Cheesy, Crunchy, Herby Cauliflower Fritters Slice of Jess

When it comes to Cauliflower Fritters, I want the works. Lots of herbs, melty cheese, and all that savory goodness. Crisp ’em up and serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Mmmmm.

I grew up mostly on a vegetarian diet. I do eat meat now (and if you’ve been on my blog you’re well aware of that fact, lol), however, I still enjoy those vegetarian classics that remind me of my childhood. These little fritters are fantastic, but if you’re looking for other vegetarian-friendly recipes… be sure to check out my Favorite Air Fryer Falafel Sandwiches, My Grandma June’s Cheesy Potatoes Recipe, and these Marry Me Parm Piccata Roasted Potatoes.

INGREDIENTS FOR CAULIFLOWER FRITTERS:

This recipe is pretty straight forward. When you’re looking for a veggie-packed appetizer or side dish, this is a great option! Here’s what you’ll need:

• Cauliflower Florets
• Salt + Pepper
• Lemon
• Italian Parsley
• Green Onions
• Garlic Cloves
• Egg
• Olive Oil
• All-Purpose Flour
• Grated Parmesan Cheese
• Havarti (or other melty cheese)

While I love the taste and texture of Havarti (which I mentioned in the ingredient list), any melty variety will work. Feel free to substitute with mozzarella, Pepper Jack (for spicy lovers), Monterey Jack, cheddar, Gruyère, provolone, fontina, or whatever you enjoy most.

Per the usual, I grabbed my items for this recipe during my weekly trips to my local Earth Fare. It’s my go-to store and I absolutely love all their organic produce. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover vegetables or cheeses from hosting a gathering with a veggie / cheese board, or simply using up what’s in the fridge. Sometimes I’ll mix in broccoli, shredded carrots, peas, or even corn during the summer. 

MORE RECIPES YOU’LL ENJOY:

Mind-Blowing Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Super Crispy Air Fried Tofu

Fettuccini Pasta with Cauliflower Garlic Cream Sauce

The Best Cream of Celery Soup (+ video!)

Creamy Cauliflower Soup with Garlic and Fresh Herbs

Seriously The Best French Onion Soup You’ll Ever Have (+video!)

Crusty, Crunchy, Herby Cauliflower Fritters

 

When it comes to Cauliflower Fritters, I want the works. Lots of herbs, melty cheese, and all that savory goodness. 

Ingredients

• 20 oz. Cauliflower Florets
• 2 Green Onions, chopped
• 2 Garlic Cloves, minced
• ¼ cup Chopped Italian Parsley
• Zest of 1 Lemon
• 1 Egg
• ½ cup All Purpose Flour
• ¼ cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
• ¾ cup Havarti (or other melty cheese)
• ½ tsp. Salt
• ½ tsp. Black Pepper
• 3 tbsp. Neutral Oil, for frying
• Italian Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Boil the cauliflower florets for 5 minutes and then drain.
2. Place the florets in a large mixing bowl and mash them (it’s okay if it’s a little lumpy). Then mix together with the green onions, garlic, parsley, lemon zest, egg, flour, grated parmesan, Havarti, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the oil in a large frying pan. Scoop the cauliflower mixture out to create patties. You should get roughly 8 large fritters.
4. Working in batches, fry the fritters in the oil for 4 minutes, then flip them and continue to fry for an additional 4 – 5 minutes. Once cooked, remove and set them on a wire rack over paper towels to drain.
5. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley.

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NOTES ON THIS RECIPE:

• I used a 20-ounce bag of pre-cut florets for this recipe, but feel free to cut and prep your own. I’d say this is equal to 1 small to a medium head of cauliflower.
• While I had green onions and Italian parsley on hand, feel free whatever herbs you enjoy most! I’d say dill, cilantro, thyme, and chives are all great choices.
• For frying, I like safflower oil. But olive oil or even vegetable oil will also work here.

PERSONAL NOTE: my dipping sauce of choice is tzatziki. Below is what you’ll need if you want to make it at home!

• 1/2 cup Grated Cucumber
• 1.5 cups Greek Yogurt
• 1 tbsp. Olive Oil
• 1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
• 1 Garlic Clove, minced
• 1 tbsp. Dill
• 1 tbsp. Mint
• 1/4 tsp. Salt
• 1 tsp. Chopped Italian Parsley

While I prefer to make my own, you can usually find this dipping sauce in the refrigerated section of the produce department at your local grocer.

This post is sponsored in partnership with Earth Fare. Per the usual, all opinions here are mine alone and I would never recommend a product or grocery store that I did not immensely enjoy myself. Thank you for supporting the brands that support SliceOfJess.com!

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