Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce Recipe
Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce is a flavorful and healthy snack or appetizer featuring tender cauliflower florets seasoned with paprika, garlic, and onion powders, then baked to golden crispiness. Served with a creamy, zesty garlic yogurt sauce enhanced with fresh herbs and lemon juice, this dish is perfect for a vegetarian crowd-pleaser or as a delicious side dish. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s an ideal choice for a quick snack, appetizer, or a light meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer/Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 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)
Garlic Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped dill or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup. Rinse the cauliflower and cut it into evenly sized bite-sized florets for uniform cooking.
- Season the Cauliflower: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Make sure each piece is thoroughly and evenly coated with the seasoning mixture to maximize flavor.
- Bake the Cauliflower: Spread the seasoned cauliflower in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning, until they are golden and crispy around the edges.
- Prepare the Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower bakes, combine Greek yogurt or sour cream with minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped herbs (dill or parsley), salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix well and chill the sauce until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Once the cauliflower bites are baked to a crispy perfection, transfer them to a serving platter. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately with the chilled garlic dipping sauce on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Cut cauliflower into similar-sized florets to ensure even baking and consistent texture.
- Use a wire rack over the baking sheet to enhance crispiness by allowing air to circulate around florets.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, double the amount of garlic in the dipping sauce.
- Leftover cauliflower bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
- Store the garlic sauce separately from the bites in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Keywords: baked cauliflower bites, crispy cauliflower snacks, garlic dipping sauce, vegetarian appetizer, healthy snack, roasted cauliflower, easy snack recipes
