Cauliflower Nuggets (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
The flavor is amazing, and they are perfect as an appetizer or smothered with your favorite sauce as a main course!
Also, try Baked Tofu Nuggets.
Feeling for some delicious cauliflower nuggets? These are full of flavor and also coated with gluten-free breading. My family enjoyed this recipe very much.
It is easy to make! I left the yeast flakes as optional for those who are on a yeast-free diet but yeast flakes really enhance the flavor!
Ingredients For Cauliflower Nuggets
- Cauliflower Florets: The star of the dish, cauliflower florets are cut from the head of the cauliflower and serve as a nutritious and versatile base. They have a mild, slightly nutty flavor that adapts well to various seasonings, making them perfect for nuggets.
- Vegan Mayonnaise: This egg-free alternative to traditional mayonnaise adds creaminess and binds the other ingredients together. It helps in creating a moist texture inside the nuggets while allowing the outer coating to crisp beautifully.
- Gluten-Free Flour: A key ingredient for those avoiding gluten, this flour is used to help form the outer crust of the nuggets. It provides structure and ensures they hold together during cooking.
- Nutritional yeast flakes: These flakes add a cheesy, umami flavor without any dairy. Nutritional yeast is also packed with nutrients, including B-vitamins, making it a favorite in vegan cooking.
- Onion Powder:Provides a concentrated burst of savory flavor, enhancing the nuggets’ taste without using fresh onions.
- Garlic Powder: Similar to onion powder, garlic powder provides a rich, aromatic flavor that is essential for creating a depth of taste in the nuggets.
- Ground paprika: This spice adds warmth and a vibrant color to the nuggets, imparting a subtle sweetness and smokiness that complements the cauliflower.
- Italian Seasoning: A blend of dried herbs including oregano, thyme, basil, and rosemary, Italian seasoning brings a classic Mediterranean flair to the dish, enriching the nuggets with a herby zest.
- Turmeric Powder: Known for its bright yellow color and anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric adds a mild, earthy flavor and a beautiful golden hue to the nuggets.
- Sea Salt: A sprinkle of sea salt enhances all the flavors in the nuggets, helping to balance the spices and the natural taste of the cauliflower, making each bite perfectly seasoned.
How to Make Cauliflower Nuggets?
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place cauliflower florets in a bowl, toss with mayonnaise, and set aside.
- In a small bowl, combine flour, yeast flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, and turmeric powder. Mix well.
- Dip cauliflower florets in breading, place them on a baking sheet, and repeat until all florets are coated.
- Bake for 30 minutes, turning halfway. Delicious served with ketchup or barbecue sauce.
Other Vegan Recipes To Try
These cauliflower nuggets are packed with flavor! They are perfect as an appetizer or as a side dish! The best time to serve them is right away while they are still hot! I prepare them last, baking while assembling a salad, setting the table, and making final touches before guests arrive.
Update: I feel so honored because my cauliflower nuggets were included in the menu of the Vegetarian Society of DC (VSDC) Thanksgiving Dinner last year. This event is hosted annually, where vegetarians and non-vegetarians come together to give thanks and enjoy vegetarian dishes.
The event also features an influential keynote speaker and entertainers. I hope to go to this special event someday.
Get discounted copies of my cookbook here.
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Cauliflower Nuggets (Vegan, Gluten-Free)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 pound cauliflower florets
- 1/4 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons brown rice flour or your favorite gluten free flour
- 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Pinch turmeric powder
- sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Place cauliflower florets in a bowl, toss with mayonnaise and set aside
- In a small bowl combine breading ingredients brown rice flour, yeast flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, turmeric powder and mix well.
- Dip cauliflower florets in breading and place on baking sheet, repeat until all florets are coated.
- Bake for 30 minutes turning halfway. Delicious served with ketchup or barbecue sauce.
I just made these with almond flour, perfect for “chicken ” and waffles.
Ziggy, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Great serving suggestions, thank you very much.
These are soooo good and easy! I make these once week usually for my family and they love them!
This was absolutely delicious-i’ve made it several times.Thanks!
Diana, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for sharing your feedback.
I made these glorious nuggets with a sweet honey sriracha sauce! We were in total veggie paradise! Thanks for the awesome recipe.
Cindy, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. The sauce sounds yummy!
We don’t have gluten issues in our home; can I use regular unbleached flour if I’m short of GF flour?
THESE NUGGETS ARE EVERYTHING! I use cassava flour because of the AIP I can’t do rice and I leave out the yeast flakes. They come out amazing! Your recipes and website are awesome! Thank you!
Thank you Lori, I’m so happy you are enjoying them. I love how you adjust the ingredients to make the recipe AIP compliant.
Delicia, muito saborosa. Gratidão pela receita. Go vegan
OMG WHAT AN AMAZING RECIPE SO EASY AND THEY CAME OUT AMAZING MY HUSBAND COULDN’T BELIEVE IT. THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR YOUR GREAT RECIPE 😊
Julissa that’s so awesome, I’m so happy you and your hubby enjoyed it. Thank you so much for sharing your feedback.
Thank you for the recipe, I am keening to try it, but I do not have the nutritional yeast flakes, Is there anything I could substitute it for?
Fathia, I hope you enjoy it. Substitute the nutritional yeast flakes for your favorite all-purpose seasoning.
Easy to make and taste great, love it
Thank you Jean, I’m so happy you enjoyed it. Thank you for leaving your feedback.
Can you use frozen florets?
Elmora, yes you can use frozen florets. You might have to bake a little longer.
Loved it but I think I did something wrong. Ran out of breading ingredients so added a bit more in to coat the cauliflower. However the nuggets were slightly on the floury side when I went to eat them. Any suggestions?
I want to try it. Do you have a book with all of these recipes I can buy? Your recipes are easy, and affordable. Thank you. Also, will it be ok to use almond flour or will it alter the taste? Why did you choose brown
rice flour? Thank you
Yes I have a book with some of my recipes. It is sold here on my website, go to my home page and click on the store or purchase from Amazon. It is called Healthier Steps 125 Gluten-Free Vegan Recipes. I also have a second cookbook with some of the soups and stews from here. I used brown rice flour because it is great as a breading, almond flour should be fine.
I followed this recipe to a tee and even though I haven’t tasted it yet, it smells heavenly baking away in the oven. Thank you for the recipe!
Barbara, I hope you enjoy it. Thank you for the feedback.