Imagine biting into crispy, golden hash browns, with gooey melted cheese oozing from the middle.
Sounds indulgent, right? But here’s the kicker—these cheesy cauliflower hash browns are just as nutritious as they are delicious.
Whether you’re all about that low carb lifestyle, following a keto diet, or just want a clever way to sneak some veggies into your day, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Perfect as a quick snack, a hearty side for dinner, or even the star of a healthy meal, these hash browns bring the crunch without the carb crash.
So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking, shall we?
What You’ll Need:
- 1 medium cauliflower head, riced (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix—go with your cheesy mood!)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or coconut flour for a nut-free option)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but trust me, it’s worth it!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil for frying)
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Keto-Friendly & Low Carb: No carbs, no guilt, just crispy, cheesy goodness.
- Nutritious and Filling: Packed with fiber, protein, and just the right amount of healthy fats.
- Super Versatile: Pair them up with eggs for breakfast, have it as a dinner side, or snack at any time.
- Gluten-Free and Vegetarian: Perfect to share in families and circles of friends, regardless of their diet requirements.
How to Make Cheesy Cauliflower Hash Browns
Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower
- Start by ricing your cauliflower. If you’ve got a fresh head, pulse those florets in a food processor until they look like tiny grains of rice. Pre-riced cauliflower? Skip this step and high-five yourself for saving time!
- Either microwave or steam your riced cauliflower until just tender, about 3-5 minutes. Allow it to cool enough to be handled. Then, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much water as possible. Yes, it’s arm work, but totally worth it for that crispy finish.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your cauliflower, shredded cheese, eggs, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until it forms a sticky, cheesy dough. It’ll smell amazing already, but hold tight—the best is yet to come.
Step 3: Shape the Hash Browns
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape into small patties. Don’t stress perfection, as they come out rustic and nice after cooking.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray while you heat your oil.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Heat the avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. (Hot tip: test the oil with a tiny bit of the mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good to go.)
- Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the finished hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Try not to eat them all before serving… or don’t. No judgment here!
Serving Suggestions
- Top with a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for that added hit.
- Add a fried egg on top for a satisfying keto dinner idea.
- Put this together with a light and crunchy side salad for one healthy meal option.
Storage Tips & Meal Prep Ideas
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or air fryer to bring back the crispiness.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked patties in one layer in a tray and transfer into a freezer-friendly bag. Cook from frozen directly into the skillet or oven.
- Meal Prep Pro Tip: Go ahead and make one huge batch of this cauliflower mixture and then immediately shape it into patties. You can then freeze those to fry fresh hash browns when any cravings come on.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~280
- Fat: 23g
- Protein: 14g
- Carbs: 9g
- Fiber: 4g
FAQ: Cheesy Cauliflower Hash Browns
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined tray for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Are these hash browns good for a keto dinner?
Yes! They’re high in fat, low in carbs, and pair beautifully with other keto dinner recipes, like grilled salmon or roasted chicken thighs.
Q: Can I make these dairy-free?
Swap the cheese for a dairy-free alternative like nutritional yeast or your favorite vegan shredded cheese.
Q: How do I keep them from falling apart?
Squeeze all the water out of the cauliflower-most important step!—don’t skip this!
Q: Can I add other flavors?
Go for it! Chopped fresh herbs, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even diced jalapeños can take these to the next level.
A New Favorite in Your Keto Arsenal
And there you have it—the perfect crispy, cheesy, guilt-free hash browns that fit right into your healthy lifestyle.
Whether you’re enjoying them as part of a low carb meal, serving them up for breakfast, or sneaking a few straight from the pan (we’ve all been there), these hash browns are bound to become a favorite.
Want more ideas to keep those keto dinners interesting?
Check out these easy keto dinner recipes for more inspiration.
Let’s keep those taste buds happy and those carb counts low!
Cheesy Cauliflower Hash Browns
Enjoy Cheesy Cauliflower Hash Browns, a delicious low carb dinner.
This keto, gluten-free recipe is high in flavor, moderate in protein.
Perfect for a nutritious, vegetarian meal that suits your healthy lifestyle.
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower head, riced (or 4 cups pre-riced cauliflower)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour (or coconut flour for a nut-free option)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp avocado oil (or olive oil for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep Your Cauliflower
- Start by ricing your cauliflower. If you’ve got a fresh head, pulse those florets in a food processor until they look like tiny grains of rice. Pre-riced cauliflower? Skip this step and high-five yourself for saving time!
- Either microwave or steam your riced cauliflower until just tender, about 3-5 minutes.
- Allow it to cool enough to be handled. Then, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and wring out as much water as possible. Yes, it's arm work, but totally worth it for that crispy finish.
Step 2: Mix the Magic
- In a large mixing bowl, combine your cauliflower, shredded cheese, eggs, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until it forms a sticky, cheesy dough. It’ll smell amazing already, but hold tight—the best is yet to come.
Step 3: Shape the Hash Browns
- Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time and shape into small patties. Don't stress perfection, as they come out rustic and nice after cooking.
- Place them on a parchment-lined tray while you heat your oil.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Heat the avocado oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. (Hot tip: test the oil with a tiny bit of the mixture—if it sizzles, you’re good to go.)
- Fry the patties for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer the finished hash browns to a plate lined with paper towels to soak up any extra oil. Try not to eat them all before serving… or don’t. No judgment here!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 288Total Fat: 23gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 14gCholesterol: 121mgSodium: 316mgCarbohydrates: 9gFiber: 4gSugar: 4gProtein: 14g
This data was provided and calculated by Nutritionix