These Cauliflower Breadsticks are cheesy, won’t crumble when held, and are a delicious low-carb, gluten-free, Keto-friendly, low-calorie breadstick alternative. If anything, this cauliflower cheese bread is MORE decadent with bubbly cheesy and a ‘pizza’-esque taste, and yet a single portion contains just 29 calories and 2g net carbs!
Looking for more ways to swap out carbs using cauliflower? Why not check out this creamy cauliflower mashed potatoes, cauliflower potato salad, and all sorts of cauliflower recipes!
Table of Contents
In the last few years, I have jumped into the cauliflower rice trend. However, after sharing this list of 25 cauliflower rice recipes, I started looking for even more ways to enjoy this versatile ingredient.
After a couple of years of transforming cauliflower rice into cauliflower pizza crust, I realized that it would also make for the most delicious (and low-carb, yay!) cauliflower breadsticks, which is how this cauliflower sticks recipe was born!
Not only are these cauliflower cheese breadsticks gluten-free, grain-free, and low-carb, but they’re still wonderfully cheesy, flavorful, and super simple to prepare. While the process is a little time-consuming, I won’t lie the results are so worth it. I even make double batches now so that I can freeze one for healthy sides later!
When following my steps, you’ll be enjoying cauliflower sticks that can be hand-held (no flopping/ crumbling apart) and tastes amazing served warm with tangy marinara sauce. You can also make these cauliflower breadsticks even lighter by omitting the cheesy topping! However, at just 39 cal per serving, you honestly don’t even need to!
I love serving up these low-carb cauliflower sticks at gatherings and parties when you know you’re going to overeat. Because even 3-4 (or even 5) of these are still reasonably low calorie, fat, and carbs in relation to most ‘party snacks. That way, you can enjoy the evening, get your fill, and not feel guilty afterward!
This keto breadsticks recipe even doubles up as a pizza base. Interested in more alternative pizza bases? You might like this sweet potato pizza crust or oatmeal pizza crust!
Why This Cauliflower Bread Recipe Works?
- These cauliflower breadsticks are made with just a handful of simple ingredients!
- These cauliflower sticks can also be hand-held with no worries of them falling apart (which isn’t the case for every recipe!)
- A single serving contains just 39kcal and 2g net carbs – making for a great appetizer or snack!
- This recipe is incredibly budget-friendly, relying on a single cauliflower, eggs, cheese, and a handful of seasonings!
- Cauliflower cheese breadsticks are a great way to encourage your kids to eat more veggies, too! In my house, these are definitely child-approved!
- This keto breadstick recipe is also grain-free, gluten-free, low-carb, and low-calorie!
- Not to mention that in the years since this recipe was posted, it’s received dozens of rave reviews!
Low Carb Cauliflower Sticks Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Either use a cauliflower head ( 7″ – 8″ wide, about 3 – 3.5 lbs or 4 cups-ish) or pre-riced cauliflower (exact amounts in recipe card). You can also use frozen cauliflower, enabling you to reduce or eliminate the cooking time as they’re par-cooked.
- Eggs: You can use 2 whole eggs or ¼ cup egg whites for even lighter cauliflower breadsticks.
- Cheese: I like to use freshly shredded mozzarella/Tex-Mex cheese. However, you can use any melty cheese or even a softer cheese like goat cheese. If you use mozzarella, I recommend pairing it with some parmesan for a mixture of neutral melty and harder salty flavor/texture.
- Seasonings: I love to add dried Italian seasoning. Alternatively, you could use dried basil, oregano, and/or garlic powder/onion powder along with salt and pepper.
- Dipping sauce: I love to use marinara sauce for dipping.
How to Make Cauliflower Breadsticks
While it might look like there are quite a few steps to this cauliflower breadsticks recipe, they’re all super simple! You will want to start by learning how to cut cauliflower.
- Rice the cauliflower: First, preheat the oven to 375F/190C. Then rinse the cauliflower, remove the outer leaves, and separate it into smaller florets with a small paring knife. Transfer the florets to a food processor (do this in batches if needed) and process until it’s a rice consistency – a few coarser chunks are fine.
