Crispy Oven-Baked Cauliflower Bites
Crispy Oven-Baked Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower
- 1 cauliflower, medium head
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Batter
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, plain
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
For Serving (Optional)
- 1/2 cup creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch or aioli
- 1/4 teaspoon dried herbs, for garnish, such as oregano or thyme
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400
- 2
Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the green leaves and core from the cauliflower head. Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Par-boil the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
⏱️ 10 min
- 4
Prepare the batter: In a large glass bowl, combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, olive oil, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
⏱️ 3 min
- 5
Gradually add the sparkling water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until a smooth, thick, orange-yellow batter forms. Ensure there are no lumps.
⏱️ 2 min
- 6
Coat the cauliflower: Add the par-boiled and dried cauliflower florets to the batter. Toss gently with a spoon or your hands until all florets are thoroughly coated.
⏱️ 3 min
- 7
Arrange on baking sheet: Individually place the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are well-spaced and not touching. This allows for even crisping.
⏱️ 2 min
- 8
Bake the cauliflower: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower bites are golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven.
⏱️ 30 min•🌡️ 400
- 9
Serve immediately: Transfer the crispy cauliflower bites to a serving platter. If desired, serve with a creamy dipping sauce garnished with dried herbs.
⏱️ 1 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Crispy Oven-Baked Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower
- 1 cauliflower, medium head
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
For the Batter
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs, plain
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1/2 cup sparkling water
For Serving (Optional)
- 1/2 cup creamy dipping sauce, such as ranch or aioli
- 1/4 teaspoon dried herbs, for garnish, such as oregano or thyme
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 400 - 2
Prepare the cauliflower: Remove the green leaves and core from the cauliflower head. Break the cauliflower into bite-sized florets. Aim for pieces that are roughly 1 to 1 1/2 inches in size.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Par-boil the cauliflower: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel to remove excess moisture.
⏱️ 10 min - 4
Prepare the batter: In a large glass bowl, combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, olive oil, paprika, turmeric, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk well to combine.
⏱️ 3 min - 5
Gradually add the sparkling water to the dry ingredients, whisking continuously until a smooth, thick, orange-yellow batter forms. Ensure there are no lumps.
⏱️ 2 min - 6
Coat the cauliflower: Add the par-boiled and dried cauliflower florets to the batter. Toss gently with a spoon or your hands until all florets are thoroughly coated.
⏱️ 3 min - 7
Arrange on baking sheet: Individually place the coated cauliflower florets onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are well-spaced and not touching. This allows for even crisping.
⏱️ 2 min - 8
Bake the cauliflower: Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the cauliflower bites are golden brown and crispy. The exact baking time may vary depending on your oven.
⏱️ 30 min•🌡️ 400 - 9
Serve immediately: Transfer the crispy cauliflower bites to a serving platter. If desired, serve with a creamy dipping sauce garnished with dried herbs.
⏱️ 1 min