Description
Crispy parmesan cauliflower bites offer a delightful twist on classic appetizers with golden, cheesy florets. Home cooks can easily craft this crowd-pleasing snack with simple ingredients and quick preparation techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large cauliflower (segmented into bite-sized florets)
- 60 grams (2 oz) of Parmigiano Reggiano (finely grated)
- 120 grams (4.2 oz) of panko breadcrumbs (gluten-free option available)
- 120 grams (4.2 oz) of flour (gluten-free option available)
- 2 eggs (lightly beaten)
- 15 milliliters (0.5 fl oz) of Creole seasoning
- Sufficient oil for deep frying
Instructions
- Rinse the cauliflower under cold water and pat dry completely. Carefully break or cut into bite-sized, evenly shaped florets to ensure consistent cooking and crispy texture.
- Create three separate shallow dishes: first with flour, second with whisked eggs, and third with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, finely grated Parmigiano Reggiano, and Creole seasoning.
- Dredge each cauliflower floret first in flour, shaking off excess. Dip thoroughly in beaten eggs, then generously coat with the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help crumbs adhere.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to 180°C (350°F). Carefully lower breaded florets into hot oil in small batches to maintain consistent temperature and prevent overcrowding.
- Fry florets for 3-4 minutes, rotating occasionally, until they achieve a rich golden-brown color and crispy exterior. The coating should be crunchy and the cauliflower tender.
- Transfer fried cauliflower bites to a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Serve immediately while hot, optionally accompanied by marinara sauce, ranch, or your preferred dipping condiment.
Notes
- Pat cauliflower florets completely dry before breading to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature, ensuring even golden-brown coating without burning.
- Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
- Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond meal to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining delightful crunch.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 11 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg