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Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce

Golden, crispy, and full of bold flavor, these Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce are the ultimate healthy snack or party appetizer! Perfectly baked (not fried!) and dunked in a luscious, creamy garlic sauce. Seriously addictive!

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 large head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend)

  • 3/4 cup water

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (Panko for extra crunch!)

For the Garlic Sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

  • In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

  • Dip each cauliflower floret into the batter, allowing excess to drip off, then roll in breadcrumbs to coat evenly.

  • Arrange the coated florets on the baking sheet without crowding.

  • Bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

  • Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, warm olive oil over low heat, add minced garlic, and cook until fragrant (about 1 minute). Remove from heat.

  • In a bowl, mix the sautéed garlic with mayonnaise and lemon juice. Season with salt to taste.

 

  • Serve the hot, crispy cauliflower bites with a generous side of garlic sauce for dipping or drizzling!

Notes

  • Pat your cauliflower dry after washing for maximum crispiness.

  • For extra crunch, double coat: batter, breadcrumbs, batter, breadcrumbs again!

  • Want it spicy? Add a pinch of cayenne to your batter.

 

  • The garlic sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and kept chilled.

  • Author: cookspotlight
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snack, Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American, Fusion

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: About 1 cup bites + garlic sauce
  • Calories: 210
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 380mg
  • Fat: 11g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 24g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 5g
  • Cholesterol: 5mg

Keywords: cauliflower bites, crispy cauliflower, baked cauliflower, vegan appetizer, healthy snack, garlic sauce, cauliflower recipes