Crispy Italian Cauliflower Poppers Appetizer

Golden, crunchy, & bursting w/ Italian flavor! These cauliflower poppers are 🔥little bites of heaven. 😋

1. Before You Begin:

Crispy Italian Cauliflower Poppers are a delightful appetizer that transforms humble cauliflower into a crunchy, flavorful treat. These bite-sized delights are perfect for parties or a satisfying snack.

2. Ingredients List:

• 14.5 oz. can diced tomatoes
• 1 head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized pieces (no larger that 1-inch)
• 2 eggs, well beaten
• 1 cup All-purpose flour
• 3-4 T. chopped fresh basil
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 3/4 t. garlic powder
• 1/8 t. fresh ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 c. panko bread crumbs
• 3/4 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese
• pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Salt to taste
• 1 T. water

3. How to Cook:

Begin by cutting the cauliflower into bite-sized florets and lightly coating them in spices and breadcrumbs. Then, bake or air fry until golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately for the best crunch.

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Begin by preheating your oven. Set the temperature to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven is ready when you've prepared the cauliflower.

Step 2: Prepare breadcrumb mixture

Brush a baking sheet with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. In a shallow dish, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Toss with a fork to evenly distribute the oil.

Step 3: Prepare the egg wash

In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water. This mixture will help the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the cauliflower.

Step 4: Prepare flour for coating

Place the flour in a large resealable bag. This makes it easier to coat the cauliflower florets evenly.

Step 5: Flour the cauliflower

Add half of the cauliflower florets to the bag with the flour. Seal the bag and shake well to coat the cauliflower evenly with flour.

Step 6: Remove excess flour

Remove the cauliflower from the bag and place it in a fine-mesh strainer. Shake the strainer to remove any excess flour from the florets.

Step 7: Place floured cauliflower on plate

Place the floured cauliflower on a plate. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower, working in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Step 8: Coat in egg wash

Add the floured cauliflower to the bowl with the beaten egg. Use a fork to turn and toss the florets, ensuring they are completely coated with egg.

Step 9: Coat with breadcrumbs

Transfer the egg-coated cauliflower to the breadcrumb mixture. Coat the florets thoroughly, pressing the crumbs onto them to help them adhere.

Step 10: Arrange on baking sheet

Place the breaded cauliflower florets on the oiled baking sheet, leaving a little space between each. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray.

Step 11: Bake the cauliflower

Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes, then flip the pieces over and continue baking for about 15 more minutes. The cauliflower should be crunchy on the outside and tender inside. While baking, prepare the marinara sauce by pulsing undrained tomatoes in a food processor until broken down.

Step 12: Sauté garlic and pepper flakes

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil with the garlic and pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook until the garlic is just sizzling, infusing the oil with flavor.

Step 13: Simmer the marinara

Add the processed tomatoes to the saucepan and simmer for about 10 minutes. Allow the marinara to thicken slightly, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 14: Finish the marinara

Stir in 2 tablespoons of fresh basil into the marinara. Season with salt and pepper to taste, if needed. Once the cauliflower is baked, transfer it to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining basil.

Step 15: Serve and enjoy

Serve the crispy baked cauliflower immediately with the warm marinara sauce. Enjoy this flavorful and satisfying dish!

4. Serving Suggestions

Serve these poppers hot with marinara sauce or a creamy garlic dip. They also pair well with a crisp salad or alongside other Italian appetizers.

5. Nutrition

Serving size: 4 servings, Calories: 478kcal, Protein: 20g, Fat: 17g, Carbohydrates: 63g, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 9g, Cholesterol: 98mg, Sodium: 954mg

6. Wrapping It Up:

Crispy Italian Cauliflower Poppers are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy cauliflower. Easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser, they're a must-try for any appetizer lover!