Gluten free cauliflower pancakes make a wonderful appetizer, side dish, or vegetarian meal. Crispy on the outsides and cheesy tender on the inside, you will love this easy riced cauliflower recipe.
If you love cauliflower recipes as much as we do…here are all of my delicious gluten free cauliflower recipes in one place!
Riced Cauliflower
Have you seen all of those fun riced cauliflower recipes on Pinterest lately?
I have always wanted to try one, but the thought of ricing a cauliflower was a bit overwhelming. Do visions of cauliflower flying around my kitchen and creating a huge mess flash before your eyes?
Not to mention, my kids are not big fans of cauliflower unless it is served raw with extra ranch dressing. These gluten free cauliflower pancakes are going to change all of that! Kids love them.
Riced Cauliflower Pancakes
Luckily, I found this riced cauliflower at Trader Joe’s this week. (I love when Trader Joe’s makes something so incredibly easy to want.) It was the shortcut I was looking for. They did all of the work and this bag of riced cauliflower costs the same as a big head of cauliflower. Win-win! (*If you can’t find pre-packaged cauliflower rice, check out this simple step by step method to create your own riced cauliflower.)
And you can even use riced cauliflower instead of rice in risotto, check out this recipe for Shiitake Risotto!
How to make these cauliflower cheddar pancakes:
Toss the cauliflower rice into a large bowl and added the cheddar, leeks, and other ingredients.
I formed pancake-shaped cauliflower patties with my hands and carefully dropped them into the hot oil. The riced cauliflower pancakes get so crispy and delicious. I like to cook these in a cast-iron skillet because the pan can get nice and hot making a crisp outside!
Try cayenne for a spicy kick!
What oil is best for frying fritters and cauliflower pancakes?
When frying at high heat, you need to use an oil that can hold up to the heat. Some oils, like olive oil, will get rancid at high heat. Here are my favorite oils for frying:
- Avocado oil (my very favorite for savory dishes)
- Coconut oil (great for sweet fried recipes)
Click here to see all of my gluten free appetizer recipes.
Topping Ideas for your cauliflower pancakes:
- Sour cream
- Scallions
- Chives
- Bacon
More Delicious Gluten Free Cauliflower Recipes to Try:
- Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Alfredo Sauce
- Shiitake Riced Cauliflower Risotto
- Turmeric Lime Roasted Cauliflower
Tools To Make This Riced Cauliflower Pancakes Recipe:
- Lodge Cast Iron Skillet: This is by far my favorite pan and I do almost all of my frying in this.
- Food Chopper: I bought my cauliflower already riced, but if you can’t find it pre-chopped, this inexpensive food chopper will do the trick for you.
- Bob’s Red Mill 1 to 1 Blend: My favorite gluten free flour, it works beautifully in this recipe without making my pancakes gummy.
How to Make Gluten Free Cauliflower Pancakes:
Easy riced cauliflower cheddar pancakes.
Gluten Free Cauliflower Cheddar Pancakes
Ingredients
Instructions
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 111 Total Fat: 7g Saturated Fat: 3g Trans Fat: 0g Unsaturated Fat: 4g Cholesterol: 26mg Sodium: 188mg Carbohydrates: 7g Fiber: 1g Sugar: 2g Protein: 5g
Looking for a meal to enjoy after these appetizers?
How about this amazing gluten free fried chicken recipe from San Francisco’s Proposition Chicken?
These flourless chocolate peanut butter brownies would make a fabulous dessert!
More Tasty Appetizers
-
- Curried Sweet Potato Hash Brown Waffle
-
- Savory Italian Ground Pork Meatballs
-
- Sweet Potato Nachos
-
- Southwestern Spinach and Corn Cheese Dip
Jillian
August 7, 2018 at 9:52 pmThis looks wonderful! Thank you for sharing!
Sandi Gaertner
August 8, 2018 at 10:11 amThank you so much Jillian 🙂
Adriana Lopez Martin
August 7, 2018 at 9:20 pmThis is a genius idea love that you used cauliflower I bet these are super tasty I need to make them soon would be a great yummy surprise to add this to my menu.
Sandi Gaertner
August 8, 2018 at 10:12 amMy kids even like these, and they are not huge cauliflower fans 🙂
Emily Hill
August 7, 2018 at 9:12 pmThese sound healthy AND delicious–the best combination!
Sandi Gaertner
August 8, 2018 at 10:37 amI am so glad you like these Emily 🙂
Marie
August 7, 2018 at 8:59 pmThese cauliflower pancakes look fantastic! I love the crispy outsides and the fact that it has cheese in them makes them even better!
Sandi Gaertner
August 8, 2018 at 10:38 amMy kids say the cheese makes these so good…plus it helps the crisping 🙂
Dahn
August 7, 2018 at 8:17 pmthese are great little appetizers and a delicious gluten-free option. It seems like everyone wants a gluten-free snack so it’s always nice to have a few options at the parties
Sandi Gaertner
August 8, 2018 at 11:12 amThank you Dahn, they certainly are great for entertaining.
