Oven:

1. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until crisp and golden.
   Air Fryer:
2. Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until browned and crunchy.

Step 5: Serve & Dip

1. Serve warm, garnished with extra parmesan or parsley if desired.
2. Pair with your favorite dip for maximum flavor!

Tips for the Best Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
Use Panko for Extra Crunch – Panko breadcrumbs add more crisp.
Don’t Overcrowd – Keep space between florets to avoid steaming.
Serve Fresh – These are crispiest and tastiest right out of the oven or air fryer.
Get Creative – Swap spices or add chili flakes for a kick.

Serving Suggestions
Appetizer Tray – Serve with a trio of dipping sauces.
Side Dish – Great alongside grilled chicken, fish, or pasta.
Game Day Snack – A lighter option for sharing during sports events.
Vegetarian Wraps – Tuck inside a flatbread with hummus and greens.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended due to texture loss.

Reheating:
Oven or Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until hot and crispy again.
Microwave: Can soften the coating, so only use if needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs.

2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh is best, but if using frozen, thaw and dry it completely before breading.

3. What kind of parmesan should I use?
Use grated parmesan, not the powdery kind. Freshly grated works best.

4. Can I prep these ahead of time?
Yes! Bread the florets and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours.

5. Are they good without sauce?
Absolutely! They’re flavorful on their own but even better with dip.

Final Thoughts
These Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are crispy, savory, and totally addictive. Whether you’re making them for a crowd or just want a better-for-you snack to munch on, they’re sure to hit the spot. With minimal ingredients and tons of flavor, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again.

Try them today and let me know what you dip them in—I can’t wait to hear your favorite combos!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving – based on 4 servings):
Calories: 185 | Protein: 8g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 420mg

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