Crispy Baked Cauliflower
This Crispy Baked Cauliflower is a delicious, healthy alternative to fried snacks. Lightly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, these crispy bites are perfect as a side dish, appetizer, or even a low-carb snack. They’re packed with flavor and crunch without the excess oil from frying!
Ingredients
(Serves 4)
For the Cauliflower:
1 medium head of cauliflower (cut into florets)
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
For the Coating:
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb version)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for extra crispiness)
1 egg (beaten)
For Dipping (Optional):
Ranch dressing, marinara, or spicy mayo
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep:
Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Season the Cauliflower:
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper.
3. Coat the Cauliflower:
In a separate bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.Dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten egg, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Bake to Crispy Perfection:
Arrange the coated cauliflower on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.Garnish with fresh parsley or an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 180
Protein: 6g
Carbohydrates: 20g
Fat: 8g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 320mg
Notes & Tips
For Extra Crispiness: Broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed almonds.
Make it Spicier: Add more cayenne or toss with hot sauce before serving.
Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat in an oven or air fryer for crispiness.
This Crispy Baked Cauliflower is a guilt-free snack that’s easy to make and full of flavor.