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Cheesy Pumpkin Nuggets

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Crispy, golden Cheesy Pumpkin Nuggets with a tender, cheesy interior and naturally sweet pumpkin flavour. Perfect as a snack, side, or fun finger food for all ages.

Ingredients

  • 500 g pumpkin, peeled and cubed
  • 1 egg, lightly beaten
  • 1 cup grated cheddar or tasty cheese
  • 1/2 cup plain flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko (divided)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion salt (or 2 tbsp finely chopped onion)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Oil, for shallow-frying or spray oil for baking

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking, or prepare a frying pan with oil for shallow-frying.
  2. Cook pumpkin until soft (microwave, boil, or steam). Drain well and mash until smooth.
  3. In a large bowl, combine mashed pumpkin, egg, grated cheese, flour, onion salt, baking powder, garlic powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Fold in about one-third of the breadcrumbs.
  4. Shape mixture into small nugget-sized portions. Chill for 30 minutes to firm.
  5. Prepare two bowls: one with beaten egg, one with remaining breadcrumbs. Dip each nugget into egg, then breadcrumbs, pressing to coat.
  6. To bake: Arrange on a lined tray, spray or drizzle lightly with oil, and bake for 15–20 minutes until golden and crisp. To fry: Heat oil over medium-high and cook nuggets for 3–4 minutes per side until golden. Drain on paper towel.
  7. Serve hot with dipping sauces such as garlic mayo or sweet chilli sauce. Garnish with parsley if desired.

Notes

  • If mixture is too wet, add more flour or breadcrumbs until firm enough to shape.
  • Chilling before frying helps nuggets hold together.
  • For extra crispness, double coat with egg and breadcrumbs.
  • Can be baked, fried, or air-fried depending on preference.
  • Pairs well with creamy or tangy dipping sauces.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/cheesy-pumpkin-nuggets/