Cauliflower breadsticks are your new favorite alternative to traditional breadsticks. Loaded with cheesy goodness, packed with fiber, and naturally low in carbs, they hit that perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition. With a crispy exterior and a tender, flavorful center, these delicious sticks are also gluten-free and simple to customize for any diet.

We created this healthy cauliflower breadsticks recipe with one goal in mind: to make eating more vegetables a joy. We spent days testing cauliflower mixtures, tweaking cheese ratios, and perfecting the bake time to ensure you’re left with the ultimate guilt-free comfort food. Plus, with only 66 calories per serving, these breadsticks complement nearly any health-focused meal plan.
Why This Cauliflower Breadsticks Recipe Is Good for You
- Rich in fiber: Cauliflower is a fiber-packed veggie that promotes healthy digestion and satisfies hunger longer.
- High in vitamins: You’ll get a boost of Vitamin C and K, essential for immunity and bone health.
- Naturally low carb: Perfect for keto and low-carb dieters, with only 4g carbs per serving.
- Gluten-free: Made entirely without flour, these breadsticks are ideal for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Wholesome Ingredients for These Easy Cheesy Cauliflower Sticks
This recipe features a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that pull double duty by delivering both flavor and nutrition. Here’s why we love them:
- Cauliflower: The hero of this recipe, cauliflower offers a mild flavor and a low-calorie base. To save time, you can use pre-riced cauliflower—just remember to squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mozzarella cheese: Essential for that melted, gooey texture. Look for part-skim mozzarella for less fat without losing flavor.
- Fresh herbs: Basil and parsley aren’t just for garnish—they bring brightness and a burst of freshness to every bite. Dried herbs can be used in a pinch, but go fresh if possible.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds everything together. For a vegan twist, consider using a flax egg instead.
Pro tip: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap in pepper jack cheese for some heat or smoked Gouda for a bold, smoky accent.
Cauliflower Breadsticks Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Servings: 12 breadsticks
Ingredients for Cauliflower Breadsticks
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Marinara sauce, optional for serving
How to Make Cauliflower Breadsticks
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets in batches until they resemble fine rice grains.
- Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 8 minutes until tender.
- Let the cauliflower cool slightly, then transfer it to a clean kitchen towel. Wrap up and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Set aside half of this mixture for topping.
- Mix the remaining cheese with the cauliflower, egg, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Shape the cauliflower mixture into an 11×9-inch rectangle on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture on top, then bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Cut into 12 breadsticks and serve warm with marinara sauce, if desired.
How to Customize This Cauliflower Breadsticks Recipe for Your Diet
- Make it vegan: Replace the egg with a flax egg and use vegan cheeses.
- Lower calorie: Use low-fat or fat-free cheese options and reduce the quantity slightly.
- Add protein: Stir in cooked, shredded chicken before baking for a protein boost.
- Keto-friendly: Stick to full-fat cheeses and add a sprinkle of almond flour for extra structure.
- Nut-free: Avoid almond flour (if using) and stick to the original recipe.
Our Team’s Tips for the Best Homemade Cauliflower Cheese Breadsticks
- Squeeze it dry: Removing water from the cauliflower is the key to getting crisp, not soggy, breadsticks.
- Pre-shred your cheeses: Pre-shredded cheese can contain anti-caking agents that affect melting. Shred your own for smoother results.
- Get creative: Turn the recipe into a pizza crust or add toppings like mushrooms, olives, or pepperoni for variety.
- Storage: Leftovers? Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze for up to a month.
- Reheat properly: Reheat in the oven at 375°F to maintain crispiness. Microwaving may soften them too much.
Cauliflower Breadsticks FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes! Simply thaw the frozen cauliflower, then rice and squeeze out the excess moisture. Consider squeezing a bit more, as frozen vegetables tend to retain more water.
How do I make these spicier?
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use pepper jack cheese in place of the cheddar for a spicy kick.
Are these breadsticks keto-friendly?
Absolutely! With only 4g of carbs per serving, these low carb breadsticks using cauliflower are a perfect keto appetizer or snack.
Can I freeze cauliflower breadsticks?
Yes, you can freeze them! Let them cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer bag. Reheat directly from frozen in an oven at 375°F until warmed through.
What can I serve with these breadsticks?
We love pairing them with marinara sauce or pesto for dipping. They also make a great accompaniment to soups or salads.
These cauliflower breadsticks prove you don’t have to choose between indulgence and eating well. With a mix of cheesy comfort and wholesome swaps, they’re perfect for any health-conscious chef looking to experiment in the kitchen. What dietary twist will you try on this recipe? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below!

Cauliflower Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 medium head cauliflower cut into 1-inch florets (about 6 cups)
- 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- marinara sauce optional for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Using a food processor, pulse the cauliflower florets in batches until they resemble fine rice grains.
- Place the riced cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave on high for 8 minutes until tender.
- Let the cauliflower cool slightly, then transfer it to a clean kitchen towel. Wrap up and squeeze firmly to remove as much moisture as possible.
- In a medium bowl, combine the mozzarella, Parmesan, and cheddar cheeses. Set aside half of this mixture for topping.
- Mix the remaining cheese with the cauliflower, egg, basil, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
- Shape the cauliflower mixture into an 11×9-inch rectangle on the lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges turn golden brown.
- Sprinkle the reserved cheese mixture on top, then bake for an additional 10–12 minutes until melted and bubbly.
- Cut into 12 breadsticks and serve warm with marinara sauce, if desired.
