Golden Crispy Cauliflower Bites
The cauliflower was nearly forgotten. One of those hopeful grocery grabs—no recipe in mind, just good intentions. It lingered in the fridge for days, tucked behind oat milk and leftovers, quietly waiting for its moment.
Then came a restless evening. After scrolling endlessly and still unsure what to eat, I opened the fridge and spotted it again. That humble head of cauliflower suddenly felt like a solution.
I didn’t want the usual steam or roast. I craved crunch, color, and a little kick. So I improvised—whisking, dipping, coating, and baking. No rules, just curiosity. The result? Golden, crispy florets with a whisper of spice and a whole lot of comfort.
📋 Ingredients
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cauliflower (large head) | 1, cut into bite-sized florets |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp |
| Paprika | 1 tsp |
| Salt | ½ tsp |
| Black pepper | ½ tsp |
| Milk (or plant-based alternative) | 1 cup |
| Panko breadcrumbs | 2 cups |
| Grated Parmesan (optional) | ½ cup |
| Olive oil spray | As needed |
For the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Plain Greek yogurt | ½ cup |
| Sriracha sauce | 2 tbsp |
| Honey | 1 tbsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tbsp |
| Salt & pepper | To taste |
🍽️ Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease it.
Step 2: Prep the Cauliflower
Cut into evenly sized florets for uniform cooking.
Step 3: Make the Batter
Whisk flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Slowly add milk, whisking until smooth.
Step 4: Coat the Florets
Dip each piece into the batter, letting excess drip off.
Step 5: Add the Crunch
Combine panko and Parmesan (if using). Roll each floret in the mix, pressing gently to adhere.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place florets on the baking sheet in a single layer. Spray tops with olive oil. Bake 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Step 7: Whip Up the Sauce (Optional)
Mix yogurt, sriracha, honey, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Enjoy straight from the oven with dipping sauce on the side.