Alternatively, you can manually ‘shred’ the rice using a box grater – though it will obviously take quite a bit longer. Or skip this step entirely by using store-bought cauliflower rice!
- Cook and cool it: Transfer the cauliflower rice to a large Pyrex dish and bake for 20 minutes (this will help release the juices to then squeeze out). Then remove it from the oven and transfer it to a large bowl lined with a clean tea cloth/linen towel. Allow it to cool until you can handle it (around 15 minutes for me).
You can also use a microwave to cook the riced cauliflower. Add it to a large heat-proof bowl, covered, and microwave for between 6-8 minutes, or until tender.
- Drain the cauliflower: Once it’s cool enough to handle, bring the edges on the tea cloth together and twist into a ‘ball.’ Use a combination of twisting the top as much as possible and squeezing the ball to squeeze out as much of the excess liquid from the cauliflower as possible.
Be patient and do this a few times with breaks in-between until barely any liquid comes out. I removed around 1 cup of liquid. Several readers have also pointed out that you can use a ricer to drain the cauliflower!
- Prepare and shape: First, increase the oven to 450F/230C. Then transfer the cauliflower to a large bowl along with the egg, ½ the cheese, and all the seasonings. Mix to combine into a ‘dough.’ Transfer the mixture to a parchment-lined baking tray and shape into the cauliflower breadstick ‘crust.’ I made a rectangle that’s around 6×7-inches and around ¼-inch thick.
This thickness is important – too thick, and it will crumble and won’t become crispy enough, too thin, and it will be too floppy but could also burn.
- Bake the cauliflower bread: Bake the ‘crust’ for 18 minutes, add the remaining cheese, and bake for a further 5 minutes, then broil until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Allow the cauliflower bread to cool for at least 10 minutes (they will firm up further while cooling), then cut it into 12 cauliflower breadsticks and serve warm with marinara sauce.
Optional Add-In’s and Variations
- Spice: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne/chili powder to the cauliflower crust. Alternatively, add some finely chopped jalapeno to the cheesy topping when baking.
- Fresh herbs: Instead of dried herbs, you can pack in a flavor punch with fresh herbs like basil, oregano, and parsley.
- Toppings: The main base of these cauliflower breadsticks is the same as my cauliflower pizza crust, which means it’s excellent for holding toppings. I try to keep them minimal for these cauliflower breadsticks, though (just 1-2)—for example, olives, chili, fresh herbs, etc. Mix them into the cheese you use to top the cauliflower sticks.
- Pesto: Spreading a little pesto over the par-baked cauliflower bread before sprinkling over the cheese helps to ramp up flavor. I don’t even need the extra dipping sauce, then!
- Dairy-free: While I have yet to try this recipe with any kind of egg replacement, I do know that vegan cheese can work in this recipe (As long as it’s melty!). I recommend using a brand that’s specifically made for melting (like Violife mozzarella or Daiya).
Tips for Best Results
- Ensure you drain the cauliflower well: Squeezing the riced cauliflower may not be the most fun job, but doing it well will ensure you have crispy, not-too-floppy cauliflower bread.
- For even crispier results: Before topping the par-baked cauliflower breadsticks with the remaining cheese, flip the crust over (by flipping the parchment paper to allow it to transfer to a new bit of parchment paper) and bake for a few minutes before adding the cheese and continuing with the recipe as written.
- For a ‘lighter’ version: You can skip the cheesy topping and only use cheese within the actual cauliflower mixture.
- To avoid sticking to the parchment: I’ve never had this issue, but several readers have. To prevent this, use a little cooking spray on the parchment before adding the cauliflower breadstick mixture. Alternatively, use a Silpat silicone sheet or pizza stone.
- If you need additional binder: Sometimes, the cauliflower rice can seem particularly wet – even after draining it- and won’t form a nice ‘dough.’ In that case, I’ll sometimes add almond flour (or ground flaxseed) as an additional binder along with the eggs and cheese. Add 1tbsp at a time until the mixture has more ‘structure’ (is less ‘loose’). This will help soak up any extra liquid you couldn’t squeeze out, so you still have crispy results.
