Description
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack option. These cauliflower florets are seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices, baked to golden perfection for a satisfying crunch, and served with a creamy, tangy garlic sauce that elevates every bite. Perfect for a gluten-free, low-fat treat that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 large head Cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (for coating)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 tablespoon Cornstarch (optional for extra crispiness)
Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt (or sour cream)
- 2 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Salt and Pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, rinse them thoroughly, and dry completely to ensure they crisp up well during baking.
- Season Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cornstarch until each piece is evenly coated.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. This allows the florets to bake evenly and get crispy.
- Bake Cauliflower: Roast the cauliflower for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure balanced browning and tenderness.
- Make Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower is baking, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, and salt and pepper in a separate bowl until smooth and well combined.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crunch: After baking, optionally broil the cauliflower for an additional 2 to 3 minutes for an extra crispy texture, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the crispy bites with fresh parsley and serve immediately alongside the garlic sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are completely dry before tossing with oil and spices for maximum crispiness.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended to achieve an extra crunchy coating.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a vegan alternative if preferred.
- Keep an eye on the florets during broiling to prevent burning—this step is optional but enhances crispiness.
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
