Cauliflower Burger Recipe Vegetarian: Easy & Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 7, 2025

Looking for a delicious and healthy twist on the classic burger? This cauliflower burger recipe vegetarian is exactly what you need!

Packed with flavor, texture, and wholesome ingredients, these burgers are perfect for anyone wanting to enjoy a meatless meal without sacrificing taste or satisfaction. Whether you’re a seasoned vegetarian or simply want to add more plant-based meals to your week, these cauliflower burgers will quickly become a favorite.

They’re easy to make, versatile, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and sauces.

Cauliflower acts as a fantastic base because it soaks up spices beautifully while maintaining a tender yet firm texture. Plus, these burgers are gluten-free and dairy-free if you opt for the right binders and toppings, making them suitable for various dietary needs.

In this post, I’ll walk you through everything from ingredients to tips for the perfect veggie burger experience. Let’s dive in and get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These cauliflower burgers are a game-changer for anyone craving a satisfying vegetarian meal. Here’s why:

  • Healthy and nutritious: Cauliflower is low in calories but high in fiber and vitamins, making these burgers a guilt-free indulgence.
  • Easy to make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have these burgers on your table in less than 45 minutes.
  • Customizable: You can add your favorite spices or cheese alternatives to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
  • Great texture: Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these burgers satisfy the craving for a hearty bite.
  • Perfect for meal prep: Make a batch, store in the fridge, and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head of cauliflower (about 4 cups grated)
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa (or brown rice, for binding)
  • 1/2 cup grated carrot
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup chickpea flour (or all-purpose flour)
  • 1/4 cup nutritional yeast (optional, for cheesy flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
  • Burger buns or lettuce wraps for serving
  • Your favorite burger toppings: sliced tomato, lettuce, avocado, pickles, vegan mayo, ketchup, mustard, etc.

Equipment

  • Food processor or box grater (to grate the cauliflower)
  • Mixing bowls
  • Large skillet or nonstick pan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spatula
  • Baking sheet (optional, if baking instead of pan-frying)
  • Parchment paper (for baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the cauliflower: Break the cauliflower into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles rice. If you don’t have a food processor, grate it using a box grater.
  2. Cook the cauliflower rice: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened. Remove from heat and let it cool.
  3. Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled cauliflower rice, cooked quinoa, grated carrot, chopped onion, minced garlic, chickpea flour, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
  4. Form the patties: Using your hands, shape the mixture into 6-8 patties, about 3/4 inch thick. If the mixture feels too crumbly, add a little water or extra flour until it holds together well.
  5. Cook the patties: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the skillet over medium heat. Cook the patties for 4-5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  6. Assemble the burgers: Toast your burger buns lightly (optional), then layer your cauliflower patties with your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomato, avocado slices, pickles, and sauces.
  7. Serve immediately: Enjoy your delicious vegetarian cauliflower burgers warm with a side of fries, salad, or your preferred accompaniment.

Tips & Variations

“For firmer patties, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cooked cauliflower rice using a clean kitchen towel before mixing.”

  • Add cheese: Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for a cheesy burger variation.
  • Spice it up: Add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper for some heat.
  • Herbs: Fresh parsley, cilantro, or basil can brighten the flavor.
  • Use different grains: Try millet, bulgur, or even mashed sweet potato for binding.
  • Make it vegan: Use vegan mayonnaise or hummus as a spread and avoid cheese.
  • Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free flour or almond flour instead of chickpea flour.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per Serving (1 burger patty)
Calories 140 kcal
Protein 6 g
Carbohydrates 18 g
Fiber 5 g
Fat 5 g
Sodium 220 mg

Serving Suggestions

These cauliflower burgers pair wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving them with:

  • A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette
  • Sweet potato fries or baked potato wedges
  • Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
  • A creamy avocado or tahini sauce for dipping
  • Coleslaw or pickled vegetables for added crunch

For a fun twist, try serving the patties in lettuce wraps instead of buns for a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Embracing plant-based meals doesn’t mean you have to compromise on flavor or satisfaction, and this cauliflower burger recipe is proof of that. With its delightful texture, rich spices, and wholesome ingredients, it’s a fantastic alternative to traditional burgers that everyone can enjoy.

Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this recipe is versatile, easy to prepare, and full of nourishing goodness.

Try experimenting with different herbs, spices, and toppings to make it your own signature burger. And if you love creative recipes like this, don’t forget to check out some of our other favorites, such as the Harvest Hash Recipe: A Delicious and Easy Fall Comfort Food or the refreshing Lion’S Mane Mushroom Crumble Recipes.

For a sweet finish, you might enjoy the Lemon Straws Recipe as a perfect dessert accompaniment.

Happy cooking and enjoy your delicious, healthy cauliflower burgers!

📖 Recipe Card: Cauliflower Burger Recipe Vegetarian

Description: A delicious and healthy vegetarian cauliflower burger packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for a meatless meal that everyone will enjoy.

Prep Time: PT20M
Cook Time: PT15M
Total Time: PT35M

Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking
  • 4 burger buns
  • Lettuce, tomato slices, and your favorite condiments

Instructions

  1. Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 8 minutes.
  2. Mash cauliflower until mostly smooth and let cool slightly.
  3. In a bowl, combine mashed cauliflower, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and egg.
  4. Form mixture into 4 equal patties.
  5. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  6. Cook patties for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and firm.
  7. Toast burger buns lightly.
  8. Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, and preferred condiments.
  9. Serve immediately.

Nutrition: Calories: 280 kcal | Protein: 12 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 28 g

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Cauliflower Burger Recipe Vegetarian”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious and healthy vegetarian cauliflower burger packed with flavor and texture. Perfect for a meatless meal that everyone will enjoy.”, “prepTime”: “PT20M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT35M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 medium head cauliflower, chopped into florets”, “1/2 cup breadcrumbs”, “1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese”, “1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley”, “2 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika”, “1/2 teaspoon salt”, “1/4 teaspoon black pepper”, “1 large egg”, “1 tablespoon olive oil, for cooking”, “4 burger buns”, “Lettuce, tomato slices, and your favorite condiments”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Steam cauliflower florets until tender, about 8 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Mash cauliflower until mostly smooth and let cool slightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “In a bowl, combine mashed cauliflower, breadcrumbs, Parmesan, parsley, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and egg.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Form mixture into 4 equal patties.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Cook patties for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and firm.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Toast burger buns lightly.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Assemble burgers with lettuce, tomato, and preferred condiments.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Serve immediately.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “12 g”, “fatContent”: “10 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “28 g”}}

Photo of author

Marta K

Leave a Comment

X