Introduction

Get ready to fall in love with these Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites served with a creamy garlic sauce. This healthy, flavorful dish is perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side, bringing bold spices and zesty creaminess without any frying. Whether you’re craving a plant-based treat or a crunchy veggie upgrade, these bites deliver irresistible crispness straight from the oven.

This image shows a bowl of crispy roasted cauliflower pieces with a brownish-orange color and slight charring on the edges. The cauliflower looks crunchy and is sprinkled with green herbs. Next to the bowl is a small white bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce topped with chopped green herbs. The background is a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley (for sauce)
Salt and pepper to taste (for sauce)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Wash and cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets.
Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until each floret is evenly coated.
Step 4: Spread the cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy on the edges.
Step 5: While the cauliflower bakes, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Chill the garlic sauce until ready to serve.
Step 6: Once the cauliflower is crisp and roasted, transfer to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve alongside the garlic dipping sauce.

Tips & Variations

Cut cauliflower into similar-sized florets to ensure even baking and crispiness.
For extra crisp bites, place the florets on a wire rack set over the baking sheet.
Double the garlic in the dipping sauce if you love a bold flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Make it vegan by using plant-based yogurt or sour cream in the sauce.

Storage

Store any leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them in the oven or an air fryer to bring back their crispiness—avoid the microwave to prevent sogginess. The garlic sauce can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 5 days.

How to Serve

The image shows a white bowl filled with roasted cauliflower pieces, each piece golden brown and crispy with some darker roasted edges, sprinkled with green herbs. Next to the bowl, there is a small white bowl of creamy white dipping sauce garnished with more green herbs. The cauliflower pieces are piled high, showing texture from the coating and roasting. The background is a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and thoroughly dry the cauliflower before baking to avoid soggy bites. Fresh cauliflower provides the best crispy texture.

How do I make the bites spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning mix before roasting for an extra spicy flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the Greek yogurt or sour cream in the garlic sauce with a plant-based alternative.

How long does the garlic sauce last?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the garlic sauce stays fresh for up to 5 days.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Yes, air fry the florets at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even crisping.