- To avoid manually squeezing: If you have a juicer, several readers have stated that this works well to drain the juice, and the remaining pulp can be used for these cheesy cauliflower breadsticks.
- Save the squeezed liquid: It’s filled with nutrients and can be added to soups, sauces, or even smoothies.
FAQs
Any melty cheese works (full or low fat), Mozzarella cheese or Tex Mex, or even Parmesan. Use freshly grated cheese and when measuring, do not pack it in the cup.
The cheese is an important ‘binder’ in the recipes, so no. You may be able to use a melty dairy-free cheese in its’ place and you can omit the cheesy topping – but don’t omit the cheese within the cauliflower bread ‘dough’.
Though I’ve never had issues with sticking, some readers have. For that reason, I recommend using a little cooking spray- just in case!
You can, but I’d still recommend lining it with parchment paper to avoid sticking.
Yes. You can use store bought cauliflower rice as well. One bag should do it. These days it’s widely available in Walmart, Trader Joe’s, Costco etc.
You sure can – you can freeze the unbaked or baked cauliflower breadsticks for up to three months. Read the storage section for more instructions.
Honestly, I’ve never tried and can’t guarantee results. However, several readers have tried substitutes with success including:
• Using ground chia/flax eggs – by combining 1 tbsp ground seeds with 3tbsp water per egg. Combine the two ingredients, mix, and allow to thicken for 5 minutes before using.
• Using 1tbsp cornstarch and 2tbsp water in place of the egg whites.
Serving Recommendations
My favorite way to enjoy these cauliflower cheese breadsticks is with a delicious dipping sauce, including:
- Warm marinara sauce – You can use homemade marinara or any clean/organic store-bought marinara.
- Ranch dressing – I have a healthy ranch dressing that pairs perfectly with these cauliflower sticks! Try healthy Caesar dressing, too for variety!
- Pizza night: An addition to low carb almond flour pizza crust with your favorite toppings!
You can also enjoy these low carb cheesy breadsticks as part of a party spread alongside other simple appetizers like parmesan mushrooms and air fried wings.
How to Make and Store
Make ahead: You can prepare and shape the cauliflower sticks (unbaked without the extra cheese topping), then freeze the breadstick crust on the tray until solid before wrapping tightly with plastic wrap. Allow them to thaw before topping with the additional cheese and baking as instructed.
Storing: I recommend eating the cauliflower cheese breadsticks the same day. Unlike borscht, they don’t keep well. However, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Allow the baked keto breadsticks to cool completely, then freeze on a baking tray until solid. Once solid, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to one month. Allow it to thaw in the fridge before reheating.
Reheat: Reheat the cauliflower cheese bread sticks in the oven (crispier) at 350F/175C until warm or in the microwave (softer) until warmed through.
More Low Carb Cauliflower Recipes
- Cauliflower pizza crust – foolproof recipe with 5 star reviews. Make 2!
- Vegan cauliflower pizza crust – made without eggs and cheese.
- Cauliflower risotto – for a low carb date night in quality meal.
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes – same creamy and comforting but low carb.
- Cauliflower biscuits that are so good!
- Cheesy cauliflower steaks
Cauliflower Breadsticks
Ingredients
- 1 large head of cauliflower 7″ – 8″ wide and 3-3.5 lbs, 6 cups riced cauliflower or 16-18 oz bag of store bought cauliflower rice
- 1/4 cup egg whites or 2 large eggs
- 1 1/4 cups Mozzarella/Tex Mex cheese shredded
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning, dried oregano or basil
- 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
- Pinch of salt
- Marinara sauce for dipping
- Cooking spray I use Misto*
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Rinse cauliflower, remove outer leaves and separate into florets with a paring knife. Place cauliflower florets in a food processor and process until “rice” texture. Some coarse chunks are fine.
- Place in an ovenproof baking dish (I used Pyrex pie dish) and bake for 20 mins. Remove cooked cauliflower from the oven and transfer to a bowl lined with a tea/linen towel. Let the cauliflower cool down a bit until it is safe to touch, about 15 minutes.
