Cheesy Cauliflower Bites
The ultimate comfort food reinvented! Cheesy Cauliflower Bites are crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside, making them the perfect snack or appetizer. Ideal for any occasion, they’re easy to whip up and sure to satisfy your cravings. Make them tonight and impress your family and friends!
Equipment
- LunchBots
- Glass Lunch Containers
- Dips or Dressings
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 head cauliflower, cleaned and diced into small pieces
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon favorite all-purpose seasoning, divided
- ¼ cup shredded cheese, either Cheddar or mozzarella will work
- 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs, plain will work, but panko is recommended
- 2 tablespoons ground flax meal, optional
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepot, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat. Carefully add the cauliflower pieces and steam them until they're tender, which should take about 15 minutes.
- Step 3: Once the cauliflower is cooked, drain the water and let it cool down to room temperature.
- Step 4: After cooling, drain any excess moisture from the saucepan. Add the salt and ¼ teaspoon of your favorite all-purpose seasoning to the cauliflower. Using a potato masher, mash the florets until they're smooth and creamy.
- Step 5: Now, stir in the shredded cheese and 1 tablespoon of Parmesan cheese. Mix well until everything is combined.
- Step 6: In a separate bowl, combine the panko bread crumbs, the remaining seasoning, and the optional flax meal along with the remaining Parmesan cheese.
- Step 7: With clean hands, take a portion of the cauliflower mixture and form it into balls, about 1 to 1 ½ inches in diameter. Give each ball a gentle squeeze to remove any excess moisture.
- Step 8: Roll each ball in the panko mixture, ensuring they’re thoroughly coated. Place them on your lined baking sheet.
- Step 9: Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 25 to 28 minutes until the bread crumbs are golden brown and crispy. Remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Tip 1: After baking, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for about three to four days.
- Tip 2: To reheat, place them back in a preheated oven at 350F for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
- Tip 3: You can freeze the uncooked balls before baking. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Tip 4: These bites pair wonderfully with a side of marinara or ranch dip.
- Tip 5: Try adding chopped herbs or spices to change the flavor profile.