Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce!

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce

Ingredients:

For the Cauliflower Bites:

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch)

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)

• 1/2 tsp salt

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 2 large eggs (for binding)

• 1 tbsp olive oil (or vegetable oil)

For the Garlic Sauce:

• 1/4 cup mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt or sour cream (optional for extra creaminess)

• 2-3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• A pinch of chili flakes (optional for a bit of heat)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the Oven:

   • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Cauliflower:

   • Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Try to make them uniform in size for even baking.

3. Set Up Your Breading Station:

   • In one bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth.

   • In another bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.

4. Coat the Cauliflower:

   • Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated.

   • Then, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs stick.

   • Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, and drizzle them with olive oil (or spray them with cooking spray).

5. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the cauliflower halfway through, until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

6. Make the Garlic Sauce:

   • While the cauliflower bakes, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard (if using), and a pinch of chili flakes (if desired) in a small bowl.

   • Stir until everything is smooth and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. You can add more garlic or lemon juice if you like it more garlicky or tangy.

7. Serve:

   • Once the cauliflower is crispy and golden, remove from the oven.

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

Q&A for the Recipe:

Q1: Can I make these cauliflower bites spicy?

• A1: Yes! You can add hot sauce or chili flakes directly to the garlic sauce for some heat. If you prefer, you can also sprinkle cayenne pepper or paprika on the cauliflower before baking for an extra kick.

Q2: Can I use frozen cauliflower?

• A2: While fresh cauliflower works best for this recipe, you can use frozen cauliflower florets as long as you thaw and drain them well before using. Frozen cauliflower tends to release more moisture, so make sure to pat them dry with a towel before coating and baking.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

• A3: Yes! To make it gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour with chickpea flour or another gluten-free flour, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs (there are many good options available at grocery stores).

Q4: Can I make this recipe vegan?

• A4: Yes, you can easily make it vegan! Replace the eggs with a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water), and swap the mayonnaise for a vegan mayo. You can also skip the Parmesan or use a vegan Parmesan substitute.

Q5: How can I make the cauliflower extra crispy?

• A5: For extra crispiness, make sure to drizzle or spray the cauliflower with enough oil to help it crisp up. You can also use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs, as they are larger and crisp up better in the oven.

Q6: Can I bake these ahead of time?

• A6: Yes! You can prepare the cauliflower bites and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. If you want to make them ahead and reheat later, bake them as instructed, then store them in an airtight container. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes until they’re warm and crispy again.

Q7: How can I make the garlic sauce thicker?

• A7: If you want a thicker garlic sauce, you can add a little more Greek yogurt or sour cream. You can also reduce the amount of lemon juice or mix in a small amount of creamy cheese like cream cheese for a thicker consistency.

Tips:

• Pairing Suggestions: These crispy cauliflower bites pair well with a variety of dips like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a unique twist!

• Perfect for Meal Prep: These are great for meal prep because they reheat well in the oven, maintaining their crispiness.