Are you tired of boring vegetable dishes that leave you unsatisfied? Get ready to transform the humble cauliflower into a crispy, golden sensation that will have everyone at the table begging for seconds! These Oven Fried Cauliflower Fritters are not just a side dish – they're a game-changing recipe that proves healthy eating can be absolutely delicious and exciting. With a perfect blend of cheesy Parmesan, aromatic garlic, and a satisfying crunch, these fritters are about to become your new favorite way to enjoy vegetables.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Cauliflower, grated
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese, grated
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Grate the cauliflower using a box grater or food processor, ensuring the pieces are fine and uniform.
- Place the grated cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to prevent soggy fritters.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using clean hands or a spoon, form the mixture into small patties, approximately 2-3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick.
- Arrange the fritter patties on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each one to ensure even cooking.
- Drizzle or brush each fritter lightly with olive oil to help them crisp up and achieve a golden-brown color.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the fritters halfway through cooking to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Remove from the oven when the fritters are golden brown and crispy on the edges. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes on the baking sheet.
- Transfer to a serving plate and optionally garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives. Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice.
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: The most crucial step is removing excess water from the grated cauliflower. Use a clean kitchen towel and squeeze thoroughly to ensure crispy, not soggy fritters.
- Size Matters: Keep your fritter patties uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Aim for 2-3 inch diameter and about 1/2 inch thickness.
- Don't Crowd the Baking Sheet: Leave space between each fritter to allow hot air to circulate, which helps achieve that desirable crispy exterior.
- Oil Lightly: A light drizzle of olive oil helps create a golden-brown crust. Too much oil can make the fritters greasy.
- Flipping is Key: Halfway through baking, flip the fritters to ensure even browning on both sides.
- Serve Immediately: These fritters are best enjoyed right out of the oven when they're at their crispiest.
- Get Creative with Dips: Try serving with ranch, marinara, or a garlic aioli for extra flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 95kcal
Carbohydrates: 8g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 40mg
