Crispy Italian Cauliflower Poppers With Marinara

Name: Crispy Italian Cauliflower Poppers With Marinara
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces, no larger that 1-inch; 4 tablespoons olive oil divided; 2 cups panko bread crumbs; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese fresh; 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 2 eggs well beaten; 1 tablespoon water; 3/4 cup flour; nonstick cooking spray; 14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes; 1 clove garlic minced; 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes; 4 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

Servings: persons

1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces, no larger that 1-inch
4 tablespoons olive oil divided
2 cups panko bread crumbs
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese fresh
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 eggs well beaten
1 tablespoon water
3/4 cup flour
nonstick cooking spray
14 1/2 ounces diced tomatoes
1 clove garlic minced
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
4 tablespoons fresh basil chopped

1
Preheat oven to 400u00b0 f. Brush a large baking sheet with a tablespoon of the olive oil. In a large, shallow dish combine the breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, pepper and 2 tablespoons of the olive oil. Toss well with a fork until the oil is completely dispersed into the bread crumbs. Combine the eggs with 1 tablespoon of water in a medium bowl. Place the flour in a large resealable bag.
2
Add half of the cauliflower florets to the bag with the flour, seal and shake to coat well. Remove the cauliflower to a fine mesh strainer and shake to remove excess flour. Place the floured cauliflower on a plate. Repeat with the remaining cauliflower.
3
Working with a few pieces at a time. Add to the beaten egg. Using a fork, turn and toss the florets in the egg to completely coat. Transfer to the breadcrumb mixture and coat, pressing the crumbs into the florets, the help them adhere. Place on the oiled baking sheet, making sure you leave a little space between each florets so they crisp up really well. Repeat this step with the rest of the cauliflower. Spray the tops of the breaded florets lightly with cooking spray. Bake the cauliflower for 20 minutes, Flip the pieces over and continue baking for about 15 more minutes, until the cauliflower is crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside.
4
While the cauliflower is baking, prepare the marinara. Pulse the undrained tomatoes in a food processor a few times until mostly broken down. Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil with the garlic and pepper flakes in a medium saucepan over medium heat until just sizzling. Add the tomatoes and simmer for about 10 minutes until the marinara thickens slightly and the flavors develop. Add 2 tablespoons of the fresh basil, season with salt and pepper if needed.
5
When the cauliflower is done baking, transfer to a serving dish and sprinkle with the remaining basil. Serve with the marinara.

627

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Preheat the oven fully and bake on the middle rack for the most even results.
Check for doneness a few minutes early — a toothpick in the center should come out with just a few moist crumbs.
Let it cool before slicing so it sets properly and holds its shape.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 15 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 head cauliflower cut into bite-sized pieces, no larger that 1-inch, 4 tablespoons olive oil divided, 2 cups panko bread crumbs, 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese fresh, and more.

Yes, Crispy Italian Cauliflower Poppers With Marinara falls under the Baking & Desserts category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!