Description
Cheesy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack that combines finely chopped cauliflower with savory cheeses, herbs, and seasonings. These golden-brown bites are baked to perfection, offering a healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks while delivering mouthwatering flavor and satisfying crunch.
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
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil, for frying (optional, not used in baking)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the cauliflower bites.
- Process Cauliflower: Place the cauliflower florets into a food processor and pulse until they are finely chopped into rice-sized pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the chopped cauliflower into a large mixing bowl. Add grated Parmesan cheese, bread crumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are completely combined.
- Add Cheese and Egg: Mix in the shredded cheddar cheese and the beaten egg to the cauliflower mixture, ensuring everything is evenly incorporated to help bind the mixture.
- Shape Bites: Take portions of the mixture and form into approximately 1-inch balls. Place these balls on a greased baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart.
- Bake: Bake the cauliflower bites in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy exterior.
- Serve: Once baked, serve the cheesy cauliflower bites warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Do not deep fry despite the mention of vegetable oil; the recipe calls for baking to make it healthier.
- Baking at 400°F ensures the bites get crispy on the outside while staying tender on the inside.
- Using fresh parsley adds a bright flavor, but you can substitute with dried parsley if needed.
- You can customize the cheese mix by adding mozzarella or other cheeses to your preference.
- Allow the bites to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns and improve texture.
