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Cheesy Cauliflower Nuggets Recipe

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4 from 7 reviews

These Cheesy Cauliflower Nuggets are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional nuggets, combining tender steamed cauliflower, cooked rice, and melted cheddar cheese into bite-sized, oven-baked treats. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, they offer a tasty way to enjoy vegetables with a cheesy twist.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 14 minutes
  • Total Time: 24 minutes
  • Yield: 24 servings
  • Category: Appetizer
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 3 cups cauliflower florets (fresh or frozen, about half a medium head)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 egg white
  • 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400℉ and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
  2. Steam Cauliflower: Bring a pot of water with a steamer basket to a boil, add the cauliflower florets, and steam for 5 minutes until tender. After steaming, immediately transfer the cauliflower to a strainer and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain thoroughly and press down with the back of a spoon to remove extra moisture.
  3. Process Cauliflower: Using a food processor with an “S” blade, pulse the cauliflower until finely chopped but not pureed, maintaining some texture. Alternatively, finely chop by hand, pulse in a blender, or mash lightly with a potato masher.
  4. Drain Cauliflower: Wrap the chopped cauliflower in a clean towel or paper towels and press down firmly to squeeze out as much remaining water as possible to prevent sogginess.
  5. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the drained cauliflower with cooked rice, egg, egg white, garlic powder, onion powder, grated cheddar cheese, and salt until well combined.
  6. Form Nuggets: Using a heaping tablespoon or small cookie scoop, portion the mixture and mold it into nugget shapes. They will be soft, which is normal, but they will hold together well when baked. Place the nuggets evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.
  7. Bake Nuggets: Bake the nuggets for 7 minutes, then carefully flip each one and press down gently to flatten slightly. Return the baking sheet to the oven and bake for an additional 7 minutes until golden and cooked through.
  8. Cool and Serve: Remove nuggets from the oven and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm with your favorite dipping sauce or as a wholesome side dish to any meal.

Notes

  • Pressing out excess moisture from the cauliflower is crucial to avoid soggy nuggets.
  • You can substitute cheddar cheese with a dairy-free alternative for a different twist.
  • Brown rice works well in this recipe and adds extra fiber.
  • These nuggets can be reheated in the oven for a few minutes to regain crispiness.
  • Feel free to add herbs like parsley or spices like paprika for additional flavor.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/cheesy-cauliflower-nuggets-recipe/