When I told my boyfriend that I was going to make cauliflower bites, the skepticism was palpable. Not only was I claiming that the bites would be tasty AF, I was also adamant that they’d be crispy. This, he said, was unlikely without a fryer. I’m not going to lie: when it comes to food, my boyfriend (who owns a restaurant and cooks for a living) is usually right. I don’t like to admit it, but there – I said it. Of course, I refused to use a fryer (I was striving for a healthy-ish alternative here, people) and the debate went on until we essentially agreed to disagree. Those who know me know that I’m hella stubborn though and occasionally my pigheadedness pays off. This time, the payoff came in the shape of these cauliflower bites. Don’t ask how many attempts it took. Seriously. Don’t ask. Just know that the recipe I’m sharing today ends with super crispy and delicious cauliflower bites that are achieved without the use of a freakin’ deep fryer.

Scroll below for this Crispy Cauliflower Bites with Maple Mustard Sauce recipe and if you haven’t already, don’t forget to subscribe! 😉

Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Cauliflower Bites:

– 1 head cauliflower

– 2 eggs

– 1/4 cup milk

– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

– 1 1/2 cups panko crumbs

– 2 tsp garlic powder

– 1 tsp smoked paprika

– Pinch salt and pepper

For the Maple Mustard Sauce:

– 1/4 cup Kozlik’s Triple Crunch Mustard

– 1/4 cup mayonnaise

– 2 Tbsp maple syrup

– Dash cayenne pepper

Here’s what you’ll do:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Coat a large sheet pan with cooking spray and set aside.
2. Cut the cauliflower into florets, discarding the stems.
3. In a small mixing bowl, combined eggs, milk and flour. Whisk until smooth.
4. In a separate bowl, combined panko crumbs, garlic powder, paprika and salt and pepper.
5. Add cauliflower florets to batter one at a time, then dredge through panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere. Place on prepared baking sheet. Repeat until all florets are coated.
6. Bake on middle rack for 30-35 minutes until crisp and golden.
7. Meanwhile, make the Maple Mustard Sauce by combining mustard, mayonnaise, maple syrup and cayenne pepper in a small bowl.
8. Serve the Cauliflower Bites topped with fresh chives and Maple Mustard Sauce for dipping. Enjoy!

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*This post is in partnership with Kozlik’s Canadian Mustard and Dumais Fruits et Legumes*