Okay, so you know how sometimes you want something super comforting and cheesy, but you’re trying to be good? That’s where these delicious healthy cauliflower cheese patties come in! Seriously, I was a little skeptical at first, but these little guys are a total game-changer. They’re packed with veggies, have that yummy cheesy flavor we all love, and they’re surprisingly easy to whip up. I’ve made them for dinner, for lunches, and even as a sneaky way to get my kids to eat more cauliflower. Trust me, they’re going to become a staple in your kitchen!

Why You'll Love These Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Super Easy: Seriously, from start to finish, these are ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
So Healthy: Packed with cauliflower and simple ingredients, they’re a fantastic way to get your veggies in.
Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as a side dish, a light lunch, or even a tasty appetizer.
Deliciously Cheesy: That perfect blend of cauliflower and cheddar cheese is just *chef’s kiss*!

Ingredients for Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Alright, let’s get our ingredients lined up for these amazing patties. It’s pretty straightforward, which is part of why I love them so much! You’ll need:

1 head of cauliflower, broken down into nice, bite-sized florets.
2 large eggs – these are the binders that hold everything together.
1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese. Go for a sharp one if you like a bit more punch!
1/4 cup of breadcrumbs. Panko works great for extra crispiness, but regular is fine too.
2 tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. This adds a lovely pop of color and freshness.
1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Just a little something to boost that savory flavor.
Salt and black pepper, to your taste. Always season well!
And about 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking them up in the pan.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

So, about those breadcrumbs – if you’re keeping these gluten-free, just swap them out for some gluten-free breadcrumbs! Easy peasy. The cheddar cheese is fantastic, but feel free to experiment; a nice Monterey Jack or even a bit of Parmesan mixed in would be delicious too. If you don’t have fresh parsley, about a teaspoon of dried parsley will do in a pinch. And for the olive oil, any neutral cooking oil works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand. These little tweaks make the recipe super flexible!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Alright, let’s get these patties made! It’s really not complicated at all, and the results are so worth it. Just follow these steps and you’ll have delicious, healthy patties in no time.

Preparing the Cauliflower Base

First things first, we need to get our cauliflower nice and tender. You can either steam or boil the florets until they’re really soft – like, easily mashable with a fork. Once they’re cooked, you absolutely have to drain them super well. Like, really well! Any extra water will make your patties fall apart, and nobody wants that. Just give them a good press in the colander.

Mixing the Patty Ingredients

Now, grab a good-sized mixing bowl. Dump in your well-drained, mashed cauliflower. Then, toss in the eggs, that lovely grated cheddar cheese, the breadcrumbs, fresh parsley, garlic powder, and of course, your salt and pepper. Give it all a really good mix until everything is combined and it looks like a nice, cohesive mixture. You want it to hold together when you grab a handful.

Forming and Cooking the Patties

Time to shape these babies! I usually just scoop out about a quarter cup of the mixture and gently form it into a patty, about an inch thick. Don’t overwork them, just shape them gently. Then, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough for a nice sizzle, but not smoking. Carefully place your patties in the pan – don’t crowd them, do it in batches if you need to. Cook them for about 4 to 5 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that beautiful golden-brown color and for them to be heated all the way through.

Baking Option for Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

If pan-frying isn’t your jam, or you want to make a bigger batch hands-off, baking is a great alternative! Just preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place your formed patties on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they’re golden and cooked through. So easy!

Tips for Perfect Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Okay, so you want these patties to be absolute perfection, right? My biggest tip is to really, really mash that cauliflower well. You don’t want big chunks; aim for a fairly smooth consistency, almost like mashed potatoes. This helps everything bind together beautifully. Also, make sure you drain that cauliflower like your life depends on it – seriously, squeeze out as much water as you possibly can. That’s the secret to them not falling apart in the pan! If your mixture feels a little too wet when you’re forming them, don’t be afraid to add another tablespoon or two of breadcrumbs. And for that gorgeous golden-brown crust? Make sure your pan is nice and hot before you add the patties, and resist the urge to move them around too much while they’re cooking on each side.

Serving Suggestions for Your Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

These healthy cauliflower cheese patties are so versatile! They make a fantastic side dish for grilled chicken or fish, or even a hearty steak. For a lighter meal, I love serving them with a big, fresh green salad tossed with a zesty vinaigrette. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of extra fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish and adds a little something extra. They’re also surprisingly good tucked into a pita pocket with some hummus and greens!

Storing and Reheating Your Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let these patties cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, the best way to reheat is in a skillet over medium-low heat with a tiny bit of oil, just until they’re warmed through and nicely crisped up again. A quick pop in the oven or toaster oven works great too – just aim for that golden-brown goodness!

Frequently Asked Questions About Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Got some questions buzzing around? I get it! Let’s tackle a few common ones about these tasty healthy cauliflower cheese patties.

Can I make these ahead of time? Absolutely! You can totally form the patties and store them in the fridge on a parchment-lined plate for a day before cooking. Or, cook them and reheat later. They’re pretty forgiving!

What other cheeses can I use? While cheddar is my go-to, feel free to get creative! Monterey Jack, Gruyere, or even a sprinkle of Parmesan would be delicious. Just make sure it’s a cheese that melts nicely.

Can I add other vegetables? You sure can! Finely chopped broccoli or even some sweet potato could be added, but just be mindful of moisture content – you might need a little extra breadcrumb if you add more veggies.

Are these freezer-friendly? Yes! Once cooked and cooled, you can freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or a skillet.

Nutritional Information Disclaimer

Just a heads-up, the nutritional information provided for these healthy cauliflower cheese patties is an estimate. It can change depending on the exact ingredients you use, like the specific type of cheese or breadcrumbs, and how you cook them. So, think of it as a helpful guide rather than a strict rule!

Delicious Healthy Cauliflower Cheese Patties

Author: goforecipes.com
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 patties 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These healthy cauliflower cheese patties are a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy vegetables. They are simple to make and perfect as a side dish or a light meal.

Ingredients

Scale

1 head cauliflower, cut into florets
2 large eggs
1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
1/4 cup breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender.
Drain the cauliflower well and mash it with a fork or potato masher.
In a bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, eggs, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Form the mixture into patties, about 1 inch thick.
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.
Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and heated through.
Serve hot.

Notes

For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
You can add other herbs or spices to the mixture, such as onion powder or paprika.
These patties can be baked in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Pan-Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 patty
Calories: 150
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 8g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 5g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 12g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: cauliflower cheese patties, healthy patties, vegetable patties, cheese patties, quick recipe, easy recipe