Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce!

🥦 Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites

✅ Ingredients:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

• ¾ cup water (or plant-based milk)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)

• Cooking spray or oil (for baking)

🔥 Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.

2. Make Batter:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or plant milk), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.

3. Coat Cauliflower:
   Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake:
   Spray the coated florets lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
   Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

5. Optional – Extra Crisp:
   For even crispier bites, you can broil them for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning!

🧄 Creamy Garlic Sauce

✅ Ingredients:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt or sour cream)

• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced or grated

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds a tangy depth)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

🥣 Instructions:

1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.

2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors develop (refrigerate if needed).

4. Garnish with parsley before serving.

🍽 Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the crispy bites hot with garlic sauce on the side for dipping.

• Great as a game-day snack, party platter item, or served in a wrap or bowl.