Description
These Crispy Cauliflower Hash Browns are a delicious and healthy twist on traditional hash browns, perfect for a breakfast upgrade. Made with riced cauliflower, sharp cheddar, and a blend of spices, they bake to golden perfection, offering a satisfying crunch without the extra carbs and calories of potatoes.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Mixture
- 3 cups Riced Cauliflower (Fresh or frozen)
- 1 large Egg (Or flax egg for vegan option)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Lactose-free options available)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast as substitute for vegan)
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder (Substitute with fresh garlic if preferred)
- 1 tsp Onion Powder (Fresh onion can work)
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika (Cayenne for added heat)
Cooking
- As needed Non-stick Cooking Spray (Parchment paper for cleanup)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lightly greasing it with non-stick cooking spray or lining it with parchment paper to ensure easy removal of the hash browns.
- Microwave Cauliflower: Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes to soften it. Allow the cauliflower to cool slightly so it can be handled without burning your hands.
- Remove Moisture: Using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible from the cauliflower. This step is crucial for achieving crispy hash browns.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the egg, sharp cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Stir until well mixed.
- Combine with Cauliflower: Add the dried cauliflower to the egg and cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all the ingredients.
- Form Patties: Shape the mixture into 8 even patties and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each patty.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the patties for 15 minutes. Halfway through the baking time, rotate the baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Broil for Crispiness: After baking, switch the oven setting to broil. Broil the patties for an additional 5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning. This step adds a crispy golden finish.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the hash browns from the oven and let them cool briefly on the baking sheet. Serve warm for the best texture and flavor experience.
Notes
- For a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax egg and use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.
- Adjust spices like black pepper and smoked paprika according to your taste preference.
- Make sure to squeeze out all moisture from the cauliflower to avoid soggy hash browns.
- Using parchment paper will help with easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Keep a close eye during the broiling step to avoid burning the hash browns.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
