Cauliflower Cheese Muffin-Pan Balls

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls are a great way to sneak more veggies into your diet without sacrificing flavor. The cauliflower is tender and infused with the rich, creamy taste of melted cheese, creating a perfect bite-sized snack. The crispy outer layer, achieved through baking in a muffin pan, adds a delightful crunch to each ball, while the cheesy interior provides comfort and warmth. They’re easy to make, and you can enjoy them for a variety of occasions—from parties to family dinners or meal prep for the week. Plus, they can be customized to your liking by adding herbs or spices for extra flavor.

Ingredients

• 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
• 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a GF option)
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the muffin tin)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Step 1: Prepare the Cauliflower

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil or non-stick spray.
2. Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Once cooled, mash the cauliflower with a potato masher or pulse it in a food processor until it’s broken down into small pieces. You want it to be somewhat chunky but not too watery.

Step 2: Make the Mixture

1. In a large bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, grated cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, flour, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the milk and mix until everything is well combined and the mixture holds together. If the mixture is too wet, add more breadcrumbs or flour until you achieve the right consistency.

Step 3: Form the Muffin-Pan Balls

1. Using your hands or a cookie scoop, form small balls of the cauliflower mixture and place them into the muffin tin. You should be able to fill all 12 muffin cups with the mixture.
2. Lightly press the balls into the muffin cups to help them hold their shape.

Step 4: Bake the Balls

1. Drizzle a little olive oil over the tops of the muffin-pan balls for added crispiness.
2. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Step 5: Serve

1. Allow the cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls to cool slightly before serving. They can be served warm as an appetizer, side dish, or snack.
2. Garnish with extra parsley or a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 12 muffin-pan balls
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Cauliflower Cheese Balls: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped fresh chili to the mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil for a unique flavor twist.
• Cheese Swap: If you prefer a different cheese, swap the cheddar for mozzarella, gouda, or feta for a new flavor experience.
• Add-ins: Feel free to mix in sautéed onions, spinach, or bacon bits for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: These muffin-pan balls freeze well. After baking and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 3 months.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the muffin-pan balls in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave them for 30-45 seconds.

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before using it in the recipe.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Alternatively, you can assemble the muffin-pan balls and freeze them before baking. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.

Can I make these cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls gluten-free?

Yes, simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs and gluten-free flour in place of the regular versions for a gluten-free option.

How do I prevent the balls from being too dry?

If the mixture feels too dry, add a bit more milk or an extra egg to bring it together. The consistency should be moist but hold its shape when formed into balls.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese for different flavors. Just be sure to adjust the amount based on the type of cheese you choose.

How do I keep the muffin-pan balls crispy?

Brushing the muffin-pan balls with olive oil before baking helps them crisp up nicely. If you’re reheating them, putting them back in the oven helps retain their crunch, rather than microwaving them.

Can I add meat to these cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls?

Yes, you can add cooked bacon, sausage, or ground meat to the mixture for added protein and flavor.

Can I use a different type of flour?

Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or coconut flour if you prefer a gluten-free or low-carb version, though the texture may change slightly.

How can I make these cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls more flavorful?

For more intense flavor, consider adding a bit of Dijon mustard to the mixture or topping the balls with a sprinkle of grated cheese before baking.

Can I use a mini muffin pan?

Yes, you can use a mini muffin pan for smaller, bite-sized cauliflower cheese balls. Just reduce the baking time slightly, checking after 12-15 minutes.

Conclusion

Cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls are a fantastic way to enjoy cauliflower in a savory, cheesy, and fun-to-eat form. These bite-sized treats are packed with flavor and texture, making them perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a party, family dinner, or a light snack. With endless variations and easy preparation, these muffin-pan balls are sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy them fresh from the oven or save them for later—either way, they’re sure to be a hit!

Cauliflower Cheese Muffin-Pan Balls

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Cauliflower cheese muffin-pan balls are a savory snack or side dish combining tender cauliflower with melted cheese, baked into crispy, bite-sized portions. Perfect for parties, meal prep, or a quick snack, these muffin-pan balls offer a delightful crunch with a cheesy interior.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Total Time: 40-45 minutes
• Yield: 12 muffin-pan balls
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Fusion
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1. For the Filling:
   • 1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
   • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
   • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
   • 2 large eggs
   • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
   • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
   • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
   • 1/2 tsp onion powder
   • Salt and pepper, to taste
   • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
   • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
   • 2 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the muffin tin)

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Instructions

Prepare the Cauliflower: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with olive oil. Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender (about 8-10 minutes). Drain well and set aside to cool slightly. Mash or pulse the cauliflower until chunky and not watery.

1. Make the Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the mashed cauliflower, cheddar, Parmesan, eggs, breadcrumbs, flour, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add the milk and stir until the mixture holds together. Adjust consistency by adding more breadcrumbs or flour if too wet.
2. Form the Muffin-Pan Balls: Using hands or a cookie scoop, form balls of the cauliflower mixture and place them into the muffin tin. Press gently to help them hold their shape.
3. Bake the Balls: Drizzle olive oil over the muffin-pan balls for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
4. Serve: Cool slightly before serving. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Notes

1. For extra flavor, add a dash of Dijon mustard to the mixture or sprinkle grated cheese on top before baking.
2. If you prefer a different cheese, try mozzarella, feta, or goat cheese.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 muffin-pan ball
• Calories: 120
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 45mg