Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties deliver a delightful combination of tender cauliflower paired with vibrant spinach and melted cheese, making for a wholesome, tasty snack that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. These patties are perfect for anyone looking to sneak in extra greens without sacrificing flavor, and their golden, crispy exterior makes them an irresistible treat for any time of the day. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these patties bring comfort and nourishment together in one vibrant bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Flavor-packed delight: The blend of spinach, cheese, and cauliflower creates a rich, savory flavor that satisfies every craving.
- Healthy and nutritious: This recipe is loaded with vitamins, fiber, and protein without unwanted filler or processed ingredients.
- Simple ingredients: You only need a handful of fresh, easy-to-find ingredients to make this wholesome snack.
- Versatile and customizable: These patties can easily be adjusted to suit dietary preferences or ingredient availability.
- Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing: Perfect for picky eaters and a fantastic addition to any party or family meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for these delicious Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties are simple, fresh ingredients that work together to create incredible taste and satisfying texture. Each item plays a key role, from the tender cauliflower base to the creamy cheese filling, ensuring every bite is pure comfort.
- Cauliflower florets: The main ingredient, providing a mild, slightly nutty base that holds the patties together perfectly.
- Fresh spinach: Adds color, nutrients, and a subtle earthiness to brighten each patty.
- Cheese (mozzarella or cheddar): Melted inside for a gooey center that balances the fresh vegetables.
- Breadcrumbs: Help bind the patties and create a crispy outer crust when cooked.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder, holding all ingredients firmly together.
- Garlic and onion powder: For an added layer of savory aroma and depth.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Olive oil or cooking spray: For frying or baking the patties to a golden perfection.
Variations for Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties
Feel free to get creative with this recipe! You can easily twist the ingredients or preparation method to suit your personal tastes, dietary needs, or to use what you have on hand.
- Vegan version: Swap the cheese for a plant-based alternative and use flax egg instead of chicken egg for binding.
- Spicy kick: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mixture for some heat.
- Herb infusion: Include fresh basil, parsley, or dill for a burst of aromatic freshness.
- Different cheeses: Try feta, goat cheese, or Parmesan for varying textures and flavors inside the patties.
- Whole grain breadcrumbs: Use whole wheat or gluten-free breadcrumbs for added fiber and dietary adjustments.

How to Make Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties
Step 1: Prepare the cauliflower
Start by steaming or boiling the cauliflower florets until tender but still holding their shape. Drain well and let them cool slightly, then finely chop or pulse in a food processor until they reach a coarse, rice-like consistency. This helps the patties stick together without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Sauté the spinach
In a skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the spinach until wilted, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel. This step prevents the patties from becoming soggy and concentrates the flavor of the spinach.
Step 3: Make the patty mixture
Combine the chopped cauliflower, sautéed spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Mix until everything is evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before moving forward.
Step 4: Form and stuff the patties
Take a small handful of the mixture and flatten it into a disk. Place a small amount of shredded cheese in the center, then cover with another flattened tablespoon of mixture, sealing the edges carefully. Repeat until all the mixture and cheese are used.
Step 5: Cook the patties
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook each patty for about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, bake them at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through for a healthier option.
Step 6: Serve warm
Transfer patties to a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess oil if fried, then serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese center at its best.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties
- Dry ingredients are key: Be sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the spinach and cauliflower as possible to keep the patties firm.
- Size consistency: Shape your patties evenly for uniform cooking and attractive presentation.
- Cheese variety: Choose cheeses that melt well but hold flavor to optimize gooey centers.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan: Cook patties in batches to maintain a crispy crust.
- Baking alternative: Use parchment paper on the baking sheet to prevent sticking and allow easy flipping.
How to Serve Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or chives add a bright pop of color and fresh flavor when sprinkled on top. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt complements the patties with creamy tang.
Side Dishes
Pair your patties with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or a cooling cucumber raita for a balanced meal that feels light yet satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these patties stacked with layers of sliced tomato and avocado or as a filling for sliders with your favorite sauces to elevate snack time into a fun, shareable experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let the patties cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to enjoy as quick snacks or meal additions.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked patties by placing them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat frozen or refrigerated patties in a toaster oven or skillet over medium heat to maintain their crispiness without drying out the filling.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?
Yes, frozen spinach works well as long as it’s thoroughly thawed and excess water is squeezed out before using to prevent soggy patties.
Are these patties gluten-free?
By using gluten-free breadcrumbs, this recipe can easily be made gluten-free without compromising texture and taste.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes or until golden achieves a healthier version with a nice crispy result.
What cheese melts best inside the patties?
Mozzarella and cheddar are excellent choices for melting inside, giving you that delicious gooey core each bite.
How long do these patties last in the fridge?
Stored properly in an airtight container, they stay fresh for up to 3 days, perfect for meal prepping.
Final Thoughts
If you want a recipe that feels both comforting and nourishing, Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties are an absolute winner. They blend fresh greens with gooey cheese and tender cauliflower in a way that excites your taste buds and keeps hunger at bay. Give this recipe a try, and you might just find your new favorite snack to whip up anytime!
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Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Cauliflower Patties are a flavorful and nutritious snack that combines tender cauliflower, vibrant sautéed spinach, and melted cheese into crispy golden patties. Perfect as an appetizer, snack, or light meal, these patties are easy to prepare with simple ingredients and offer a healthy way to enjoy extra greens with a comforting gooey cheese center.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 12 patties 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Frying or Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 small head)
- 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or cheddar)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (regular, whole wheat, or gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for frying or baking)
Instructions
- Prepare the cauliflower: Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until tender but still holding their shape. Drain thoroughly and let cool slightly. Then finely chop or pulse in a food processor to a coarse, rice-like texture to help the patties hold together without becoming mushy.
- Sauté the spinach: In a skillet over medium heat, lightly sauté the fresh spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towel to prevent soggy patties and concentrate flavor.
- Make the patty mixture: In a large bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower, sautéed spinach, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Form and stuff the patties: Take a small handful of the mixture and flatten it into a disk. Place a small amount of shredded cheese in the center, then cover with another flattened portion of the mixture, carefully sealing the edges. Repeat until all mixture and cheese are used.
- Cook the patties: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and cook each patty for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy. For a healthier option, bake patties at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Serve warm: Transfer cooked patties to a plate lined with paper towels if fried to remove excess oil. Serve immediately to enjoy the melted cheese center at its best.
Notes
- Dry ingredients are key: Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the sautéed spinach and cooked cauliflower to keep patties firm.
- Shape patties evenly for consistent cooking and an attractive presentation.
- Choose cheeses that melt well like mozzarella or cheddar for best gooey centers.
- Cook patties in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan and maintain a crispy crust.
- When baking, use parchment paper to prevent sticking and allow easy flipping.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 patties
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 14 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 9 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg