Crispy Cauliflower Veggie Nuggets

Name: Crispy Cauliflower Veggie Nuggets
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets; 1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil

Highlighted under: Healthy & Light

I absolutely love making these crispy cauliflower veggie nuggets! They're a fun and satisfying snack or side dish, perfect for picky eaters and veggie lovers alike. Each bite is packed with flavor and crunch, and I appreciate how quickly they come together. I've perfected the seasoning and coating to ensure that they're not only crispy on the outside but also deliciously tender on the inside. Whether served with a dip or on their own, these nuggets always get rave reviews!

Created by

Sophia Lane

Last updated on 2026-01-15T15:13:27.319Z

During a recent family gathering, I decided to experiment with a healthier take on classic nuggets. I wanted something that could entice both adults and kids, and these crispy cauliflower nuggets hit the spot! By blending cauliflower with chickpeas and seasoning it just right, I achieved a satisfying texture that resembled traditional nuggets.

The key is in the coating: a mixture of breadcrumbs and spices creates a perfect crunch that everybody loves. They vanished from the plate so quickly, I almost didn't get to try them myself!

        Why You'll Love These Nuggets
        Deliciously crispy exterior paired with a tender and flavorful interior
A great way to sneak in more veggies for the whole family
Versatile: perfect as a snack, side, or even a main dish
Easy to make, even for beginner cooks

      

Ingredient Insights

Cauliflower is the star ingredient of these nuggets, providing a mild flavor and a satisfying texture when cooked. Steaming it before mashing helps retain moisture, ensuring that the nuggets are tender inside. If you want to enhance the flavor even further, consider adding a splash of lemon juice or your favorite herbs when mashing the cauliflower.

Chickpeas add protein and fiber to these veggie nuggets, making them more filling and nutritious. This legume also contributes creaminess to the mixture. If chickpeas aren't available, you could substitute them with cooked lentils or even white beans—both options will yield a slightly different texture but still work well in the recipe.

Perfecting the Nuggets

Shaping the nuggets may seem tricky; however, dampening your hands with a little water can prevent the mixture from sticking, allowing for smooth shaping. Aim for a size that’s about 1 to 2 inches wide for even cooking. Keeping them uniform ensures they bake evenly, achieving that desirable golden-brown exterior together.

Baking them at the right temperature is essential to achieve crispiness. The high heat of 425°F (220°C) allows the outside to crisp up nicely while keeping the inside soft. Be sure to check halfway through baking and flip the nuggets for even browning; they’ll take about 20-25 minutes, so keep an eye on them as cooking times can vary depending on your oven.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to make your nuggets:

Vegetable Ingredients

1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup cooked chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tbsp olive oil

Make sure to prep everything ahead of time for easy cooking!

Instructions

Let's get cooking!

Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare the Cauliflower

Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5 minutes. Once done, transfer them to a bowl and mash slightly.

Make the Mixture

In the same bowl with the cauliflower, add chickpeas, breadcrumbs, Parmesan (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Form the Nuggets

Using your hands, shape the mixture into small nugget shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake

Drizzle the olive oil over the nuggets and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Once they’re out, let them cool slightly before serving!

Pro Tips

For extra crunch, try using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. Pair these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack!

Serving Suggestions

These crispy cauliflower veggie nuggets pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with homemade hummus, ranch dressing, or even a zesty marinara sauce for an Italian twist. They also make a great addition to salads, adding crunch and substance to a mixed greens base.

If you're looking to elevate your plating, consider arranging the nuggets on a colorful bed of greens and garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also adds an extra layer of freshness to each bite.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (though I doubt they’ll last long!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain their crispiness, reheat them in the oven or an air fryer rather than the microwave, as these methods will keep the exterior crispy. A quick reheat at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes should do the trick.

For a make-ahead option, you can assemble the nuggets and shape them, then freeze them uncooked. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a zip-top bag. When ready to bake, there's no need to thaw—just add a few extra minutes to the baking time until they are golden and cooked through.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make these nuggets ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the mixture and form nuggets a day in advance. Store them in the refrigerator and bake them when ready.

→ Are these nuggets gluten-free?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.

→ Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, frozen cauliflower works as well. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly before mashing.

→ What dipping sauces pair well with these nuggets?

They are delicious with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo!