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Parmesan Cauliflower Bites Recipe

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These Parmesan Cauliflower Bites are a simple and delicious low-carb snack or side dish made with just 5 ingredients. Tender cauliflower florets are coated in melted butter, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper, then baked or air fried to crispy perfection. Perfectly seasoned and ready in 30 minutes, these bites are a healthy alternative to traditional fried snacks, offering a satisfying crunch with rich cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

Cauliflower Blend

  • 3 cups cauliflower florets (washed and thoroughly dried; about 1 small head of cauliflower)

Coating

  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese (finely grated)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven. Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) so it’s hot and ready for baking the cauliflower bites.
  2. Coat Cauliflower with Butter. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the melted butter. Make sure every piece is well coated. Use a silicone pastry brush to evenly spread butter on any spots that look dry.
  3. Prepare Parmesan Seasoning. In a separate bowl or directly over the cauliflower, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, and black pepper.
  4. Toss to Coat. Cover the bowl with a tight-fitting lid and gently shake or stir the cauliflower to evenly coat the florets with the cheese and spice mixture.
  5. Arrange on Baking Sheet. Spray a baking sheet with non-stick spray and spread the coated cauliflower out in a single layer to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
  6. Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes or until the cauliflower edges start to crisp and turn golden brown.
  7. Serve Hot. Remove from the oven and enjoy these crispy Parmesan cauliflower bites immediately for the best flavor and texture.
  8. Air Fryer Option – Preheat. Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C) for 3 minutes if you prefer a quicker method.
  9. Air Fryer Setup. Spray the air fryer’s crisper plate with olive oil to prevent sticking. Lay the cauliflower florets in a single layer and lightly spray them with olive oil to encourage crisping.
  10. Air Fry. Cook the cauliflower in the air fryer for around 20 minutes until tender and crispy. Optionally, flip the florets halfway through cooking to brown evenly, though it is not always necessary.

Notes

  • Make sure cauliflower florets are dried thoroughly to help the butter and cheese stick well and to maximize crispiness.
  • You can adjust paprika to your taste preference for more or less smokiness.
  • If air frying, avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure even cooking.
  • This recipe pairs well with dipping sauces like ranch or marinara.
  • For a vegan version, substitute butter with vegan margarine and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.

Find it online: https://cookedbysarah.com/parmesan-cauliflower-bites-recipe/