Bsrbara
April 16, 2018 at 12:19 amThese look really good. Is it 9 net carbs for one pancake? Thank you.
Sandi Gaertner
April 16, 2018 at 8:55 amHi Barbara, the nutrition label is for one pancake. Thank you so much, Sandi
Geri Mcguire
March 30, 2018 at 12:47 amI would like these recipes I do not have a printer.
Sandi Gaertner
March 30, 2018 at 7:34 amHi Geri, I tend to cook with my computer open. If you send your email, I can send a copy of this recipe to you…although I am not sure that would help if you can’t print? Please let me know.
Claire | Sprinkles and Sprouts
March 6, 2018 at 3:56 amSandi you had me at cheesy tender!!! Oh man!!!
We don’t have trader Joe’s here and I have never seen cauliflower rice in the grocery store, but that isn’t going to stop me…..I have a food processor and I am not afraid to use it 😉
These look sensational. A dollop of sour cream, a ribbon of smoked salmon and a few baby capers and I think my guests would be super happy!!!
Sandi Gaertner
March 6, 2018 at 9:55 amOooh, I love how you think Claire. Smoked salmon would make this recipe even better!
Helen@ scrummylane
March 6, 2018 at 2:53 amAmazing! Usually anything this delicious is not exactly healthy but you’ve managed to make something crispy, deliciously cheesy AND nutritious.
I wish we had Trader Joe’s in Australia. I’m afraid I’ll still have bits of cauliflower flying around my kitchen if I make these, but it’ll be worth it 😀
Sandi Gaertner
March 6, 2018 at 9:55 amLOL I did try to make my own riced cauliflower and it did fly around my kitchen 🙂
peter @Feed Your Soul Too
August 22, 2017 at 2:01 pmSandi, looking for some new gluten free recipes of some classic dishes my family enjoys and saw this one. When I tried AP flour for a roux, I did not like how it changed the flavor. The pic looks great. Did you notice any flavor difference? Did it hold together?
Sandi Gaertner
August 22, 2017 at 4:42 pmI haven’t really done much with roux Peter. I find potato starch (like in a chowder) works really well as a replacement. I didn’t notice any off taste with these cauliflower cheddar pancakes. They hold together pretty well, but you do have to make sure the oil is really hot so it cooks quickly.
Barbara
July 10, 2017 at 10:30 pmMmmmmmmm,, can’t wait to try them.
Sandi Gaertner
July 11, 2017 at 9:43 amEnjoy Barbara 🙂
Melissa
April 22, 2017 at 9:54 pmCan you use almond flour or coconut flour?
Sandi Gaertner
April 23, 2017 at 8:49 amHi Melissa, I have not tried either of the flours you ask about with this recipe. I would say definitely not to the almond flour as that wouldn’t help bind the ingredients. I am not sure about the coconut flour. It definitely absorbs a lot of moisture, but I haven’t tested it in this way. If you try it, please let me know how it turns out.
Taylor
October 27, 2016 at 9:01 amThis sounds like a great way around my potato pancake obsession – way healthier anyway!!! I constantly use cauliflower as a substitute for everything, it’s so delicious and earthy!
Sandi Gaertner
October 27, 2016 at 11:17 amWe think alike 🙂 Thank you for writing Taylor.
Lana
September 9, 2016 at 10:40 amThis looks interesting. I am thinking of baking them. Will report back when I do. Thanks
Sandi Gaertner
September 9, 2016 at 3:27 pmI hope you like it. Please report back and let us know how baking these work so others can try it too. Have a great weekend 🙂
NinaT
June 6, 2016 at 1:33 pmThese sound awesome! I’ve been trying to figure out a new way to use cauliflower….and I’ve actually been craving zucchini fritters, but haven’t tried making them gluten free yet….so this should satisfy my craving 😉 Also, just to put it out there, if your food processor is in good shape, making cauliflower rice is super duper easy! I’ve been making a gluten free jambalaya which my husband didn’t realize the “rice” was cauliflower until I told him!
Sandi Gaertner
June 6, 2016 at 1:47 pmHi Nina, I love that your husband couldn’t tell it was cauliflower rice 🙂 I hope you like these, even my kids gobbled them up. I appreciate your taking the time to write. Have a great week.
Maureen
March 26, 2016 at 12:34 pmWell that didn’t work…and I added more flour and finally in desperation eggs and it still all fell apart!
Sandi Gaertner
March 26, 2016 at 12:42 pmI am so sorry Maureen. Let me see if I can help you. Can I ask a few questions? Which gluten free flour blend did you use? If it didn’t contain xanthan gum, you would need to add 1/2 teaspoon. Also, how hot was the oil when you dropped in a spoonful? I make sure the oil is bubbly hot, then I drop the batter in, then lastly press it down a bit to make the shape.
Julie
March 14, 2018 at 4:57 pmSame here! I think it needs an egg!
