Cauliflower Cheese Balls

Introduction

Cauliflower Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy, and delicious appetizer that combines the goodness of cauliflower with melted cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game nights, or even as a satisfying snack for the family.

Reasons to Love This cauliflower cheese balls Recipe

• Healthy Twist: Packed with vegetables, it’s a fun way to enjoy cauliflower.
• Cheesy Goodness: A delightful mix of cheddar and Parmesan cheese adds irresistible flavor.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the recipe with your favorite herbs or spices.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Cauliflower: Use one small head, cut into florets.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an extra touch of umami.
• Green Onions and Parsley: Bring freshness to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a subtle, savory kick.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps achieve the perfect crispy coating.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the breadcrumbs stick.

Possible Ingredient Additions and Substitutions

• Breadcrumb Alternatives: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed crackers or almond flour for a gluten-free option.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with mozzarella or Gruyère for different flavors.
• Extra Seasonings: Add a pinch of paprika or chili flakes for a spicy kick.

Tools You’ll Need

• A pot for steaming or boiling cauliflower.
• A mashing tool like a potato masher or fork.
• Mixing bowls for combining ingredients.
• A frying pan for cooking the cheese balls.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower: Steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and pat dry before mashing until smooth.
2. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine mashed cauliflower, cheeses, green onions, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Shape Balls: Form the mixture into 1-2 inch balls.
4. Coat: Dip each ball into the beaten eggs, then roll in breadcrumbs until fully coated.
5. Fry to Perfection: Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry balls in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. Drain on paper towels.

What to Serve with Cauliflower Cheese Balls

Pair with dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli. These also go well with a fresh green salad for a complete snack.

How to Store Cauliflower Cheese Balls

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I Freeze Cauliflower Cheese Balls?

Yes! Freeze uncooked balls on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Cook directly from frozen, adding a minute or two to the frying time.

Resources

Cauliflower Cooking Tips

Cheese Pairing Guide

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.

2. Are these keto-friendly?
To make them keto-friendly, replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 120
• Protein: 5g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fat: 8g

Conclusion

Cauliflower Cheese Balls are a versatile and crowd-pleasing snack. Easy to prepare and bursting with flavor, they’re sure to become a favorite at your next gathering!

Cauliflower Cheese Balls

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Cauliflower Cheese Balls are a crispy, cheesy, and delicious appetizer that combines the goodness of cauliflower with melted cheese. These bite-sized treats are perfect for parties, game nights, or even as a satisfying snack for the family.

• Author: Anna
• Prep Time: 20min
• Cook Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 35min
• Yield: About 20 cheese balls
• Category: Appetizer, Snack
• Method: Frying (or Baking for an alternative method)
• Cuisine: Global/fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

• Cauliflower: Use one small head, cut into florets.
• Cheddar Cheese: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor.
• Parmesan Cheese: For an extra touch of umami.
• Green Onions and Parsley: Bring freshness to the dish.
• Garlic: Provides a subtle, savory kick.
• Breadcrumbs: Helps achieve the perfect crispy coating.
• Eggs: Bind the ingredients and help the breadcrumbs stick.

Instructions

1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
   Steam or boil cauliflower florets until they’re tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2. Mash:
   Use a potato masher or fork to mash the cauliflower until smooth.
3. Mix Ingredients:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped green onions, parsley, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything until well blended.
4. Form Balls:
   Shape the mixture into small balls about 1-2 inches in diameter.
5. Prepare Coating:
   Place the beaten eggs in one shallow bowl and breadcrumbs in another. Dip each ball into the eggs, then roll it in the breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
6. Fry:
   Heat oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Fry the cauliflower balls in batches for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
7. Serve:
   Serve the cheese balls hot with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

• Make It Healthier: To reduce calories, bake the cheese balls instead of frying. Arrange them on a lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
• Moisture Control: Properly drain and pat dry the cauliflower after cooking. Too much moisture can make the mixture difficult to shape.
• Freezing Tips: Freeze uncooked cheese balls for up to 2 months. Fry or bake directly from frozen for convenience.
• Customization: Add your favorite seasonings or try different herbs like cilantro or thyme for a flavor twist.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 cheese balls
• Calories: 120kcal
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 200mg
• Fat: 8g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 8g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 45mg