Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites with Creamy Dip

Ingredients

For the cauliflower

• 1 large head cauliflower, cut into bite-size florets

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 large egg

• 2 tbsp milk

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• ½ tsp onion powder

• ½ tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp salt

• ¼ tsp black pepper

• ¼ tsp chili flakes, optional

• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

Creamy dipping sauce

• ½ cup mayonnaise

• ¼ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt

• 1–2 tbsp hot sauce

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• ½ tsp garlic powder

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Method

1. Heat oven to 425°F / 220°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly oil it.

2. Prepare cauliflower: Wash, dry very well, and cut into medium florets.

3. In one bowl, whisk together egg and milk.

4. In another bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.

5. Dip each cauliflower floret into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the Parmesan-panko mixture.

6. Arrange in a single layer, leaving space between pieces. Lightly drizzle or spray with olive oil.

7. Bake for 20–25 minutes, turning halfway through, until deeply golden and crispy. For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching closely.

8. While it cooks, mix all the dip ingredients until smooth. Taste and adjust the hot sauce, lemon, and salt.

9. Garnish the cauliflower with fresh parsley and serve immediately with the creamy dip.

Air-fryer option

Cook at 400°F / 200°C for 12–16 minutes, shaking or turning halfway through. Work in batches so the cauliflower stays crispy.

Nutrition — approximate per serving

For 4 servings, including the dip:

• Calories: ~430 kcal

• Protein: ~14 g

• Carbohydrates: ~31 g

• Fat: ~29 g

• Fiber: ~5 g

• Sugar: ~6 g

• Sodium: ~800–1,000 mg

Nutrition varies with the size of the cauliflower, amount of Parmesan/panko, and brands of mayonnaise and other ingredients.

Nut information:  Contains no tree nuts or peanuts as written. However, panko, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and seasonings can have facility/cross-contact warnings, so check the package if you have a nut allergy.