Cauliflower Breadsticks

You have to try this cheesy cauliflower breadsticks recipe to believe it. Without a speck of grain or gluten, the recipe transforms a head of cauliflower into pliable, tender breadsticks. Baked with three types of cheese and rich with garlic and herbs, the cauliflower sticks are easily one of our best gluten-free recipes for a comforting snack or appetizer.

Blitzing cauliflower in a food processor creates a coarse “flour” that serves as the base of the gluten-free breadstick dough. Since it doesn’t contain gluten-based flour, the dough doesn’t have to be kneaded to create tender breadsticks. It’s a clever way to cook with cauliflower, especially if you’re trying to convince your family to eat more vegetables.

Serve the cheesy cauliflower sticks as an appetizer, side dish or an easy pizza recipe to satisfy your pizza cravings without ordering delivery.

Ingredients for Cauliflower Breadsticks

• Cauliflower: Pulse cauliflower florets in the food processor to transform them into a moist, chunky flour substitute. Buy a medium-sized head of cauliflower with tight florets and no brown spots. Cut it into 1-inch pieces so it processes more easily.
• Cheese: Mozzarella, Parmesan and cheddar cheese are mixed together and added to the cauliflower dough to help it bind together. It’s also sprinkled on top for a gooey, cheesy finish.
• Egg: Egg provides essential moisture to help bind the dough together.
• Herbs: Fresh basil and parsley give the dough an herbaceous, aromatic boost.
• Garlic: Cauliflower and cheese breadsticks are better when they’re garlicky! Add an extra clove or two to make it a worthy recipe for garlic lovers.
• Marinara sauce: Lean into the pizza vibes and serve the cauliflower sticks with a side of marinara sauce for dipping. Use a high-quality jarred pasta sauce, or make a homemade simple pasta sauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower

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Preheat the oven to 425°F. In a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets in batches until finely ground. Microwave the ground cauliflower in a covered, microwave-safe bowl on high until tender, about eight minutes.

Editor’s Tip: When grinding the cauliflower, don’t overfill the machine. You may have to do this step in two or three batches.

Step 2: Drain the excess liquid

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When the cauliflower is cool enough to handle, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze it dry. Return the cauliflower to the bowl.

Step 3: Make the dough

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Meanwhile, in another bowl, mix the mozzarella, Parmesan and cheddar cheeses.

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Stir half of the cheese mixture into the cauliflower. Reserve the remaining cheese mixture.

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In a small bowl, combine the egg, basil, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper.

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Stir the egg mixture into the cauliflower mixture.

Step 4: Bake the dough

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On a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, shape the cauliflower dough into an 11×9-inch rectangle. Bake it until the edges are golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes.

Step 5: Finish with cheese

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Remove the baking sheet from the oven and top the dough with the reserved cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 6: Slice and serve

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Cut the cheesy cauliflower into 12 breadsticks. If desired, serve them with marinara sauce on the side for dipping.

Cauliflower Breadsticks Variations

• Change the shape: You can shape these breadsticks into a heart on Valentine’s Day, or shape the dough into a circle on a round pizza pan like cauliflower pizza crust.
• Use another cheese: The mozzarella cheese is crucial for its melty qualities, but you can change the other cheeses. Try swapping in pepper jack for heat or Gouda for a smoky flavor.
• Add toppings: Treat the cauliflower like a pizza and sprinkle pizza toppings over the breadsticks after adding the cheesy topping. Some of our favorites include mushrooms, pepperoni, sausage, roasted garlic and sun-dried tomatoes.

How to Store Cauliflower Breadsticks

Let the cauliflower breadsticks cool slightly. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long do cauliflower breadsticks last?

Cauliflower cheese breadsticks will keep for up to three days in the fridge. The cheese has a lot of moisture, so the breadsticks will soften over time. Plan on enjoying them sooner rather than later.

How do you reheat cauliflower breadsticks?

Place the breadsticks on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425° until the edges are crisp and the top is melted and bubbly.

Cauliflower Breadsticks Tips

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Can you use frozen cauliflower for cauliflower breadsticks?

You can use frozen cauliflower to make this breadstick recipe. Defrost the cauliflower, then prepare the recipe as directed. Frozen vegetables tend to retain more moisture than fresh vegetables, so be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as you can.

You can also use frozen riced cauliflower. Recipes that start with cauliflower rice skip the cutting and processing steps, so they’re a great way to save time on busy weeknights. Simply cook the riced cauliflower according to the package directions, and make sure to drain the cauliflower well.

Why do cauliflower breadsticks fall apart?

Cauliflower breadstick dough is quite delicate and won’t stick together as well as homemade breadsticks made with wheat flour. That said, the dough should hold together well enough to create a flexible, hand-held breadstick. Make sure to press out all the excess moisture from the cauliflower, and don’t forget to add an egg to bind the ingredients together. Then, when you’re shaping the dough into a rectangle, don’t make it too thick; it should be as thin as pizza crust.

What can you serve with cauliflower breadsticks?

Cauliflower breadsticks make a delicious appetizer for Italian dinners, like chicken provolone or pork Marsala. They can also be served as a side dish with a hearty soup like Italian vegetable soup. If you’re avoiding gluten, pair the breadsticks with gluten-free dinners, like honey mustard chicken or portobello and chickpea sheet-pan supper. They also make a delicious addition to party spreads, from casual family get-togethers to birthday parties for any age.