Fried Cauliflower Cakes

5 from 1 vote

These are savory and crispy fried cauliflower cakes served with homemade marinara. Cheesy and crispy, filled with parmesan, parsley, and fresh garlic, these fritters, or cauliflower patties, are a delicious Italian-American appetizer your family will love.

Prep Time15

Cook Time30

Total Time45

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: American, Italian

Servings: fritters

Calories: 1470kcal

Author: Vincent DelGiudice

Cost: $10

Equipment

1 large pot
1 steaming basket
1 large saucepan
1 large bowl

Ingredients

2 heads cauliflower
¾ cup parmesan cheese
2 eggs
½ cup breadcrumbs
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup marinara sauce

Instructions

In a large pot, steam the cauliflower over medium-high heat until tender enough to mash with a spoon, about 15-20 minutes. Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and mash. Let the cauliflower cool for 10 minutes.
Add eggs, parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic, parsley, and breadcrumbs to the bowl. Combine well with your hands until you can make a bowl out of the mixture. If it is too wet to form a ball, add more breadcrumbs.
Create the patties and set them aside on a plate. It should form about 15 patties.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, add extra virgin olive oil. Once hot, carefully add the patties to the oil. Fry on each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and flip.
Remove from the pan. Sprinkle with salt and serve with marinara sauce for dipping.

Notes

Using frozen cauliflower? These contain more water than fresh cauliflower. You may need to pat them dry after steaming.
Steamed cauliflower will absorb more and more liquid the longer it's steamed and depending on how small you cut the florets. More breadcrumbs can be added to help structure the patties.
Don't try to flip the patties when frying until they release from the pan. If they still feel stuck, let them finish frying before you attempt to flip.
Sprinkle with salt to finish to bring out the most flavor in all fried foods, whether it be Italian Chicken Cutlets or Fried Flounder Oreganata. Kosher salt will always let the flavor shine through.

Nutrition