Cauliflower Fritters

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these cauliflower fritters are a delightful way to enjoy this versatile vegetable. Bursting with flavor and easy to whip up, they make the perfect appetizer, side dish, or even a light main when served with a fresh salad. Whether you’re trying to sneak more veggies into your diet or just looking for a satisfying meatless dish, these fritters won’t disappoint.
Their golden crust and soft, savory center make them a favorite even among picky eaters. A hint of garlic, a touch of herbs, and the creamy texture of cooked cauliflower come together beautifully in each bite. They are also an excellent option for meal prepping since they reheat well and stay delicious even the next day.
Why You’ll Love This Cauliflower Fritters Recipe
You’ll love this cauliflower fritters recipe because it’s incredibly versatile, quick to prepare, and uses simple pantry ingredients. It’s also naturally vegetarian and can easily be made gluten-free. The recipe is a great way to transform humble cauliflower into something special and crowd-pleasing.
What Kind of Cauliflower Should I Use?
Fresh cauliflower is ideal for this recipe because it provides the best texture and flavor. However, frozen cauliflower can work too if you cook it well and drain any excess moisture. The key is to ensure the cauliflower is soft enough to mash but not watery, which helps your fritters hold their shape and crisp up perfectly in the pan.
Ingredients for the Cauliflower Fritters
Cauliflower is the star of the show here, providing a creamy and mild base for the fritters. You’ll need fresh or frozen cauliflower that has been cooked until tender.
Eggs are essential as they bind everything together, helping your fritters hold their shape while cooking.
Flour gives structure to the mixture, ensuring it fries up to a golden and crisp exterior.
Cheese adds a savory richness and just the right amount of meltiness to each bite.
Garlic and herbs bring in layers of flavor, elevating the humble cauliflower.
Salt and pepper season the fritters perfectly, highlighting all the other ingredients.
Oil is necessary for frying, creating that irresistible crispy crust.


How To Make the Cauliflower Fritters
Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower
Cook the cauliflower florets in boiling water until tender. Drain well and let them cool slightly before mashing them with a fork or potato masher.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower with eggs, flour, shredded cheese, minced garlic, chopped herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Heat a few tablespoons of oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot but not smoking.
Step 4: Shape and Fry
Scoop portions of the cauliflower mixture and flatten slightly into patties. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Transfer the cooked fritters to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or a squeeze of lemon.
How to Serve and Store Cauliflower Fritters
These cauliflower fritters make an excellent addition to any meal and can easily feed 4 people as a side dish or light entrée. Serve them fresh from the skillet for the ultimate crispy experience, garnished with fresh herbs or a dollop of sour cream. If you have leftovers, let them cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm them in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to restore their crispiness.
What to Serve With Cauliflower Fritters?
Fresh Garden Salad
A light garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette complements the fritters’ richness.
Tzatziki Sauce
Cool and creamy tzatziki makes a refreshing dip that pairs wonderfully with the warm, crispy fritters.
Roasted Vegetables
For a hearty vegetarian meal, serve the fritters alongside a medley of roasted vegetables.
Tomato Soup
These fritters make a satisfying companion to a bowl of creamy tomato soup.
Quinoa or Rice Pilaf
Add some grains on the side for a more filling meal.
Lemon Wedges
A simple squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the fritters brightens up their flavor.
Avocado Slices
Creamy avocado adds a nice contrast to the crispy texture of the fritters.
Want More Vegetable Side Ideas?
If you love these cauliflower fritters, you’ll probably enjoy these other favorites:
• The Best Cauliflower Cheese Recipe for a creamy, cheesy twist on this veggie.
• Roasted Asparagus Recipe when you want something simple yet flavorful.
• Easy Homemade Naan Bread to serve alongside your fritters for a hearty meal.
• Classic Caprese Salad Recipe if you’re craving a refreshing salad.
Save This Recipe For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest appetizer board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use fresh herbs or dried? Did you try adding chili flakes for a little heat?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.
Explore beautifully curated health-boosting vegetable recipes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next favorite dish!
Conclusion
These crispy cauliflower fritters are proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something truly delicious. They’re easy enough for a weeknight but tasty enough to impress at any gathering. Give them a try and enjoy every golden, flavorful bite!
Print
Cauliflower Fritters
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 fritters
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These crispy cauliflower fritters are a delicious and easy vegetarian recipe, perfect as an appetizer or side dish. Made with tender cauliflower, herbs, and cheese, they’re packed with flavor and perfect for any meal.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked cauliflower florets
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
½ cup shredded cheese
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tablespoons fresh herbs chopped
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
3 tablespoons oil for frying
Instructions
1. Cook the cauliflower florets in boiling water until tender. Drain well and let them cool slightly before mashing.
2. In a large bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower with eggs, flour, cheese, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
3. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat until hot.
4. Scoop portions of the mixture, shape into patties, and place them in the skillet.
5. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
6. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure the cauliflower is well-drained to avoid soggy fritters.
Use fresh herbs for brighter flavor.
Reheat in a skillet to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Pan-fried
- Cuisine: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 fritters
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 280mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 95mg