Description
These Irresistibly Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and healthy snack or appetizer, seasoned with garlic, paprika, and a hint of spice. Roasted to perfection, they come with a creamy, tangy garlic sauce made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and fresh garlic, making them perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 head Cauliflower (cut into bite-sized florets)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (or favorite oil)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (fresh ground for better flavor)
- 1/4 cup Cornstarch (optional)
Garlic Sauce
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise (homemade for best flavor)
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream (for tanginess)
- 2 cloves Fresh Garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (or lime juice)
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Rinse and dry the cauliflower, then cut it into uniform bite-sized florets to ensure even cooking.
- Season the Cauliflower: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and optional cornstarch. The cornstarch helps achieve extra crispiness when baked.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure they brown and crisp evenly.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness (Optional): After roasting, place the cauliflower under the broiler for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning, to achieve a delightful extra crunch.
- Serve: Remove cauliflower from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve alongside the prepared garlic sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise and Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
- Ensure the cauliflower is completely dry before tossing with oil for optimal crispiness.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended for a crunchier texture.
- Use fresh garlic in the sauce to get the best flavor, avoiding pre-minced garlic for freshness.
- Serve immediately for the crispiest bites, as they may soften over time.
