There must be something in the air, because lately I’ve been on real party food appetizer kick. Last weekend I made this creamy crockpot jalapeno popper dip, and now I’m all about these triple cheese smashed cauliflower bites.
I’m sure you’re aware that everyone and their mother is following (or at least attempting to follow) the keto diet these days. I’m one of the few people I know who isn’t, however, if you’re sticking to a keto diet, you’ll be happy to know that these triple cheese smashed cauliflower bites are low-carb, keto-friendly and downright delicious.
And because I’m part busy-mom, part sometimes-lazy-cook, these cheesy smashed cauliflower bites are super easy to make. They can be served as a side dish for dinner, but they also make a great party food appetizer.
I like to serve these with this finger-licking garlic mayo dipping sauce, but they also go well with sriracha or even BBQ sauce (but honestly, try them first with the garlic mayo sauce – you won’t be disappointed!)
The recipe below uses one head of cauliflower, however you can easily double or triple the recipe depending on how many servings you’d like.
Triple Cheese Smashed Cauliflower Bites
Triple Cheese Smashed Cauliflower Bites Ingredients
Triple Cheese Smashed Cauliflower Bites
Ingredients
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1 head cauliflower, rinsed and leaves removed
- 4 tablespooons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup Italian blend cheese, grated (I used parmesan, asiago, romano)
Directions
- Heat oven to 425 degrees fahrenheit.
- Trim the cauliflower with a paring knife to separate into individual florets.
3. In a large pan, add salt and 2 quarts of water. Â Bring to a boil.
4. Place the cauliflower into the water and bring the water back to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer for 4 minutes. Cauliflower should pierce easily with a knife without being mushy.  It won’t be fork tender, so don’t cook it too long.
5. Drain the cauliflower and place individual florets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6. Use the bottom of a coffee mug or heavy glass to press the cauliflower down into flatter bites about 1/2 inch thick.
7. In a small bowl, add the oil, garlic, pepper, basil, thyme, and rosemary. Stir to combine.
8. Use a pastry brush, to apply the oil mixture onto the cauliflower.
9. Sprinkle the cauliflower with cheese.
10. Bake at 425 for 15 minutes.  Rotate the pan and bake for another 10 – 15 minutes or until cheese is deep golden brown.
11. Serve warm with the dipping sauce.
Additional notes
When buying your cauliflowers at the groceries store, make sure that it does not have brownish curds.
This dish can be served with marinara, chipotle aioli, or even ranch dipping sauces and your friends and family will be amazed of how delicious it is.
If you happen to have leftovers from this dish, you can always re-heat them, just adding additional cheese until it gets gratin once again.
Hi I’m Ana. I’m all about trying to live the best life you can. This blog is all about working to become physically healthy, mentally healthy and financially free! There lots of DIY tips, personal finance tips and just general tips on how to live the best life.
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