Description
Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. These cauliflower florets are coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and baked to golden perfection, creating a crunchy exterior with a tender inside. Served with a homemade herbed buttermilk ranch dressing, this recipe makes a perfect appetizer or snack that is both satisfying and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Homemade Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (avocado oil mayo recommended)
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Wash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, making sure they are roughly uniform in size for even cooking.
- Mix the Dry Coating: In a bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, flour, 1 teaspoon sea salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Beat the Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the 3 large eggs thoroughly until smooth.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Ensure the florets are fully covered for maximum crispiness.
- Bake the Cauliflower Bites: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Prepare the Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing: While the cauliflower bakes, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, chives, dill, parsley, dried minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and refrigerate until serving.
- Serve: Remove the cauliflower bites from the oven and let cool slightly. Serve warm with the chilled homemade herbed buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, allow cauliflower to dry completely after washing before breading.
- To keep the coating intact, don’t overcrowd the baking tray.
- Avocado oil mayonnaise adds a healthier fat option, but regular mayonnaise works fine as well.
- Leftover bites can be reheated in the oven to restore crispiness instead of using a microwave.
- Adjust seasoning in the breadcrumb mix to suit your taste preferences.
Keywords: Crispy Cauliflower Bites, baked cauliflower, vegetarian appetizer, healthy snacks, homemade ranch dressing, cauliflower recipe