Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites are a delightful and satisfying snack or appetizer that’s perfect for those looking for a plant-based option with a satisfying crunch.
What are Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites made of?
Here’s a description of each ingredient used in crispy baked cauliflower bites:
- Cauliflower: Cauliflower is a versatile and nutritious vegetable that forms the base of this dish. When baked, its natural texture becomes tender on the inside and crispy on the outside. It’s high in vitamins C and K, it is also a good source of folate and it is fat-free and cholesterol-free.
- All-Purpose Flour or Chickpea Flour: This flour is used to create a batter that coats the cauliflower florets. It helps achieve a crispy texture when baked.
- Plant-Based Milk: Plant-based milk, such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk, is used to make the batter. It helps bind the flour and spices to the cauliflower while providing a creamy base.
- Garlic Powder: Garlic powder adds a savory and aromatic flavor to the cauliflower bites.
- Paprika: Paprika adds a warm and slightly smoky flavor to the cauliflower bites.
- Cumin: Cumin lends a warm and earthy flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste.
- Salt and Pepper: These common seasonings are used to enhance the overall taste of the cauliflower wings.
- Cooking Spray or Olive Oil: Cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil is applied to the coated cauliflower florets before baking. This helps create a crispy texture during baking.
- Hot Sauce: Hot sauce adds heat and flavor to the sauce that coats the cauliflower wings.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil is mixed with the hot sauce to create a flavorful coating for the bites.
- Maple Syrup or Honey: Maple syrup or honey can be added to the sauce for a touch of sweetness to balance the heat.
- Apple Cider Vinegar (Optional): Apple cider vinegar adds a tangy element to the sauce, balancing the flavors.
- Parsley (for garnish): Parsley adds color and freshness to the dish.
These ingredients come together to create crispy baked cauliflower wings that are flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for those looking for a plant-based or lighter alternative to traditional wings.
How to make Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a bowl, whisk together the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth batter.
Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Allow any excess batter to drip off. Place the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each floret. Lightly spray the coated florets with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of olive oil. This helps them become crispy during baking.
Bake the cauliflower in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the sauce by whisking together the hot sauce, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and apple cider vinegar.
Once the cauliflower is crispy and baked, remove it from the oven and drizzle it with the sauce. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and enjoy!
What goes good with cauliflower bites?
Cauliflower bites are a versatile and flavorful dish that can be paired with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some options that go well with cauliflower bites:
- Dipping Sauces: Serve cauliflower bites with a range of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, buffalo sauce, honey mustard, or a tangy yogurt-based dip.
- Vegetable Sticks: Offer a selection of fresh vegetable sticks, like carrots, celery, and cucumber, to provide a crunchy and refreshing contrast to the cauliflower bites.
- Side Salad: A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and a vinaigrette dressing can provide a refreshing balance to the savory cauliflower bites. Here are some salad recipes:
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw adds a creamy and crunchy element that complements the texture of the cauliflower bites. Here are some slaw recipes:
- Garlic Bread: A side of garlic bread or garlic knots can be a delicious addition, offering a comforting and savory contrast. Here are some recipes:
- Quinoa Salad: A cold quinoa salad with chopped vegetables, herbs, and a light dressing can add a nutritious and filling element to the meal. Here are some recipes:
The choice of side dishes depends on your personal preferences and the overall theme of the meal. Consider a mix of textures, flavors, and nutritional elements to create a well-rounded and enjoyable dining experience.
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
Cauliflower
- ½ medium cauliflower head, cut into bite-sized florets
- ¾ cup all-purpose flour or chickpea flour (for a gluten-free option)
- 1 cup plant-based milk (such as almond milk, soy milk, or oat milk)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Sauce
- ¼ cup hot sauce (adjust to taste)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, plant-based milk, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until a smooth batter forms. Take each cauliflower floret and dip it into the batter, ensuring complete and even coating. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even baking. Lightly apply cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the coated florets. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the cauliflower for approximately 20-25 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, carefully flip the florets to ensure uniform crispiness.
- While the cauliflower is baking, nake the sauce by whisking together the hot sauce, olive oil, maple syrup or honey, and apple cider vinegar until well combined.
- Once the cauliflower reaches a crispy and golden state, remove it from the oven. Drizzle with the prepared sauce and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Enjoy!
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites