Description
Crispy parmesan cauliflower bites deliver a delightful appetizer with golden-brown edges and cheesy flavor. Mediterranean-inspired seasonings and simple preparation make this recipe perfect for quick snacking or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 cups (710 ml) cauliflower florets, washed and thoroughly dried (about 1 small head of cauliflower)
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, finely grated
- 2 tbsps (30 ml) butter, melted
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Floret Formation: Dismantle the cauliflower into uniform, bite-sized pieces to ensure consistent cooking and crisp texture.
- Butter Coating: Melt butter and meticulously brush each cauliflower piece, creating a rich, golden foundation for the seasoning.
- Seasoning Blend: Combine finely grated Parmesan cheese, smoky paprika, and freshly ground black pepper to create a robust flavor profile.
- Seasoning Application: Thoroughly coat the butter-glazed cauliflower with the Parmesan mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage by gently tumbling the florets.
- Roasting: Arrange the seasoned florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, then roast in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until edges turn golden-brown and develop a crisp exterior.
- Serving: Immediately transfer the cauliflower bites from the oven and serve hot, capturing their maximum crunch and flavor intensity.
Notes
- Precise Floret Sizing: Cut cauliflower into consistently small, bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness throughout.
- Perfect Butter Application: Use a pastry brush for complete, thin butter coating that helps seasonings stick and promotes golden-brown exterior.
- Strategic Oven Placement: Spread florets in a single layer without crowding to allow proper heat circulation and achieve optimal crispy texture.
- Temperature Timing: Preheat oven fully to 425°F and watch closely during last 5 minutes to prevent burning while developing perfect golden-brown edges.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 115
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 200 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 20 mg