Crispy Cauliflower Bites (Easy Weeknight Appetizer Recipe)
These crispy cauliflower bites are crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside, and paired with a creamy garlic-dill yogurt sauce. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food, they’re a flavorful vegetarian option that will impress everyone at the table!
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Cauliflower bites have become a popular vegetarian appetizer and snack because they’re crispy, flavorful, and versatile. Coated in a seasoned cornmeal and flour mixture and fried to golden perfection, these crispy veggie bites pair beautifully with a tangy yogurt-dill sauce. They’re ideal for game day, casual gatherings, or even a fun weeknight treat when you want to serve up bite-sized appetizers.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Crispy, golden bites without being greasy
- One of the easiest vegetarian cauliflower recipes you will try
- Quick to prepare, perfect for snacking or entertaining
- Flavorful garlic-dill yogurt sauce recipe included
- Can be baked or air-fried if you are avoiding deep frying
- Easy to customize with spices and dipping sauces
Ingredients
See the recipe card for the complete list of ingredients and quantities.
How To Make Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Step 1: In a medium bowl, mix yogurt, dill, garlic, and salt. Chill in the fridge while preparing the cauliflower.
Step 2: Break cauliflower into florets.
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the cauliflower just until slightly tender. Avoid overcooking.
Step 3: In a shallow dish, combine flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In another shallow dish, place cornmeal. Beat eggs in a separate dish.
Step 4: Dip each floret in flour, then egg, then cornmeal, ensuring an even coating.
Step 5: Heat oil in a deep pan to 330°F. Fry florets 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
Expert Tips
- Don’t overcook cauliflower; it should be slightly tender to hold its shape.
- Fry in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Adjust spices in the flour mixture to taste. You can also add cayenne for a bit of heat.
- Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature and prevent soggy bites.
- You can also bake these crispy bites at 425°F for 20-25 minutes.
Serving Ideas & Variations
- Party snack: Serve alongside veggie platters and dips.
- Herb variation: Add parsley, thyme, or chives to the coating.
- Spicy version: Sprinkle cayenne pepper in the cornmeal.
- Roasted garlic yogurt: Roast garlic before mixing it into the sauce.
- Meal idea: Serve on top of a salad or grain bowl for extra crunch.
Crispy Cauliflower Bites FAQs
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.
Absolutely! Store in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or lard are ideal for high-heat frying.
Yes, panko will give a different texture, slightly lighter and crunchier.
Serve immediately after frying. If storing, reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness.
More Party Appetizers
- Crispy on the outside and creamy in the center, these mac and cheese bites bring everything you love about classic mac and cheese in a bite-sized, party-ready form. They hold their shape, fry up golden, and fit perfectly on any game day or weekend appetizer table. A simple, crowd-friendly snack that always goes fast.
- Vietnamese loaded fries are the kind of appetizer that instantly upgrades any party table. They are crisp, saucy, and seriously fun to eat, with that street-style twist that keeps everyone reaching back for more. It works for game day gatherings or casual weekends alike.
- These bacon-wrapped Brussels sprouts have the perfect mix of crisp edges, tender centers, and a glossy maple finish. They’re the kind of sweet-savory bites that disappear fast at parties and fit effortlessly into holiday menus or any casual gathering. Simple to make, easy to serve, and guaranteed to stand out on any appetizer spread.
- This cheesy garlic pull-apart bread comes out of the oven golden, melty, and impossible to walk past without pulling off a piece. Every piece is soaked in garlic butter and filled with warm, stretchy cheese. It’s the kind of shareable appetizer that works for parties, family dinners, or any night you want something comforting on the table.
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Crispy Cauliflower Bites
Equipment
- Large pot
- Deep skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Paper towels
- Thermometer (for oil) (for checking the oil temp)
Ingredients
For the Cauliflower Bites
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into bite-sized florets
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 3 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
For the Yogurt Dill Sauce
- 2 cups plain yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic grated
- 1 small bunch fresh dill chopped
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Mix together the yogurt, garlic, dill, and salt in a small bowl to make the sauce. Refrigerate while preparing the cauliflower.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add the cauliflower florets, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and pat completely dry.
- Heat oil in a deep skillet to about 330℉.
- Place flour in a shallow bowl and season with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Place cornmeal in a second bowl and beat the eggs in a third.
- Dredge each cauliflower floret in the seasoned flour, dip into the beaten eggs, then coat in cornmeal.
- Fry the florets in batches for 1 to 2 minutes per side until crisp and golden brown.
- Transfer to a cooling rack or paper towels to drain. Serve warm with the chilled yogurt dill sauce.
Notes
- Patting the cauliflower dry prevents a soggy coating.
- Keep the oil at a steady temperature for even browning.
- Best served fresh; the coating softens when reheated.
- Swap dill for parsley or chives for a milder flavor.
