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cheesy cauliflower fritters recipe

Cauliflower Fritters Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 10 Fritters
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Vegetarian

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium  head cauliflower about 4 cups florets
  • 1 cup  shredded cheddar
  • 2 eggs beaten
  • 3 tablespoons  all-purpose flour or almond flour for low-carb
  • 3 spring onions finely sliced
  • 2 tablespoons  fresh dill or parsley chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon  garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon  onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon  salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon  black pepper
  • 2–3 tablespoons  olive oil or neutral oil for frying
To Serve
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt
  • Tzatziki or cucumber yogurt sauce
  • Sriracha mayo
  • Fresh dill to garnish

Method
 

  1. Break cauliflower into florets. Boil or steam for 6–8 minutes until completely tender. Drain well and let steam dry in the colander for 5 minutes. Transfer to a large bowl and mash with a fork until mostly broken down with some small chunks — not a smooth puree.
  2. Add beaten eggs, cheddar, flour, spring onions, dill, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the mashed cauliflower. Mix until combined and thick enough to hold a patty shape. Add more flour if too loose, or another egg if too stiff.
  3. Scoop 1/4 cup portions and shape into flat patties about 1/2 inch thick. Place on a parchment-lined tray. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up (optional but recommended if batter feels wet).
  4. Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add patties with space between each one. Cook 3–4 minutes without moving until the edges look set and the underside is golden. Flip carefully and cook 3 more minutes on the second side. Transfer to a wire rack. Repeat with remaining patties, adding more oil as needed.
  5. Serve immediately while hot and crispy. Top with sour cream or Greek yogurt and fresh dill. Serve with tzatziki or sriracha mayo on the side.

Notes

  • Dry the cauliflower thoroughly after cooking — excess moisture causes fritters to fall apart
  • Don’t flip too early — wait until the edges look fully set and golden before turning
  • Keep finished fritters warm on a wire rack in a 200°F oven while frying remaining batches
  • Gluten-free option: swap flour for almond, oat, or chickpea flour in the same quantity
  • Reheat in a dry pan or air fryer at 375°F for 4–5 minutes to restore crispiness
  • Freeze cooked fritters for up to 2 months — reheat from frozen at 375°F for 12–15 minutes
  • Uncooked batter keeps in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying