Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites made with cauliflower florets, mayo, Parmesan cheese, and breadcrumbs. The perfect crunchy snack or side dish!
So, a few weekends ago, I found myself staring into the fridge at this poor, neglected head of cauliflower. You know the one—the “I swear I’m gonna do something healthy this week” purchase? Well, there it was. Still hanging in there but clearly giving me the side-eye every time I opened the fridge. I wasn’t in the mood for another boring roasted veggie situation (no shade if you’re into that). I wanted something crunchy. Something cheesy. Something that felt a little indulgent but wouldn’t leave me regretting my life choices.
And BOOM. These Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites happened. I tossed some florets in mayo (weird, but stick with me), rolled them in a cheesy breadcrumb mix, and baked ’em until golden. The kitchen smelled so good, even the dog was hovering nearby. I served them to my kids—who usually treat cauliflower like it’s an alien species—and they vanished in minutes. And now? This is my go-to when I want something snacky but not too naughty.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites Recipe?
Alright, so here’s the deal. These Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are kind of magical. Here’s why:
- They’re crispy as heck without deep-frying. No oil splatters. No mess.
- The Parmesan gives them that nutty, salty flavor that makes you keep going back for “just one more.”
- They’re baked, not fried. So if you’re trying to be good? These help.
- The mayo coating keeps the cauliflower moist on the inside. Don’t knock it ’til you try it!
- And they’re a hit with adults and picky kids. That’s a rare unicorn of a recipe right there.
Ingredient Notes:
Let’s break it down! Here’s what you’ll need for these crispy little nuggets of joy:
- Cauliflower: Go for a medium head, cut into bite-sized florets. The smaller they are, the crispier they get. I like ’em small and crunchy—kinda like me on a Monday morning.
- Mayonnaise: Yep, mayo! It’s the glue that makes all the breadcrumbs and cheese stick like a dream. Plus, it gives the cauliflower that juicy interior.
- Seasoned Bread Crumbs: You can totally use plain breadcrumbs if that’s what you’ve got. I’d just throw in some Italian seasoning and a pinch of garlic powder to jazz it up.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated is ideal here. The pre-grated stuff works in a pinch, but fresh melts better and tastes, well, fancier.
- Salt & Pepper: Don’t skip this. Simple seasonings make a huge difference. Trust me, I forgot once and immediately regretted it.
- Cooking Spray: Helps everything crisp up without the greasy vibe. Plus, less cleanup. Win-win.
How To Make Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites?
Okay, let’s roll up our sleeves (figuratively or literally, you do you) and make these babies!
Step 1: Preheat That Oven
Crank your oven up to 350°F (175°C). Grab a baking sheet and give it a light spray with cooking spray. Or line it with
Step 2: Mayo Time!
Toss your cauliflower florets into a big zip-top bag. Add the mayo. Seal it up and give it a good shake (pretend it’s a maraca if you need extra motivation). Make sure every piece is coated. We’re talking slathered.
Step 3: Bread Crumb + Parmesan Party
In another zip-top bag, mix the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Then add about half of your mayo-coated cauliflower. Shake it like you mean it. Lay those nuggets on your baking sheet. Repeat with the rest.
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Step 4: Bake ‘Em
Pop the tray in the oven and bake for 35-ish minutes. You’re looking for golden brown deliciousness. I dare you not to snag one straight from the tray. (But blow on it first… I speak from experience.)
Storage Options:
If by some miracle you have leftovers (unlikely, but let’s be optimistic), let them cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat them in the oven or
Variations and Substitutions:
Feeling creative? Here are a few swaps and twists you can try:
- Gluten-Free: Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free panko. Easy fix!
- Spicy Vibes: Add a dash of cayenne or smoked paprika to your breadcrumb mix for a little heat.
- Cheesier? Yes, please. Throw in some shredded mozzarella with the Parmesan. Melty goodness.
- Dairy-Free: Skip the Parmesan and use nutritional yeast for that cheesy flavor without the dairy.
What to Serve with Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites?
These little guys are super versatile. Here’s what I usually do:
- Dips: Ranch, buffalo, marinara… whatever makes you happy!
- Mains: Serve alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
- Salads: Top a big green salad with these instead of croutons. Trust me.
- Game Day: Add ’em to your snack spread. They’ll disappear faster than chips.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Sure! Just thaw it and dry it really well. Wet cauliflower is no friend of crispy coatings.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! Coat them and keep them in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just don’t coat too early, or they’ll get soggy.
Can I air fry them?
Heck yes! Air fry at 375°F for 15-ish minutes. Give ’em a shake halfway through. Crispy perfection!
And that’s it, my friend. Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites that’ll win over even the pickiest eaters. If you give these a go, drop me a comment or send me a pic—I love seeing your kitchen creations!
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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Crispy Baked Parmesan Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking sheet
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt to taste
- Ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure even browning.
Coat the Cauliflower with Mayonnaise:
- Place the mayonnaise in a large zip-top plastic bag. Add the cauliflower florets to the bag, seal it securely, and shake well until each piece is evenly coated.
Apply the Breading Mixture:
- In a separate large zip-top plastic bag, combine the seasoned bread crumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Transfer half of the coated cauliflower florets to this bag, seal, and shake thoroughly to coat. Arrange the coated florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining cauliflower.
Bake the Cauliflower Bites:
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 35 minutes, or until the cauliflower bites are tender and golden brown. Monitor closely during the final minutes of baking to prevent over-browning.
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow the cauliflower bites to cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm for optimal crispiness.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
