Crispy Cauliflower Patties

Golden, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—these Crispy Cauliflower Patties are the perfect meatless meal or snack. Packed with veggies, herbs, and melty cheese, they’re pan-fried to perfection and absolutely bursting with flavor. Whether you serve them as a side dish, wrap filling, or light main course, these patties are guaranteed to please.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crispy & Flavorful – Golden outside, tender and cheesy inside.
Simple Ingredients – Pantry staples and fresh cauliflower come together fast.
Kid-Approved – A great way to sneak in veggies.
Versatile – Serve as a main, appetizer, or sandwich filler.
Freezer-Friendly – Great for meal prep and make-ahead meals.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 medium head cauliflower (about 3 cups, finely chopped or grated)
• 2 eggs
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
• ⅓ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
• Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

Tools You’ll Need

• Food processor or box grater
• Large mixing bowl
• Frying pan or skillet
• Spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Cauliflower

1. Cut the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice.
2. Alternatively, grate it using a box grater.
3. Microwave or steam the cauliflower for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.
4. Let it cool, then use a clean towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture.

Step 2: Make the Patties
5. In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, eggs, mozzarella, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, onion, garlic, parsley, and seasonings.
6. Mix well until a sticky dough forms.
7. Shape into small patties using your hands or a scoop (about 2–3 tbsp per patty).

Step 3: Fry the Patties
8. Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
9. Add patties in batches, flattening slightly with a spatula.
10. Cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
11. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Serve
12. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside a fresh salad.

Tips for Extra Crispy Patties
Drain Well – Squeeze cauliflower thoroughly to remove water.
Don’t Overcrowd – Fry in batches for crispier results.
Use Panko – For a lighter, crunchier texture.
Add More Veggies – Grated zucchini, carrots, or spinach make great additions.
Bake or Air Fry – For a lighter option, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes or air fry at 380°F for 12–15 minutes.

Serving Suggestions
With Yogurt Sauce – Greek yogurt + lemon + herbs = perfect dip.
In a Wrap – Add to pita with hummus and lettuce.
With Eggs – Makes a tasty breakfast or brunch option.
Over Salad – A protein-rich topping for greens.
As a Burger – Sandwich between buns with tomato and avocado.

How to Store & Reheat

Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freeze:
Freeze patties (cooked or uncooked) on a tray, then transfer to freezer bags for up to 2 months.

Reheat:
Pan – Re-crisp in a skillet over medium heat.
Oven – Bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
Air Fryer – Reheat at 375°F for 5–7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or oat flour instead.

2. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely—bake at 400°F on a lined tray for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

3. What’s the best cheese to use?
Mozzarella melts nicely, but you can also use cheddar, feta, or a cheese blend.

4. Can I use frozen cauliflower rice?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze dry before mixing.

Final Thoughts

These Crispy Cauliflower Patties are the ultimate way to turn humble cauliflower into something extraordinary. Crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor, they’re as satisfying as they are healthy. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, side, or meatless main, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.

Try them out and show me your creation—tag your crispy bites online and share how you enjoyed them!

Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: American – Vegetarian

Nutritional Information (Per Patty, approx. 10 patties):
Calories: 120 | Protein: 6g | Carbohydrates: 9g | Fat: 7g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 260mg

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