Super Bowl Party Food Baked Falafel Bites

Name: Super Bowl Party Food Baked Falafel Bites
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 24 bites
Ingredients: 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped; 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 cup onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp ground coriander; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup flour (chickpea flour preferred); 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Cozy Food

I love serving Baked Falafel Bites during our Super Bowl parties! They're an incredible balance of crunch on the outside and soft, flavorful chickpeas on the inside. The spices give them a unique taste that pairs perfectly with a creamy tahini dip. With just a little prep work, I can whip these up in no time, and they always leave my guests wanting more. They're a great party food option that caters to both vegetarians and meat-lovers alike!

Created by

Octavia Bellamy

Last updated on 2026-01-06T13:33:35.107Z

When I first made these Baked Falafel Bites, I was surprised by how easy it was to turn simple pantry ingredients into something so flavorful. I remember experimenting with spices and herbs, ultimately finding that the right balance of cumin and coriander really brought out the chickpeas' natural nuttiness. Baking them instead of frying was a game changer, making them lighter and healthier without sacrificing that desired texture.

For the dipping sauce, I whipped up a quick tahini sauce, which added a delicious creaminess that complimented the bites perfectly. The key tip I discovered was chilling the mix before baking, which helped the falafel hold together beautifully. Trust me; these bites will be the star of your next gathering!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.
Packed with bold, comforting flavors.
Great for sharing at parties or casual gatherings.

      

Getting the Right Texture

Achieving the perfect texture with Baked Falafel Bites is essential. The combination of ingredients in this recipe allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and tender. Be careful not to over-process the chickpeas; you want them to remain slightly chunky to achieve that delightful bite. If the mixture seems too wet after combining, adding a bit more chickpea flour can help absorb excess moisture and enhance structure.

Baking at the right temperature is also crucial. Preheating the oven to 400°F ensures that your falafel bites develop a golden crust quickly without drying out. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes of baking; they should be crispy and golden on the outside but still moist on the inside. Flip them halfway through to ensure even cooking and browning.

Flavor Boosters and Variations

While the spices in this recipe offer a fantastic base flavor, feel free to experiment with additional seasonings. A pinch of cayenne can introduce a nice kick, while smoked paprika can add depth. You can also substitute some of the herbs; fresh dill or mint can provide a refreshing twist. If you enjoy a Mediterranean flair, consider adding a teaspoon of lemon zest for brightness.

For those seeking a gluten-free option, chickpea flour is an excellent choice. However, if you cannot find chickpea flour, regular all-purpose flour will work as well. Just be aware that the texture may slightly differ. You might also try using rolled oats instead of flour for a heartier bite!

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your Baked Falafel Bites:

Baked Falafel Bites Ingredients

1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup flour (chickpea flour preferred)
2 tbsp olive oil

Make sure everything is prepped and ready before moving to the next step!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Baked Falafel Bites:

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Mixture

In a food processor, combine the chickpeas, parsley, cilantro, onion, garlic, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper. Pulse until the mixture is combined but still slightly chunky.

Form the Bites

Transfer the chickpea mixture to a bowl. Stir in the flour and mix until well combined. Form the mixture into small balls, about the size of a tablespoon.

Bake the Falafel Bites

Place the formed bites onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

Serve

Let the bites cool for a few minutes before serving with tahini or your choice of dipping sauce.

Enjoy your delicious Baked Falafel Bites at your Super Bowl party!

Pro Tips

Chill the falafel mixture for at least 30 minutes before forming the balls to help maintain their shape during baking.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

These Baked Falafel Bites can easily be made in advance, making them an ideal option for entertaining. You can prepare the mixture and form the bites a day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This not only saves time on the day of your event but also allows the flavors to meld beautifully, enhancing the taste.

If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place them back in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, ensuring they regain their crispy exterior. They can also be frozen; just lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring to an airtight container. When ready to eat, bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.

Serving Suggestions

Baked Falafel Bites are incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways! You can present them as appetizers with a creamy tahini dip, yogurt sauce, or a spicy harissa sauce for an extra flavor kick. Serve them alongside a simple salad for a light meal, or place them in pita bread with fresh vegetables and sauces for a satisfying sandwich.

For a fun and interactive dining experience, consider setting up a falafel bar. Provide a variety of toppings such as diced cucumbers, shredded carrots, pickled onions, and an array of sauces. This allows guests to customize their own bites, making it a unique and engaging way to enjoy these delicious treats.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make the falafel mixture ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can make the mixture a day in advance and keep it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.

→ Can I freeze the unbaked falafel bites?

Yes, you can freeze them after forming. Just freeze them on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer bag.

→ What can I serve with baked falafel?

They pair wonderfully with tahini sauce, tzatziki, or a fresh salad.

→ Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! Just use chickpea flour or another gluten-free flour in place of regular flour.