A simple and delicious recipe for cauliflower popcorn topped with nutritional yeast making it a healthy alternative to regular popcorn.
These vegan cheesy cauliflower popcorn is sure to turn any veggie-hater into a lover - perfect for picky eaters.
The secret – nutritional yeast aka nutritional deliciousness.
It might just be your new best friend when it comes to feeding little ones.
Why make this recipe?
- It's extremely delicious
- It makes a very healthy snack or side dish
- You can use different flavors to suit
- It's quick and easy to make
- A pretty good healthy substitute for real popcorn
I never used to be a cauliflower lover.
I’m sure my poor mother tried over the years but remember, if you’ve been around here for a while you’ll know it’s easier to list the foods that I would eat growing up than the things I wouldn’t.
I don’t know why, maybe it’s the smell of it but I was even reticent to try it.
Cauliflower rice?
Ah no thanks I’ll take good old regular rice please.
Then, a friend suggested I try it with nutritional yeast.
Well first I had to find out what exactly that was but once I’d tried it, WOW.
Seriously, if you haven’t tried it you need to run out and get some right now.
I'm not vegan but apparently vegans use it a lot for flavour in place of parmesan cheese.
It will take your roast veggies from yum to amazing and it’s packed full of goodness (anyone need an energy boost?).
This recipe is ridiculously easy. If you've been searching through cauliflower recipes to find the most delicious one then this is it.
Ingredients
To make this delicious recipe you will need:
- Cauliflower
- Salt - we like Celtic sea salt
- Turmeric powder (optional)
- Nutritional yeast flakes
- Olive oil
Can you use different oils
Yes, you can use any sort of oil you like or even bacon fat or tallow.
We do like to steer clear of vegetable oil or any other highly-processed oils though.
How to cut the cauliflower head quickly
If you're feeling lazy and don't want to break the cauliflower into small florets by hand you could probably just throw the cauliflower in the food processor or Thermomix and give it a quick blitz rather than breaking the cauliflower florets by hand.
Video
Instructions
We cook ours in the oven but you can also use the air fryer.
Once you've broken your cauliflower head into bite-sized florets, place it in a large bowl and toss with the oil, turmeric (if using) nutritional yeast and salt.
Spread it in a single layer on the parchment paper-lined baking sheet if you're using the oven or place in the air-fryer basket.
Bake until golden.
You may need to spin the tray if your oven doesn't cook evenly (and stop the air fryer and give them a toss).
Serving
It's best eaten fresh from the oven or air fryer.
Storage
If you do have leftovers, store them in an air-tight container in the fridge.
Reheat them in the oven or the air fryer.
If you use a microwave to reheat it it will go soggy.
Variations
You can use a variety of herbs and spices and even cheese to flavour your cauliflower popcorn.
Here are a few ideas:
- Garlic powder
- Parmesan cheese (grated finely)
- Onion powder
- Italian seasoning
- Maple syrup and salt (a little something different!)
- Taco seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Any other favorite seasoning
You might also like cheesy broccoli tots.
FAQs
I had actually never heard of soaking cauliflower but after a bit of searching - you need to soak it if you're cutting it into big pieces or baking it whole.
Soaking for 10-15 minutes in a sink or bowl of cold water will remove any bugs, dirt or residue. This is especially important if you buy organic or spray free like we do.
If your cauliflower popcorn turns out soggy, the florets were likely too cramped on the tray. They need to have a little bit of space for air flow so they get nice and crispy.
Also, if you washed the cauliflower before cutting it, it may have been a little wet. Make sure it is dry before putting in the bowl to add flavour.
Cauliflower is extremely nutritious, packed with fibre, vitamin C, K & choline. Technically you could eat it every day as part of a balanced diet.
Personally I wouldn't want to risk getting sick of it so I'd stick to eating it just when it's in season in your area.
Recipe
Cauliflower Popcorn
Ingredients
- ¼ head of cauliflower
- ½ teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric powder optional
- 1 teaspoon nutritional yeast flakes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Pre-heat the oven to 180C fan-forced and line a baking tray with baking paper.
- Break the cauliflower into tiny little florets (as small as you can) and place in a bowl.
- Sprinkle over the salt, turmeric and nutritional yeast and toss then add the oil and toss again.
- Spread in a single layer on the tray and bake for 15-20 mins or until they start to turn golden.
- Serve warm.
Merryn says
How clever and I love nutritional yeast it is so flavoursome and full of goodness. What a great, healthy recipe to incorporate the nutritional yeast and cauliflower together. It's a Winner.
Claire says
It sure is a winner!