Mediterranean Cauliflower Cheese Balls
These Mediterranean Cauliflower Cheese Balls deliver the kind of comfort that feels both light and satisfying. They’re crisp on the outside, tender inside, and full of bright herbs, garlic, and melty cheese. The recipe leans on simple ingredients like cauliflower, feta, parsley, and breadcrumbs, but the flavors have a sunny Mediterranean character that makes the whole batch disappear fast. You can use them as an appetizer, a side dish, or a snack that pairs well with yogurt dips, marinara, or even tahini. The texture stays soft but not mushy, and the seasoning is easy to adjust depending on whether you want something milder or bolder.
Prep: 20 minutes
Cook: 20–25 minutes
Total: 40–45 minutes
Ingredients
1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
1 cup shredded mozzarella
1/3 cup crumbled feta
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Oil for frying or brushing (if baking)
Instructions
Cut the cauliflower into florets and steam or boil until soft. Drain well.
Transfer the cauliflower to a bowl and mash it until mostly smooth. Avoid leaving large chunks.
Stir in mozzarella, feta, Parmesan, garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the eggs and mix until everything is evenly combined.
Add the breadcrumbs and fold them in. The mixture should be sticky but moldable.
Cover the bowl and chill for 15 minutes to help it firm up.
Scoop a tablespoon of mixture and roll it into a ball. Repeat with the rest.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, enough for shallow frying.
Fry the balls in batches until golden brown on all sides, about 3 to 4 minutes per side.
Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate and let them rest before serving.
Tips
Make sure the cauliflower is well drained. Excess moisture makes the mixture fall apart.
If the mixture still feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs.
A short chill time helps the balls hold their shape while frying.
Fry on medium heat instead of high to avoid burning the outside too fast.
Don’t overcrowd your pan; it drops the temperature and makes the balls absorb more oil.
If you want them extra crispy, dust lightly with breadcrumbs before frying.
Baking works well too; just brush the balls with oil for color.
Taste the mixture before adding eggs if you want to adjust seasoning.
For a firmer interior, increase Parmesan slightly.
Serve with a contrasting dip like lemon yogurt or roasted pepper sauce. The acidity balances the richness.
Variations
Baked Version: Bake at 400°F (205°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes.
Spicy Harissa: Add 1 teaspoon harissa paste to the mixture.
Greek Style: Add chopped dill and replace mozzarella with kasseri cheese.
Italian Twist: Add basil, swap feta for extra Parmesan, and serve with marinara.
Low-Carb: Replace breadcrumbs with almond flour.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Lemon Herb: Add grated lemon zest for a fresh lift.
Tahini Blend: Add a teaspoon of tahini for earthier flavor.
Stuffed Version: Hide a tiny cube of mozzarella inside each ball for a melty center.
Q&A
Can I use frozen cauliflower? Yes, just thaw and drain it well before mashing.
Can I make the mixture ahead? Yes. Refrigerate up to 24 hours before shaping.
Do the balls freeze well? They freeze best before cooking. Shape them and freeze on a tray, then store in a bag.
How do I reheat leftovers? Reheat in an air fryer or oven so they crisp up again.
Can I make them without eggs? You can try a flax-egg, though they may be softer.
What dip works best? Lemon-garlic yogurt, tzatziki, tahini, or marinara.
Why are my balls falling apart? Usually too much moisture. Add breadcrumbs.
Can I add more veggies? Yes, but choose dry ones like grated zucchini that’s squeezed well.
Can I use cheddar? Yes. Any melt-friendly cheese works.
Are they spicy? Not unless you add heat. Adjust paprika or add chili flakes.
Nutrition
(per ball, approx. for batch of 24)
Calories: 55
Fat: 3 g
Carbs: 4 g
Protein: 3 g
Fiber: 0.5 g
Sodium: 90 mg
Values vary depending on frying method and cheese amounts.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Cauliflower Cheese Balls are simple to prepare, dependable, and packed with savory flavor. They’re light enough for snacking but still rich and satisfying thanks to the mix of cheeses and herbs. They also work with many different cooking styles, so you can fry, bake, or air fry depending on your mood. Serve them warm with a bright dip and you’ll have a crowd-pleasing appetizer that disappears fast. Enjoy them fresh, or freeze a batch for quick snacks during the week.