Oana @AdoreFoods
February 23, 2016 at 9:04 amThese pancakes are looking great! Just the perfect recipe to finish my cauliflower head I still have in my fridge. Yum!
Sandi Gaertner
February 23, 2016 at 11:11 amI hope you like them Oana 🙂
Donna
February 21, 2016 at 3:47 pmOh yum, we LOVE cauliflower around here – my kids are ridiculous and start cheering when they see it at the farmers market! I had no idea TJ’s had a pre-riced mix, looks great for a quick and easy alternative.
Derek
February 20, 2016 at 4:04 pmGood call on the Vermont Cheddar in this one Sandi! I bet these are awesome!
Sandi Gaertner
February 20, 2016 at 9:58 pmThank you so much Derek 🙂
Patricia @ Grab a Plate
February 19, 2016 at 7:07 pmGreat little pancakes! And how much do you love Trader Joe’s?? Always to the rescue with something tasty!
Sandi Gaertner
February 20, 2016 at 9:58 pmThank you so much Patricia 🙂
Jocelyn (Grandbaby cakes)
February 19, 2016 at 6:22 amGenius!!
Amanda {Striped Sptaula}
February 19, 2016 at 5:57 amThese look delicious! Love the addition of Vermont cheddar. I didn’t know that Trader Joe’s sells cauliflower already riced. Will look for it later today, thanks!
Sandi Gaertner
February 20, 2016 at 10:00 pmThank you Amanda. I hope your Trader Joe’s has it. It makes cooking so much easier.
Mahy
February 18, 2016 at 6:10 pmThese look like my perfect side dish, nibble, snack, appetizer, everything treat!! Simply genius!
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 8:13 pmThank you Mahy 🙂
Tracy
February 18, 2016 at 5:06 pmYum!! Who needs gluten?!
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 8:13 pmAgreed 🙂
Megan @ MegUnprocessed
February 18, 2016 at 1:50 pmI love using cauliflower rice in recipes! Great replacement to potatoes too!
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 8:14 pmI agree. I am finding new uses all of the time 🙂
Gloria @ Homemade & Yummy
February 18, 2016 at 11:59 amCauliflower and cheese are such a great combo, so these sound great. They look like potato pancakes and would work great as a sub for them anywhere.
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 8:14 pmThank you 🙂
Christie
February 18, 2016 at 11:22 amI’m heading to TJ’s and buying that riced cauliflower to make these!
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 8:15 pmIt is so worth it 🙂
nicole @ I am a Honey Bee
February 18, 2016 at 9:42 amsuch a great idea to use the riced cauliflower this way.
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 10:25 amThank you Nicole 🙂
dixya @ food, pleasure, and health
February 18, 2016 at 2:49 ami love cauliflower rice and love how you have used it here besides my old fried rice…
Diane
February 17, 2016 at 10:56 pmSandi, These look crispy and delicious. Lol. You are right about ricing cauliflower at home. I have…and it did get all over my kitchen! The lid came off the blender at a very inconvenient time. Water and cauliflower everywhere! I’ll look for it in the stores! Thanks!
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 10:25 amI had a feeling LOL.
Marisa Franca @ All Our Way
February 17, 2016 at 1:08 pmThank you for the heads up on Trader Joes — we are due to go there soon and I’ve been wanting to make cauliflower rice. This is great. Your pancakes look delicious. Now I don’t like overly sweet things for breakfast — the pancakes would work beautifully.
Sandi Gaertner
February 18, 2016 at 10:25 amThank you so much Marisa.
Michelle | A Dish of Daily Life
February 17, 2016 at 8:38 amHow cool is that that you can buy already riced cauliflower at Trader Joe’s! I’ll be on the lookout for it now! These look delicious and my kids all love cauliflower so I know this would be a big hit in our house. 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
February 17, 2016 at 9:25 amIt really is good…and a huge time saver!
Jasmin
February 17, 2016 at 6:22 amSomeone is making riced cauliflower – really? I should move to USA, because (just like you sad) these pancakes will make a nice mess in my tiny kitchen, but I’ll give them a try 😉
Sandi Gaertner
February 17, 2016 at 9:26 amI hope you like them Jasmin 🙂
Wajeeha
February 17, 2016 at 2:40 amThese look delicious! I love how they’re healthy AND easy! 🙂
Sandi Gaertner
February 17, 2016 at 9:26 amThank you so much Wajeeha 🙂
Rachel @ Simple Seasonal
February 16, 2016 at 8:15 pmSandi, these sound delicious! I make a potato version of this that I love, but I think that riced cauliflower may just be even tastier!
Sandi Gaertner
February 17, 2016 at 9:27 amI would think it would be delicious as well 🙂
Marlene
February 16, 2016 at 2:41 pmThese look tasty, Sandi. And thanks for letting us know that TJs has already riced cauliflower! I sent the link to my daughter, who is a big cauliflower fan. I haven’t been converted yet but these make me want to try!
Sandi Gaertner
February 17, 2016 at 9:28 amMy husband isn’t into cauliflower and liked this too.