Description
Enjoy these irresistibly crispy baked cauliflower bites seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and served with a creamy garlic sauce. Perfect as a healthy appetizer or snack, this recipe combines the natural crunch of roasted cauliflower with a zesty garlic mayo dip for an unforgettable taste experience.
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)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (chopped)
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preparation Steps: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Cauliflower: Rinse the cauliflower thoroughly and dry it completely. Cut the head 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 cornstarch. The cornstarch helps achieve extra crispiness when baked.
- Roast the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned florets evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through to ensure they brown evenly and become crispy on all sides.
- Prepare Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower is roasting, combine mayonnaise, Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and flavorful to create the garlic dipping sauce.
- Broil for Extra Crispiness: Once roasted, optionally broil the cauliflower bites for an additional 2-3 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning. This step gives an extra crispy golden finish.
- Serve: Remove the cauliflower from the oven and allow it to cool slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then serve the crispy bites alongside the creamy garlic sauce for dipping.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh cauliflower and dry it thoroughly to help it crisp better while baking.
- Cornstarch is optional but recommended to add an extra crispy texture.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.
- Adjust salt and spices to your taste preference.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven for best crispiness.
