Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites

Crispy baked cauliflower bites was first "invented" in home kitchens, vegan blogs, and trendy restaurants across the Western world (particularly in the US, UK, and Australia) throughout the early-to-mid 2010s, as these trends reached a peak. It's a truly modern recipe, born from the internet age and a shifting global food culture.

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Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or chickpea flour for gluten-free)
• ¾ cup water (or plant-based milk)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1½ cups breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray or oil (for baking)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Make Batter: In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water (or plant milk), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Coat Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, shake off excess, then roll it in breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake: Spray the coated florets lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with oil. Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Optional – Extra Crisp: For even crispier bites, you can broil them for the last 2–3 minutes. Watch carefully to avoid burning!

Sauce Options

Creamy Garlic Sauce

Ingredients

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (or vegan yogurt or sour cream)
• 2–3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds a tangy depth)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, mix together the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Let sit for 10–15 minutes to let the flavors develop (refrigerate if needed).
4. Garnish with parsley before serving.

Sweet Chili Sauce

Ingredients

• ½ cup sweet chili sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
• 1 tsp fresh lime juice
• 1 tsp finely chopped cilantro (optional)
• ½ tsp grated ginger (optional)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, combine sweet chili sauce, rice vinegar, soy sauce, and lime juice.
2. Stir in cilantro and ginger if using.
3. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.

Honey with Miso Sauce

Ingredients

• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
• 1 tbsp warm water
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• ½ tsp grated ginger
• 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

1. In a small bowl, whisk together miso paste and honey until smooth.
2. Gradually whisk in warm water until desired consistency is reached.
3. Stir in rice vinegar, sesame oil, and grated ginger.
4. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the crispy bites hot with your choice of sauce on the side for dipping.

Great as a game-day snack, party platter item, or served in a wrap or bowl.