Crispy Cauliflower Bites with Homemade Herbed Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
These Crispy Cauliflower Bites are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried snacks. Battered in a seasoned panko breadcrumb coating and baked or air-fried to golden perfection, they deliver a satisfying crunch. Served with a creamy homemade herbed buttermilk ranch dressing, this recipe is perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish for any occasion.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- 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 cups 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 (avocado oil mayo recommended)
- 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: Wash and cut the cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, ensuring pieces are uniform for even cooking.
- Make the Breading Station: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with half of the sea salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining sea salt and black pepper.
- Coat the Cauliflower: Dip each cauliflower floret first into the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Next, submerge the floret in the beaten eggs, and then coat thoroughly with the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Cook the Bites: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the coated florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a baking rack to ensure even crisping. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until the cauliflower is tender and the coating is golden and crispy. Alternatively, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway through, until crisp.
- Prepare the Ranch Dressing: While the cauliflower cooks, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, buttermilk, fresh chives, dill, parsley, dried minced onion, garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and well blended. Refrigerate until ready to serve for flavors to meld.
- Serve: Serve the crispy cauliflower bites hot with the homemade herbed buttermilk ranch dressing on the side for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, let the breaded cauliflower rest in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes before cooking.
- You can customize the seasoning in the breading or the ranch dressing to taste, adding more herbs or spices.
- These bites reheat best in an air fryer or oven to maintain crunchiness; avoid microwaving.
- Gluten-free panko and flour substitutes can be used to make this recipe gluten free.