Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites with Lemon Dip
These Crispy Parmesan Cauliflower Bites elevate simple roasted cauliflower florets into an elegant, flavor-packed appetizer or side dish. Lightly coated with olive oil, garlic, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese, they roast until golden and crisp. Served with a zesty lemon-herb Greek yogurt dip, this dish offers a vibrant and clean eating option perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Modern American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Cauliflower
- 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for roasting + garnish)
For the Lemon Herb Dip
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp finely chopped parsley
- 1 tbsp finely chopped chives
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated. Add half of the grated Parmesan cheese and toss again to combine the flavors thoroughly.
- Roast: Spread the coated cauliflower florets evenly across the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the florets halfway through the cooking time to ensure they roast evenly and develop a crisp, deep golden crust. Immediately after roasting, sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese over the hot florets to melt slightly and enhance flavor.
- Make the Lemon Herb Dip: While the cauliflower roasts, combine Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, chopped chives, olive oil, and salt and black pepper to taste in a small bowl. Stir well to blend all ingredients into a creamy, tangy dip. Chill the dip until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
- Serve: Arrange the crispy Parmesan cauliflower bites on a serving plate alongside a small bowl of the chilled lemon herb dip. Garnish with additional chopped parsley and Parmesan for added color and flavor. Serve immediately to enjoy the contrast of hot, crispy bites with the cool, zesty dip.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, roast the cauliflower on a preheated baking sheet instead of parchment.
- Add chili flakes to the cauliflower seasoning for a spicy kick.
- For a vegan version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use a cashew cream dip instead of Greek yogurt.
- Reheat leftovers in an air fryer to maintain crispiness.