Cauliflower Fritters Cheesy
Highlighted under: Cozy Classics
Honestly, these cauliflower fritters are the kind of side dish that make me feel like I've really accomplished something in the kitchen. We end up making them every time we have some leftover cauliflower from dinner, usually right after a trip to the farmer's market. The kids are surprised there’s cauliflower in there when they gobble them up, which is a win in my book. My partner thinks they taste like mini cauliflower pancakes, and I can’t say I disagree. The best part is they’re sort of crispy, cheesy, and oh so satisfying.
What Makes This Stand Out
- You can use up leftover cauliflower.
- They're crispy on the outside and cheesy inside.
- A great way to sneak in some veggies for the kids.
Choosing Your Ingredients
When it comes to cauliflower fritters, quality ingredients make a big difference. Using fresh, in-season cauliflower not only tastes better, but it also gives you that lovely texture. I love hitting my local farmer's market to find the best heads, but the store will do if that’s what you’ve got.
A Quick Note on Cauliflower Fritters Cheesy
These fritters are a great way to incorporate veggies into your meals without feeling like you’re chomping on salad. The combination of cheddar and Parmesan gives a nice cheesy kick, while the garlic and onion powder add warmth. I sometimes play with the spices, adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a little extra depth, if I’m feeling adventurous.
Ingredients
Ingredients
For the Fritters
- 1 medium cauliflower head, grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, like Kraft
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying, like vegetable or olive oil
Instructions
Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower
Start by grating the cauliflower head until you have about 4 cups. You can use a box grater or a food processor, whatever you prefer and have on hand. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel, or they might get soggy.
Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, shredded cheddar, flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it's all evenly coated. Honestly, I usually use my hands for this part. It’s messy, but it gets the job done!
Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not smoking! I know they say to keep the heat moderate, but I crank it a bit higher so they get crispy.
Fry the Fritters
Once the oil is ready, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, flattening them slightly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; I usually do about four at a time. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them, they can go from perfect to burnt fast!
Drain and Serve
Once they are golden, remove the fritters and let them drain on paper towels. I usually serve these warm with some ranch dressing or a squeeze of lemon. They’re just as good at room temperature too, which is great for leftovers!
Cauliflower Fritters Cheesy Leftovers Plan
If there are any fritters left over, they really hold up well in the fridge. I usually pop them in an airtight container and reheat them in the oven at around 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. They won’t be quite as crispy as fresh, but they still taste delicious. Sometimes, I even turn them into a breakfast item by serving them with a fried egg on top.
Dietary Swaps
Looking to make some swaps? If you need a gluten-free version, using almond flour instead of regular flour works just fine. I’ve tried it before, and honestly, it doesn’t change the taste much at all. Also, if you want to skip the cheese, you can replace it with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor, and I promise, it still satisfies that craving.
Cauliflower Fritters Cheesy
Created by: The Simplecooktips Team
Recipe Type: Cozy Classics
Skill Level: Easy
Final Quantity: 4 servings
What You'll Need
For the Fritters
- 1 medium cauliflower head, grated
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, like Kraft
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Oil for frying, like vegetable or olive oil
How-To Steps
Start by grating the cauliflower head until you have about 4 cups. You can use a box grater or a food processor, whatever you prefer and have on hand. Just remember to squeeze out any excess moisture with a clean kitchen towel, or they might get soggy.
In a large bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, shredded cheddar, flour, eggs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it's all evenly coated. Honestly, I usually use my hands for this part. It’s messy, but it gets the job done!
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. You want it hot enough to fry, but not smoking! I know they say to keep the heat moderate, but I crank it a bit higher so they get crispy.
Once the oil is ready, drop spoonfuls of the mixture into the pan, flattening them slightly. Don’t overcrowd the pan; I usually do about four at a time. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, until they’re golden brown. Keep an eye on them, they can go from perfect to burnt fast!
Once they are golden, remove the fritters and let them drain on paper towels. I usually serve these warm with some ranch dressing or a squeeze of lemon. They’re just as good at room temperature too, which is great for leftovers!
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories (kcal): 210 kcal
- Total Fat (g): 12.3g
- Saturated Fat (g): 4.6g
- Cholesterol (mg): 85mg
- Sodium (mg): 410mg
- Total Carbohydrates (g): 19.6g
- Dietary Fiber (g): 3.1g
- Sugars (g): 0.9g
- Protein (g): 9.5g