Microwave Cauliflower Pick-Ups

Cauliflower florets dipped in melted butter, shaken in a bag with Parmesan breadcrumbs, tarragon, and paprika, then microwaved until tender. These are finger-food cauliflower bites that come together in about 20 minutes with zero oven preheating.

The butter dip serves two purposes: it helps the seasoned crumbs stick to the florets and adds richness to what would otherwise be a plain vegetable. The coating itself is a savory blend of breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, crushed tarragon (an underused herb that pairs beautifully with cauliflower), paprika, salt, and pepper.

The shake-in-a-bag method coats each piece evenly and keeps the mess contained. Arrange them in a single layer in the dish and cover with a paper towel during microwaving. The paper towel absorbs excess moisture so the coating stays as crisp as possible.

Chef Tips

• Pat the cauliflower completely dry after washing. Wet florets won’t hold the crumb coating.
• Arrange in a single layer with space between pieces. Overlapping florets steam instead of cooking evenly.
• The paper towel cover is key. A plastic wrap or lid traps too much steam and makes the coating soggy.
• Serve immediately. Microwave-cooked breaded items lose their crunch quickly as they sit.

Variations

• Add a pinch of cayenne to the crumb mixture for a spicy kick.
• Use broccoli florets instead of, or alongside, the cauliflower.
• Serve with a ranch or garlic aioli dipping sauce on the side.