- Fold the towel holding by the ends and squeeze the liquid out of the cauliflower “ball” as hard as you can. Be patient and do this a few times until barely any liquid comes out. I squeezed out 1 cup of liquid.
- Increase oven T to 450 degrees F. Transfer cauliflower to a mixing bowl along with egg whites, 1/2 cup cheese, herb seasoning, black pepper, pinch of salt and mix to combine.
- Transfer cauliflower mixture onto the baking sheet lined with unbleached parchment paper. Flatten with your hands into a rectangle, approximately 9″ x 7″ size and 1/4″ thick.
- Bake for 18 minutes, remove from the oven and top with remaining 3/4 cup cheese. Bake for another 5 minutes and then broil until cheese turns golden brown. Cut into 12 breadsticks and serve hot with warm marinara sauce, if desired. P.S. For a lighter version, do not top with cheese.
Notes
- Make ahead: Prepare and shape the cauliflower sticks (without extra cheese topping), then freeze the unbaked breadstick crust until solid. Allow them to thaw before topping with the additional cheese and baking as instructed.
- Store: Refrigerate covered for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the breadsticks tightly wrapped in plastic, for up to 1 month. Thaw on a counter or in a microwave.
- Reheat: Cauliflower cheese bread sticks in the oven (crispier) at 350F/175C until warm or in the microwave (softer) until warmed through.
- *Some people have reported their cauliflower breadsticks sticking to parchment paper, so if in doubt – spray with cooking spray. Mine didn’t.
I’m just finding out I am sensitive to gluten and looking for gluten free recipes. These look amazing, are they gluten free? Thanks!
Yes!
Do you have to eat them hot or will they be tasty cold
Both ways they are delish! I love them cold as well! I like a lot of leftover food cold actually. Like quiches and pies and these breadsticks.
I made the pizza crust for Superbowl. We loved it. The ‘breadsticks’ are in the oven and my home canned marinara sauce is simmering on the stove. Can’t wait!
Just tried these and they were so good. My husband loved them too. Didn’t even use with a sauce, they were perfect all by themselves. Will be making them again very soon. Thanks so much for sharing the recipe.
Olena – I shared your cauliflower bread-stick recipe with my office for the Biggest Winner event/contest and got a wonderful response to it! Thank you!
Glad I could help you shine.:) You are very welcome!:)
Not sure where I went wrong, would not hold. Measured two egg white into a 1/4c measuring cup and squeezed the living crap out of it, squeezed over a cup of water out of it. Will try again some day. Tasted good but unfortunately didn’t work for me.
Hmmm. Did you add cheese to the dough? Hmmm. I honest don’t know why.:(
mine didn’t turn out well either, had a fishy taste… but i think that was my fault for too much of a particular spice. i used 2 eggs and it held together great. next time i will follow the directions exactly. add cheese, no yolk, and hope for a better taste…!
Thank you for this recipe!!!! I made it into pizza. I am not sure I did it perfect but it tasted wonderful, just a little grainy still. Maybe try to squeeze more water out? Or spread it thinner on my pan? I will continue to make it though!!! Thanks again sooooooo much!!
I do have cauliflower pizza recipe as well which is similar to this one. Squeeze more water out, then the crust will be more “glued” together. Maybe process into finer texture next time?! Hard to say why as I wasn’t in your kitchen when you made it. I wish.:)
Can I use the whole egg, rather yah just the white?
Yes!
What you have done here is equal to the Test Kitchen. Thank you for your craftmanship. For whole egg, quarter cups applies as well?
Hi Jay. You are welcome. I figured out step-by-step tutorial would help many of you, guys. Yes, replace whole egg with 1/4 cup egg whites.
Do you think the recipe will still work if I only use the cheese as a topping and not mixed in the calliflower dough?
If not is there something I can substitute it with?
You could try substitute or with flour but I haven’t tried that. I honestly don’t know.
Tried these tonight, they were awesome. Passed the husband test, he couldn’t tell he was eating cauliflower.
Great! Wow, is it ever important to pass the husband’s test?! LOL