How to Make the Perfect Veggie Nuggets
American · Easy · 35 min · 4 servings
These crispy golden veggie nuggets look and taste just like classic chicken nuggets making them the ultimate kid friendly dinner win. Kid friendly recipes for nuggets like these are perfect for dipping in ketchup or ranch while secretly delivering a full serving of vegetables.
Why this recipe works
This Veggie Nuggets recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 35 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 195 calories with 8g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 7 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 2 cups cauliflower and broccoli florets mixed
- 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup all purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Process the Vegetables
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Steam cauliflower and broccoli for 5 minutes then pulse in a food processor until finely chopped but not pureed.
Step 2: Form the Mixture
Transfer processed vegetables to a bowl and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel. Mix in cheddar cheese, one beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, and 2 tablespoons of flour until combined.
Step 3: Bread the Nuggets
Shape the mixture into nugget shapes about 2 inches long. Set up a breading station with flour, beaten egg, and panko. Coat each nugget in flour then egg then panko pressing gently to adhere.
Step 4: Bake Until Crispy
Place breaded nuggets on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray with cooking spray. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes flipping halfway through until deeply golden and crispy on all sides.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- panko breadcrumbs → gluten free breadcrumbs
- cheddar cheese → nutritional yeast for dairy-free version
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Not squeezing out enough moisture from the vegetables which makes nuggets fall apart during breading
- Skipping the cooking spray which causes nuggets to bake up pale and soft instead of crispy and golden
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 195 calories, 8g protein, 26g carbs, 7g fat, 4g fiber.
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