Whether you're trying to avoid carbs or gluten, these cheesy cauliflower breadsticks are just what you need. They aren't bread but they're nearly as good.
The crusty cauliflower breadsticks have a layer of cheesy goodness on top and just the right amount of seasoning.
Make it a Meal!
Turn this recipe into a whole meal! It pairs well with:
- Main Dish: Baked Salmon with Lemon Dill Butter – This delicious salmon recipe is so flavorful.
- Salad: Italian Salad– This classic side dish is colorful and full of flavor!
- Side dish: Mashed Potatoes – This classic side dish is creamy and has just the right amount of butter.
- Drink: Red Wine Sangria – This is one of my all time favorite sangria recipes. Use the rest of the wine leftover from your marinara recipe.
- Dessert: Pineapple Upside Down Mini Cakes – These little cakes are easy to make ahead. They freeze really well, too.
What are Cauliflower Breadsticks?
Cauliflower breadsticks are a new twist on the classic breadstick. These are a vegetable side dish that is a lot healthier than a traditional breadstick. They're naturally vegetarian. If you're looking for a way to increase nutrients and decrease carbs in your diet these are a good substitution for bread.
The "breadstick" part is make from bits of cauliflower. This recipe will show you how to make and bake them so they stock together and don't fall apart.
Ways to Use Cauliflower Breadsticks
- As a vegetable side dish: Add the breadsticks to your meal as a vegetable side dish.
- As a bread substitute: Replace your bread that you would have included with your meal with these cheesy cauliflower breadsticks.
Ingredients:
- Cauliflower: Buy riced cauliflower or make your own. Wash and cut your cauliflower into large pieces and place in your food processor. Then pulse your processor until the cauliflower pieces are about the size of rice.
- Spices: Garlic, salt, pepper and fresh parsley are mandatory. Don't skip the spices!
- Eggs: Eggs are used to help bind the cauliflower together.
- Cheese: We love the combination of parmesan and mozzarella.
- Dip: Optional: Dip your breadsticks into this delicious marinara sauce.
Possible Variations
- Make it cheesier: These are already really cheesy but I will never turn down extra cheese!
- Add toppings: Add your favorite flatbread toppings. Consider thin slices of onion, bell peppers, mushrooms, olives or even some chicken.
- Make it garlicky: Mix ½ teaspoon of garlic powder in with your seasonings before spreading them on the cauliflower breadsticks.
Top Tips for Cooking Cauliflower
Tip 1: Cauliflower retains a lot of moisture. Make sure you drain it well. To remove as much excess water as possible, place it in a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Then squeeze the cauliflower to soak up any additional moisture.
Tip 2: If you have the time, roast your riced cauliflower for a few minutes then use the cheese cloth to remove more water.
Tip 3: Bake the cauliflower breadsticks on parchment paper on the baking sheet. This will help prevent it from sticking to the pan.
How to Make Cauliflower Breadsticks:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or a sheet of parchment paper.
Step 2: In a large bowl, mix together riced cauliflower, minced garlic, 2 eggs, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
Step 3: Spread cauliflower mixture into a rectangle shape on prepared baking sheet. Press down to compact.
Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust looks like it's beginning to dry out and become just slightly brown around the edges.
Step 5: Remove from oven and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle with additional salt and pepper and some freshly chopped parsley.
Step 6: Return to the oven to bake for 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and bubbly golden brown.
Transfer to a cutting board. Slice with a pizza cutter into pieces and serve immediately.
Now dip those tasty, cheesy breadsticks in your warmed marinara sauce and enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
A. Wrap the breadsticks tightly in plastic wrap or an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for 3 days. Reheat in the oven.
A. Allow the breadsticks to cool completely then wrap in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator. Pat dry then heat in the oven.
A. Yes! Cauliflower breadsticks are naturally gluten free. If you don't use parchment paper and use a cooking spray make sure your cooking spray is gluten free.
A. Yes. These breadsticks are vegetarian. If you use a non-dairy cheese you can make them vegan.
A. Cauliflower retains a lot of moisture. Make sure you follow our tips for getting the moisture out before making your breadsticks.
Ingredients
- 16 oz. riced cauliflower - (or 1 head of cauliflower crumbled in the food processor)
- 2 garlic cloves - minced
- 2 eggs
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese - grated and divided
- 1 cup parmesan cheese - grated and divided
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon coarse black pepper
- 1 teaspoon freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Prepare a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray or a sheet of parchment paper.
- In a large bowl, mix together riced cauliflower, minced garlic, 2 eggs, 1 cup mozzarella cheese, ½ cup parmesan cheese, salt and pepper.
- Spread cauliflower mixture into a rectangle shape on prepared baking sheet. Press down to compact.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until crust looks like it's beginning to dry out and become just slightly brown around the edges.
- Remove from oven and top with remaining mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. Sprinkle with adiditonal salt and pepper and some freshly chopped parsley.
- Return to the oven to bake for 5-10 minutes longer or until cheese is melted and bubbly golden brown.
- Slice into pieces and serve immediately.
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