Description
These Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a healthy, flavorful snack or side dish made with just five simple ingredients. Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with cheesy, spicy flavor, they are perfect for sharing at parties or enjoying as a quick snack.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Cauliflower
- 3 cups cauliflower florets (washed and thoroughly dried; about 1 small head of cauliflower)
Butter
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Wash and thoroughly dry the cauliflower florets. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the melted butter until evenly coated, ensuring all pieces are covered. Add additional butter with a pastry brush if needed to coat uncovered spots.
- Mix Parmesan and spices: In a small bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper. Sprinkle this mixture over the butter-coated cauliflower, and gently toss or stir to evenly distribute the cheese and spices over all pieces.
- Arrange on baking sheet: Spread the coated cauliflower in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment or sprayed with non-stick spray to prevent sticking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
- Serve: Enjoy hot from the oven for the best crispy texture and flavor.
Air Fryer Instructions
- Preheat air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Prepare cauliflower in air fryer: Spray the crisper plate with olive oil. Place the cauliflower florets in a single layer and lightly spray them with olive oil for extra crispiness.
- Cook: Air fry for about 20 minutes, gently turning the florets halfway through with a spatula for even crispiness.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower is thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness.
- You can add more spices like garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately for best texture; they tend to lose crispness if kept warm for too long.
- This recipe can be customized with different cheeses or seasonings based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 4 pieces)
- Calories: 130 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 330 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 7 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
