Cheesy cauliflower waffles—yes, you heard it right! Who would’ve thought that cauliflower, our humble friend from the veggie aisle, could transform into such a delightful snack? You know, the kind that makes you forget you’re even eating vegetables.
It’s like magic, or maybe just really clever cooking. I stumbled upon this idea while scrolling through food blogs late one night, a little tired and very hungry. Ever since, these waffles have been my go-to for a quick, satisfying bite.
Imagine the crispy, golden edges giving way to a cheesy, tender center. It’s like a cozy blanket for your taste buds. And don’t even get me started on the aroma—if only I could bottle it up as a perfume!
Whether you’re a cauliflower skeptic or a cheese enthusiast (or both! ), give these a whirl. They might just surprise you, in the best possible way.
Steps
- Preheat your waffle iron to medium heat, approximately 325°F, and apply nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Separate the cauliflower into florets and use a food processor to pulse them until they resemble rice or couscous.
- In a bowl, combine the processed cauliflower with cheese, eggs, almond flour, and seasonings such as paprika, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is thoroughly blended.
- Spray the waffle maker again with non-stick spray. For each serving, place about ½ cup of the cauliflower mixture onto the preheated waffle iron.
- Cook the waffles for 8-10 minutes, or until they become golden brown and crispy.
- Carefully remove the waffles from the waffle iron and let them rest on a wire rack for a minute.
- Serve the cauliflower waffles warm, optionally topped with fried eggs and chopped parsley.
Ingredients
- 1 head of cauliflower
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (or any cheese of preference)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Chopped parsley (optional, for topping)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 79mg | Sodium: 366mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 23mg | Calcium: 322mg | Iron: 1mg
FAQ
- How can I tell when the cauliflower waffles are fully cooked?
- Keep an eye on the cooking time specified in the recipe, and look for a golden brown color as a key indicator that the waffles are done or nearly done.
- What is the difference between low-carb waffles and chaffles?
- Chaffles typically consist solely of cheese and eggs, whereas these cauliflower waffles incorporate additional ingredients like cauliflower and almond flour for added texture and flavor.
- Is it possible to make these cauliflower waffles sweet?
- Yes, you can transform these into sweet cauliflower waffles by adding a bit of jam or a drizzle of maple syrup on top, which might make you prefer them sweeter rather than savory.
- How should I store leftover cauliflower waffles?
- Store any leftover waffles in an airtight container in the fridge. They will remain fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Can I freeze the cauliflower waffle batter?
- Yes, you can make the batter ahead of time and freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw the batter overnight in the fridge for at least four hours before using.
Tips
- Use a Plate to Remove Waffles: To easily remove the waffles from the waffle maker, try sliding a small plate underneath them. This approach can be more effective than using a spatula, especially since the batter can be sticky due to the lack of oil.
- Adjust Almond Flour as Needed: The consistency of the batter can vary based on the size of the eggs and the moisture content of the cauliflower. If the mixture seems too wet, add more almond flour until it holds together well.
- Consider Pre-Riced Cauliflower: For a quicker preparation, purchase riced cauliflower from the fresh produce section of your grocery store. Avoid the frozen variety, as it tends to hold more moisture, which can affect the batter.
- Experiment with Cheese and Vegetables: Feel free to substitute mozzarella with other cheeses like colby or pepper jack for different flavors. You can also add finely chopped vegetables such as onions or bell peppers, but be cautious not to overload the batter, which could prevent it from sticking together properly.
Equipment
- Waffle Iron – Essential for cooking the cauliflower waffles.
- Food Processor – Used to rice the cauliflower into small pieces.
- Non-stick Spray – To coat the waffle iron and prevent sticking.
- Wire Rack – For resting the waffles after cooking to maintain crispness.
