Parmesan Cauliflower Bites Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and allow it to fully preheat for best results in crisping the cauliflower bites.
- 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.
- Prepare Parmesan Mixture: In the same bowl, sprinkle the finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper over the butter-coated cauliflower.
- 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.
- 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.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the edges start to crisp and turn golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and enjoy your Parmesan Cauliflower Bites hot for the best flavor and texture.
- 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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Find it online: https://cookwithlea.com/parmesan-cauliflower-bites-recipe/
