BAKED GARLIC PARMESAN CAULIFLOWER BITES

INGREDIENTS

• 3-4 cups cauliflower florets
• 1/2 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (or switch / combine with another salty cheese)
• 1 cup panko crumbs
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (or use olive oil spray if you have it)
• salt & pepper to taste

OPTIONAL
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

DIRECTIONS

1. Cook cauliflower until just crisp-tender. Stovetop steaming takes about 6-8 minutes, or cook it in the microwave for about 4 minutes. Allow cauliflower to cool until it's safe to touch.
2. Preheat oven to 450°f.
3. Combine flour, garlic powder and cayenne pepper. Coat the cauliflower in this dry mixture by sifting it over a layer of florets flipping them and coating the other side.
4. Combine the panko crumbs and the shredded cheese and pour it onto a tray or dish. Dip the floured cauliflower florets in the mixed egg, then dredge them in the panko/cheese mix, pressing them so that the crumbs stick.
5. Arrange the florets in a single layer on a tinfoil lined baking sheet, then drizzle or spray them with olive oil. Bake in preheated oven for 5-10 minutes until they start to brown up.