Description
These Cheesy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and crispy snack made by combining finely chopped cauliflower with cheese, breadcrumbs, and herbs, then baked to golden perfection. They are perfect as a healthy appetizer or a tasty side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Mixture
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Binding & Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cauliflower bites.
- Chop Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until finely chopped, resembling a rice-like texture.
- Mix Ingredients: Transfer the chopped cauliflower to a large bowl. Add Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Add Cheese and Egg: Incorporate the shredded cheddar cheese and the beaten egg into the mixture. Mix thoroughly to bind all ingredients evenly.
- Form Bites: Shape the mixture into 1-inch balls and place them on a greased baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the bites are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer or snack.
Notes
- You can substitute bread crumbs with gluten-free crumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For extra crispiness, lightly spray the bites with cooking spray before baking.
- If you prefer, these bites can be lightly pan-fried instead of baking for a different texture.
- Serving with a dipping sauce such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli complements the flavors well.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
