Parmesan Cauliflower Bites Recipe

Introduction

Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a crispy, melt-in-your-mouth appetizer that’s perfect for parties or a healthy snack. Low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free, these bites are easy to make and full of flavor.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cauliflower florets, washed and thoroughly dried (about 1 small head of cauliflower)
• 2 Tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the melted butter. Use a silicone pastry brush if needed to coat all pieces evenly.
3. Step 3: Combine the Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture over the butter-coated cauliflower.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and gently toss the florets to coat well with the cheese and spices.
5. Step 5: Arrange the coated cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet sprayed to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Bake for 20 minutes or until the edges start to crisp and turn golden brown.
7. Step 7: Serve hot from the oven and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, try cooking them in an air fryer at 390 °F for about 20 minutes, lightly spraying the cauliflower with olive oil halfway through.
• You can add a pinch of garlic powder to the Parmesan mixture for a garlicky twist.
• If using frozen cauliflower, partially defrost and pat dry before coating to ensure the butter and cheese stick well.
• Substitute butter with vegetable oil or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat and restore crispiness, warm them in an oven or air fryer at 350 °F for 5-10 minutes. Avoid reheating in the microwave to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Yes, frozen cauliflower can be used, but it works best if partially defrosted and patted dry before coating to help the butter and cheese stick better.

Should I cook the cauliflower before baking?

No need to pre-cook. Baking at 425 °F softens the florets while crisping the edges, resulting in tender, flavorful bites.

Parmesan Cauliflower Bites Recipe

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4.7 from 137 reviews

Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a delicious low-carb, keto-friendly, and gluten-free appetizer or side dish that melts in your mouth. This easy-to-make recipe features cauliflower florets coated in melted butter and a flavorful blend of Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper, then baked until perfectly crisp. Perfect for parties or a healthy snack, these bites offer a satisfying cheesy crunch without the carbs.

• Author: lea
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups cauliflower florets, washed and thoroughly dried (about 1 small head of cauliflower)
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and allow it to fully preheat for best results in crisping the cauliflower bites.
2. Coat the Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a large bowl and toss thoroughly with the melted butter to ensure each piece is coated. Use a silicone pastry brush if necessary to cover any uncovered spots.
3. Prepare Parmesan Mixture: In the same bowl, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper over the butter-coated cauliflower.
4. Toss to Coat: Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and gently toss the florets again so each piece is evenly coated with the cheese and spices.
5. Arrange for Baking: Line a baking sheet with a non-stick spray to prevent sticking. Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer for even baking.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges start to crisp and turn golden.
7. Serve: Remove from oven and enjoy your Parmesan Cauliflower Bites hot for the best flavor and texture.
8. Optional Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F for 3 minutes. Spray the crisper plate with olive oil. Place cauliflower in a single layer on the plate and lightly spray the florets with olive oil for extra crispiness. Cook for about 20 minutes until tender and crispy, turning gently halfway through if desired.

Notes

• You can use large, sealable plastic freezer bags to toss and coat the cauliflower instead of a bowl for easy cleanup.
• For reheating, avoid microwaving as it makes the bits soggy. Instead, crisp them up again in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for 5-10 minutes.
• Prepare the cauliflower and breading 2-3 days in advance; bread just before baking for the best freshness.
• The recipe works better with fresh cauliflower, but frozen can be used if partially defrosted and patted dry to ensure the coatings stick.
• Feel free to add garlic powder (about 1/8 teaspoon) for additional flavor.
• Parmesan cheese is naturally salty, so extra salt is usually unnecessary, but you can add to taste if preferred.
• These bites are best served hot or warm but can be enjoyed at room temperature; they are not recommended cold.

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