Cooking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 400°F to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it.
Cut the cauliflower into florets, then wash and dry them thoroughly. Make sure they're dry to guarantee the coating sticks well.
In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with the melted butter or olive oil until evenly coated.
In a separate bowl, mix together the bread crumbs, finely grated Parmesan cheese, paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Take each cauliflower floret and roll it in the bread crumb and cheese mixture until fully coated. Place the coated florets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 35 minutes, or until the cauliflower bites are crispy and golden brown. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Once done, remove from the oven and serve hot, optionally with marinara or ranch dressing for dipping.
For extra tips, consider adding minced garlic to the butter or using garlic powder in the coating for a more intense flavor. Remember that cauliflower florets provide a nutritious base for this delightful snack.
You can also experiment with different cheese types or add fresh herbs like parsley after baking for an extra pop of color and taste.
If you prefer a deeper flavor, try dipping the cauliflower in egg before coating it with the bread crumbs.
Enjoy your delicious Parmesan Cauliflower Bites!