Step 1: Preheat the Oven
- Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
Step 2: Prepare the Cauliflower
- Cut the Cauliflower:
- Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, making sure they are relatively uniform in size for even cooking.
Step 3: Prepare the Coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Beat the Eggs:
- In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until well blended.
Step 4: Coat the Cauliflower
- Dip Cauliflower in Egg:
- Working in batches, dip each cauliflower floret into the beaten eggs, ensuring they are well-coated.
- Coat with Cheese Mixture:
- Transfer the egg-coated cauliflower to the bowl with the cheese mixture. Toss to coat the cauliflower evenly with the cheesy breadcrumb mixture. Press lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
- Place on Baking Sheet:
- Arrange the coated cauliflower florets in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure they are not touching to allow even cooking and crisping.
Step 5: Bake
- Bake:
- Bake the cauliflower bites in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip the florets halfway through the baking time to ensure even browning.
Step 6: Serve
- Garnish and Serve:
- Once the cauliflower bites are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
- Dipping Sauce (Optional):
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, marinara, or a spicy aioli.
Tips for Perfect Cheesy Cauliflower Bites
- Even Coating: Ensure each cauliflower floret is evenly coated with the egg and cheese mixture for the best results.
- Crunchy Texture: For extra crunchiness, use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella or a bit of blue cheese can add a unique flavor.
- Air Fryer Option: These cauliflower bites can also be made in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Make Ahead: These can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 150-180 (depending on the type of cheese used)
- Protein: 7g
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
Cheesy cauliflower bites are a delightful and nutritious way to enjoy vegetables. They’re sure to be a hit with family and friends, whether served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish. Enjoy these tasty bites with your favorite dipping sauce and savor the combination of crispy, cheesy, and tender cauliflower in every bite!