Name: Basic Cauliflower Fritters Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 medium head cauliflower (about 1½ pounds, cut into florets); 2 large eggs; ½ cup all-purpose flour; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 green onions (thinly sliced); 1 clove garlic (minced); ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional); olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

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If you’ve been searching for a snack that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside, creamy and tender within, and bursting with savory flavor, look no further than these Basic Cauliflower Fritters. This recipe transforms humble cauliflower into golden, cheesy patties that are as wonderful for a weeknight appetizer as they are for a casual brunch. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just diving into homemade veggie dishes, these fritters will have you reaching for seconds—and maybe even sneaking a third. Quick to assemble and endlessly adaptable, they’re about to become a staple in your kitchen!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

It’s amazing how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients can come together to create something so delightful! Each element of this recipe has a special role, delivering just the right balance of taste, texture, and color in every single bite.

Cauliflower: The star of Basic Cauliflower Fritters, it brings a mild, nutty flavor and a soft, melt-in-the-mouth texture after boiling or steaming.
Eggs: Essential for holding everything together; they make the batter rich and ensure those fritters don’t fall apart when you flip them.
All-purpose flour: Gives structure to the fritters and helps create that perfect crispy edge—swap for gluten-free flour to suit your needs!
Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, savory depth and helps boost the golden color as the fritters fry.
Green onions: Brighten everything up with their fresh, herbal zing—don’t skip them if you can help it!
Garlic: One small clove goes a long way to infuse aromatic flavor into each bite.
Salt: A pinch brings all the other flavors together and keeps the cauliflower from tasting bland.
Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth that perks up the whole dish.
Paprika (optional): For a gentle, smoky kick and a hint of color if you’re feeling adventurous.
Olive oil or vegetable oil: Used for frying; it gets those fritters perfectly crisp and golden.

How to Make Basic Cauliflower Fritters

Step 1: Cook and Mash the Cauliflower

Begin by steaming or boiling your cauliflower florets until they’re fork-tender, which usually takes around 8 to 10 minutes. Drain them really well—you want to avoid watery fritters! After draining, use a fork or potato masher to break the cauliflower down until chunky but not completely smooth. Let it cool for a few minutes to prevent scrambling your eggs in the next step.

Step 2: Make the Batter

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled, mashed cauliflower with your eggs, flour, Parmesan, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Stir everything together until you have a thick, cohesive batter. The mixture should hold together when pressed—if it’s too loose, add a tablespoon more flour.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Heat a generous splash of olive or vegetable oil in a nonstick skillet set over medium heat. Once shimmering, spoon about 2 tablespoons of batter per fritter into the pan and flatten them a bit with the back of your spoon. Allow each side to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, or until they turn a rich, golden brown and feel crisp around the edges. Batch fry, being careful not to crowd the pan.

Step 4: Drain and Serve

Once cooked, transfer your Basic Cauliflower Fritters onto a plate lined with paper towels, letting any excess oil drain. Serve them up warm and watch them disappear—they’re irresistible straight from the skillet!

How to Serve Basic Cauliflower Fritters

Garnishes

A little garnish goes a long way to elevate your fritters. Try a sprinkle of extra sliced green onions, fresh parsley or dill, or a sprinkle of flaky salt. A generous dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on top adds creaminess and tang that pairs beautifully with the savory fritter base.

Side Dishes

Pair your Basic Cauliflower Fritters with a crisp green salad, tangy slaw, or even a scoop of herbed quinoa for a light meal. They’re also a fantastic accompaniment to soups—think tomato or a mellow lentil variety—for a cozy lunch or dinner.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack them high for a dramatic platter presentation at parties, tuck them into pita bread with lettuce and a drizzle of sauce for a veggie-packed handheld, or slice each fritter into quarters and serve as crunchy, bite-sized appetizers for your next get-together. However you plate them, these fritters always impress!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you manage to have any fritters left, let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerated, they’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to three days, making them ideal for quick snacks or lunch box additions.

Freezing

Basic Cauliflower Fritters freeze well! Arrange cooled fritters in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. You can stash them for up to two months—perfect for make-ahead appetizers or side dishes.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat fritters in a skillet with a splash of oil over medium heat until warmed through and crispy again. Alternatively, a few minutes in an air fryer revives their crunch. The microwave is an option, but you’ll sacrifice some crispiness.

FAQs

Can I make Basic Cauliflower Fritters gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply swap in oat flour or your favorite gluten-free blend in place of the regular all-purpose flour—the result is just as tasty and crisp.

How do I keep the fritters from falling apart?

Make sure your cauliflower is well-drained and that your batter is thick enough to hold its shape when scooped. Adding an extra tablespoon of flour can help if your mixture seems loose.

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes! Place spoonfuls of batter on a parchment-lined baking sheet, flatten, and brush with oil. Bake at 400°F for about 20 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp.

What sauces go well with Basic Cauliflower Fritters?

Sour cream, Greek yogurt, spicy mayo, or even a zesty tzatziki are all fantastic options. For extra flair, try serving them with your favorite chutney or a lightly spicy sriracha dip.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

You sure can. Just thaw and drain very thoroughly before proceeding with the recipe to avoid excess moisture, which can make the fritters difficult to bind.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve tried Basic Cauliflower Fritters, you’ll understand why they’re such a beloved recipe in my kitchen. Crispy, cheesy, and endlessly customizable—they truly do it all. So grab a head of cauliflower and get frying; I can’t wait for you to take that first delicious bite!

Basic Cauliflower Fritters Recipe

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4.5 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 8 fritters 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Basic Cauliflower Fritters are a delicious and crispy appetizer or snack that’s easy to make. Packed with cauliflower, Parmesan cheese, and flavorful seasonings, these fritters are perfect for parties or as a tasty side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Cauliflower Fritters:

1 medium head cauliflower (about 1½ pounds, cut into florets)
2 large eggs
½ cup all-purpose flour
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 green onions (thinly sliced)
1 clove garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
olive oil or vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

Prepare Cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, about 8–10 minutes. Drain well and mash with a fork or potato masher until chunky. Let cool slightly.
Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower with eggs, flour, Parmesan cheese, green onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and paprika if using. Mix until a thick batter forms.
Cook Fritters: Heat oil in a skillet, scoop batter into the skillet, flatten slightly, and cook for 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and repeat.
Serve: Serve warm.