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Golden crispy cauliflower nuggets

Featured in Nibbles and bites when hunger strikes.

Try this healthy and flavorful twist on classic nuggets with our cauliflower recipe! The secret? A delicious combo of cheeses—mozzarella and parmesan—adds softness, enhanced with a hint of curry and chili powder. These nuggets are baked, ensuring they’re crispy without the grease. They’re a great way to make veggies fun for kids and still satisfy adults. To prepare, steam the cauliflower, mix it with the ingredients, shape into nuggets, and bake until golden. The result? Irresistibly crisp on the outside and fluffy inside!
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:31:19 GMT
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Cauliflower nuggets | Tasteofsavor.com

Cauliflower nuggets offer a creative twist on this versatile vegetable. This healthier take on traditional nuggets combines tender cauliflower with flavorful cheeses and carefully chosen seasonings, all baked until golden and crispy while keeping things light.

Key Ingredients

  • 1 small cauliflower: Fresh or frozen works well
  • 30g breadcrumbs: Fine texture for better coating
  • 30g Parmesan: Freshly grated preferred
  • 70g shredded mozzarella: Well-drained to prevent excess moisture
  • 1/2 onion: Yellow or white, finely diced
  • 1 tablespoon flour: For binding
  • Fresh parsley: For color and freshness
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika or chili: Adjust to taste
  • 1/3 teaspoon curry powder: For subtle spice
  • Neutral oil: For cooking
  • Salt and pepper: To taste

Preparation Method

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C/400°F
  2. Cook cauliflower until fork-tender
  3. Drain thoroughly and press out excess moisture
  4. Finely chop onion and parsley
  5. Mash cauliflower leaving some texture
  6. Mix in cheeses, breadcrumbs, and seasonings
  7. Form into nugget shapes
  8. Bake until golden brown
Cauliflower nuggets recipe Pin it
Cauliflower nuggets recipe | Tasteofsavor.com

Serving Suggestions

These nuggets pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Try Greek yogurt with fresh herbs and lemon juice, or homemade ketchup for a classic option.

Storage Instructions

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How can I get these nuggets super crispy?
Make sure to thoroughly drain the steamed cauliflower. If the mix feels too wet, add some extra breadcrumbs.
→ Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Sure! Form them and store them in the fridge for up to a day before baking. To reheat, pop them into a 180°C oven for 5–7 minutes.
→ What dipping sauces go well with these nuggets?
They’re great with a herbed yogurt dip, homemade ketchup, or a light curry sauce. Pair with a fresh salad for a complete meal.
→ Can these nuggets be frozen?
Absolutely. Freeze them uncooked on a tray, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake straight from frozen, adding 5–7 minutes to the cooking time.
→ Can I switch out the cheeses?
You can use just parmesan or mozzarella, or even swap for grated cheddar. Just be sure to keep the overall cheese amount the same.

Homemade crispy cauliflower bites

Homemade cauliflower nuggets that are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Mozzarella and gentle spices make them a family favorite!

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Appetizers

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (15 nuggets)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian

Ingredients

→ Vegetables and Herbs

01 A handful of fresh parsley, chopped
02 1/2 onion, finely diced
03 1 small cauliflower

→ Dry Ingredients

04 30g grated Parmesan cheese
05 30g breadcrumbs
06 1 tablespoon of flour
07 70g shredded mozzarella

→ Seasonings

08 1/3 teaspoon of curry powder
09 1/2 teaspoon of paprika (or Espelette pepper)
10 Salt and pepper
11 Olive oil

→ Binding Agent

12 1 egg

Instructions

Step 01

Steam the cauliflower until soft. Drain thoroughly.

Step 02

In a large bowl, mix the mashed cauliflower with the onion, egg, flour, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, mozzarella, parsley, paprika, curry powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

Step 03

Take portions of the mixture and form them into small nugget shapes.

Step 04

Place the nuggets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush them with olive oil. Bake at 200°C for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until golden brown.

Notes

  1. A clever way to get kids to eat veggies
  2. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days

Tools You'll Need

  • Steamer
  • Baking tray
  • Parchment paper

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Gluten (flour, breadcrumbs)
  • Eggs
  • Dairy (Parmesan, mozzarella)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 145
  • Total Fat: 8.3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 12.5 g
  • Protein: 11.2 g