So last week a post went viral on Facebook about "Cauliflower Breadsticks" being a healthy alternative to normal breadsticks (which I think may have originated here.) Though I am not a huge bread eater, I do love garlic bread smothered in mozzarella, so I was excited to see an alternative that I could feel less guilty about. But the question was... how do they taste!? So, being the good little blogger that I am, I decided to test them out and share my thoughts.
The Recipe was easy -
Take one head of cauliflower and chop in to chunks. Microwave on high for about 5 minutes or until soft. Then put pieces in to food processor and blend until it is the consistency of mashed potatoes - which will not take long. Put in to a bowl and mix with 2 large lightly beaten eggs, 4 oz low fat mozzarella cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon pepper. Then simply spread it out on a greased cookie sheet and bake at 450* for about 20 minutes. Simple right?
Now to me it looks like there was some Italian Seasoning in that first image - and when I make these again (yes when, not if) I will experiment more with the seasonings. I also will not make them as thick - the recipe said abut ¼ inch thick - and mine turned out more like ½.... but it tasted better at the edges where it was a bit crunchy.
The verdict on the taste... they taste like cauliflower. I know. Shocker. I think with only using garlic, onion, salt, and pepper you really don't get much of a "breadstick" taste - at all. It really just tasted like mashed up cauliflower. I still think a good serving of Italian Seasoning or even just oregano would help out the taste considerably. So if you LIKE cauliflower - you will probably like these. However if you do not, I doubt you will suddenly become a fan.
Consistency like breadsticks? Mmm... maybe. They were thick and heavy, and a bit watery - one person said she read that you were supposed to press the water out of the cauliflower - that may have helped.
Will I make it again? Absolutely. The girls gobbled up every single bite before it even had time to get cold. Mike even said "this is probably the only way you will ever get me to eat cauliflower."
That's a win.
Fabgrandma says
It does look good. And I like cauliflower. May try it. Or not. I wonder how it would be with just a little bit of gluten free flour and some yeast? Hmmmm
Rebecca Orr says
When I made "pizza" using cauliflower I processed it first. Then cooked it in the microwave. Then scorched my hands pressing out the natural liquids. I should have let it cool. Lesson learned in that one (I used a clean dish towel but cheesecloth might be a better option??). The recipe I used called for Italian seasoning. So definitely add it next time Lynsey! I was able to get my cauliflower hating grandfather to try it. He said he would eat it again if I added more sauce and toppings! Win for me! I will have to try making these breadsticks. They do look good.
Jennifer @TheRebelChick says
I actually just FINALLY got around to buying a head of cauliflower on Friday so that I could try to make these! I do like cauliflower but I plan to add some Italian seasoning...and probably a lot of extra garlic. What I like most about bread sticks is the Italian seasoning and garlic!
Christina Sparks says
I would like to try these, they look good.
sheila ressel says
These look good to me! I am a cauliflower lover so I'm sure I will love these and can't wait to try them.