Crispy Cauliflower Bites with Homemade Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious, crunchy snack or appetizer made by coating cauliflower florets in a seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture and baking them to golden perfection. Served with a creamy homemade herbed buttermilk ranch dressing, this recipe offers a flavorful, healthier alternative to fried snacks, perfect for gatherings or a tasty snack.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Bites
- 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets
- 3 large eggs, beaten
- 1 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/4 teaspoons fine sea salt, divided
- 1 1/4 teaspoons black pepper, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Homemade Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise (preferably avocado oil mayo)
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon fresh chives, thinly sliced
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried minced onion
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Cut the cauliflower into bite-sized florets, ensuring they are uniform in size for even cooking.
- Mix the Dry Coating: In a large bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, all-purpose flour, half of the salt (about 5/8 teaspoon), half of the black pepper (about 5/8 teaspoon), garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Beat the Eggs: In another bowl, beat the 3 large eggs until smooth and uniform. This will be used to help the coating stick to the cauliflower.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the beaten eggs, then coat it with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the coating adheres well. Place the coated florets onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer without overcrowding.
- Bake the Cauliflower Bites: Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 25-30 minutes, turning the florets halfway through to ensure even browning and crisping. The bites should be golden brown and crispy on the edges.
- Prepare the Ranch Dressing: While the cauliflower bakes, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh chives, dill, parsley, dried minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, remaining salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Mix well until smooth and flavors meld together. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve: Remove the cauliflower bites from the oven once crispy and golden. Let them cool slightly before serving. Serve warm alongside the homemade herbed buttermilk ranch dressing for dipping.
Notes
- Ensure cauliflower florets are dry before coating to help the batter stick better.
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the cauliflower bites for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Gluten-free panko and flour alternatives can be used to make this recipe gluten-free.
- The ranch dressing can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days to enhance flavor.
- Adjust spices in the breadcrumb mix to your taste preferences.
- This recipe works well as an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
Keywords: crispy cauliflower bites, baked cauliflower, cauliflower appetizer, herbed ranch dressing, vegetarian snacks, healthy cauliflower recipe