Crispy cheesy cauliflower bites coated in seasoned breadcrumbs and baked until golden, crunchy, and delicious. An easy family-friendly snack or side dish.
These crispy cheesy cauliflower bites are a delicious way to turn simple cauliflower into a crunchy, cheesy treat. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in a flavorful breadcrumb mixture, topped with plenty of melted cheese, and baked until golden brown and irresistibly crisp.
They make a wonderful appetizer, snack, side dish, or light vegetarian meal. Best of all, they are baked rather than deep-fried, making them an easy option when you want something crispy without using lots of oil.
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley, optional
How to
Make Crispy Cheesy Cauliflower Bites
1. Prepare the cauliflower
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash the cauliflower and cut it into small, bite-sized florets.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and lightly blanch the cauliflower for about 2–3 minutes. Drain thoroughly and allow the florets to cool slightly.
Make sure the cauliflower is not overly wet. Excess moisture can prevent the coating from becoming crispy.
2. Prepare the coating
In a bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
3. Coat the cauliflower
Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg, allowing the excess to drip off.
Then roll it in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks well.
Arrange the coated cauliflower pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave a little
space between each piece so the hot air can circulate.
Lightly drizzle or spray the cauliflower with olive oil.
4. Bake until golden
Place the tray in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20–25 minutes, turning the bites halfway through.
When the breadcrumbs become golden and crisp, remove the tray from the oven.
Sprinkle the mozzarella over the cauliflower bites and return them to the oven for another 3–5 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and bubbly.
