Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce are a delicious and healthy snack or side dish. These golden, flavorful florets pair perfectly with a creamy, tangy garlic sauce for a satisfying bite every time.

Ingredients

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or chickpea flour (optional)
• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
• 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for sauce)
• Salt to taste (for sauce)
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
2. Step 2: Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized, evenly sized florets and pat them completely dry to ensure crispiness.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, toss the florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, pepper, and the optional cornstarch or chickpea flour for extra crunch.
4. Step 4: Spread the florets evenly on the baking sheet, making sure not to overcrowd them to allow even roasting.
5. Step 5: Roast for 25–30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through until they are crispy and golden brown.
6. Step 6: While the cauliflower roasts, prepare the garlic sauce by mixing the yogurt, tahini (if using), lemon juice, grated garlic, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl.
7. Step 7: Once the cauliflower is baked, transfer it to a serving plate and drizzle generously with the prepared garlic sauce.
8. Step 8: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, make sure the cauliflower florets are completely dry before seasoning and roasting.
• Substitute cornstarch with chickpea flour for a gluten-free option with a nutty flavor.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning for a spicy kick.
• Use a dairy-free yogurt and skip the tahini for a simple vegan garlic sauce.
• Serve with pita bread or as a topping for salads and grain bowls.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Garlic sauce is best served fresh but can be kept refrigerated for up to 2 days; stir well before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?

Fresh cauliflower works best because it roasts evenly and gets crispy. Frozen cauliflower tends to release more moisture, which can make the bites soggy.

Is it necessary to use yogurt in the garlic sauce?

The yogurt adds creaminess and tang, balancing the spices. However, you can omit it and use tahini with lemon juice and garlic for a dairy-free alternative.

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites with Garlic Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 68 reviews

These Crispy Baked Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack, featuring tender cauliflower florets roasted to golden perfection with a flavorful blend of spices. Paired with a creamy garlic sauce made from yogurt, tahini, and fresh lemon, this dish offers a perfect balance of crunch and tangy creaminess that’s sure to please any palate.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Cauliflower Bites

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 0.5 teaspoon turmeric
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch or chickpea flour (optional)

Garlic Sauce

• 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt or plant-based yogurt
• 1 tablespoon tahini (optional)
• 1.5 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, grated
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt to taste
• Chopped parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into evenly sized, bite-sized florets. Make sure to pat them completely dry so they roast crispy rather than steaming in the oven.
3. Season Florets: In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, turmeric, salt, black pepper, and if using, cornstarch or chickpea flour. The optional flour helps add extra crispiness to the coating.
4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Spread the seasoned cauliflower evenly across the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded to allow for even roasting and crisping.
5. Roast Cauliflower: Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through cooking so they become golden and crispy on all sides.
6. Prepare Garlic Sauce: While the cauliflower roasts, combine the plain yogurt, tahini (if using), fresh lemon juice, grated garlic clove, olive oil, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
7. Serve: Once the cauliflower bites are crispy and golden, transfer them to a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the prepared garlic sauce.
8. Garnish and Enjoy: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant touch. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of crispy bites and creamy sauce.

Notes

• For extra crispiness, do not overcrowd the baking sheet; use two sheets if necessary.
• You can substitute chickpea flour for cornstarch for a gluten-free option.
• For a vegan version, use plant-based yogurt instead of Greek yogurt and omit the tahini if desired.
• The garlic sauce can be adjusted with more or less lemon juice or garlic to suit your taste.
• Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator separately; reheat cauliflower in the oven to maintain crispness.

Keywords: baked cauliflower bites, crispy cauliflower, garlic sauce, healthy appetizer, vegetarian snack, roasted cauliflower