Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, golden-brown treat that’s perfect for any occasion. These bites offer the ideal balance of a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Coated with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings, they make a great appetizer or side dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a party starter, these bites hit the spot.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
-
Crispy and Flavorful: The combination of Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings creates a perfect crispy coating for the cauliflower.
-
Quick and Easy: With just 10 minutes of prep time and 25 minutes in the oven, you can have these tasty bites ready to serve in under 40 minutes.
-
Vegetarian and Gluten-Free: This dish is suitable for vegetarian and gluten-free diets, making it a crowd-pleaser for any gathering.
-
Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, side dish, or snack—these Parmesan cauliflower bites are incredibly versatile and easy to pair with any meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
-
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
-
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
-
2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasonings:
-
2 cloves garlic, minced
-
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
-
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish:
-
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven:
-
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
-
In a large bowl, combine Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
-
Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil until they are evenly coated. Add the coated cauliflower to the Parmesan mixture and toss well to ensure each floret is fully covered.
4. Bake the Cauliflower Bites:
-
Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
-
Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
5. Garnish and Serve:
-
Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
Yield: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Notes
-
Extra Crispiness: For even crispier cauliflower bites, lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking.
-
Vegan Option: Substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version of this recipe.
-
Perfect Pairing: These cauliflower bites are fantastic as a side dish with pasta, as a snack, or as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings.
Variations
-
Add Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or chili flakes to the Parmesan coating for an extra kick.
-
Cheese Swap: Experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
-
Herb Variations: Try fresh thyme or rosemary in place of dried Italian seasoning for a unique twist.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
-
Reheating: To retain the crispiness, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-10 minutes or until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but fresh cauliflower will provide the best texture. If using frozen, make sure to thaw and pat it dry before coating it.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the cauliflower and coat it earlier in the day, then refrigerate it. Bake just before serving for the best results.
How do I make these spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the Parmesan coating for some heat.
Conclusion
These Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, cheesy, and flavorful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With simple ingredients and an easy method, this dish is a great way to enjoy cauliflower in a fun, satisfying way. Whether served as a snack, side dish, or appetizer, these bites will be a hit at your next meal or gathering.
Print
Parmesan Cauliflower Bites Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, golden-brown treat that combines the perfect balance of a crunchy exterior and a tender, flavorful interior. Coated with Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, and Italian seasonings, these bites make a delicious appetizer, side dish, or snack. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a crowd-pleasing party starter, these Parmesan cauliflower bites are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For the Main Ingredients:
1 head cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons olive oil
For the Seasonings:
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Garnish:
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Coating:
- In a large bowl, combine the Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Coat the Cauliflower:
- Toss the cauliflower florets in olive oil until evenly coated. Then, add the coated cauliflower to the Parmesan mixture and toss until each floret is well-covered.
- Bake the Cauliflower Bites:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through, until the cauliflower is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped parsley (optional). Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Extra Crispiness: For extra crispy cauliflower bites, lightly spray them with cooking spray before baking.
- Vegan Option: Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
- Perfect Pairing: These cauliflower bites are fantastic as a side dish with pasta, as a snack, or as an appetizer at parties or family gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
