Crispy Cauliflower Cheese Nuggets
Crispy baked cauliflower nuggets coated in seasoned Panko breadcrumbs and two types of cheese. These vegetarian nuggets offer a satisfying crunch with a tender, cheesy interior, making them a perfect healthy alternative to traditional nuggets.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 large head cauliflower
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Olive oil spray or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut cauliflower into bite-sized florets and steam until tender but firm (3-4 minutes microwave or 4-5 minutes stovetop).
- Set up three dredging stations: 1) flour with salt and pepper, 2) beaten eggs, 3) Panko mixed with cheeses and spices.
- Coat each floret in flour, dip in egg, then press into breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange on baking sheet and spray with olive oil.
- Bake 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Cool slightly before serving with dipping sauces.
Notes
- Pat cauliflower dry after steaming to help coating adhere better.
- Don’t overcrowd baking sheet for even crisping.
- For extra crispiness, use olive oil spray before baking.
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in oven at 350°F for 10 minutes to restore crispness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Find it online: https://us.recipesfood.org/crispy-cauliflower-cheese-nuggets/
