These veggie nuggets are a fun, approachable way to pack more vegetables into a meal—especially for kids and picky eaters. Made with a simple blend of carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, and garlic, they’re lightly seasoned and coated in bread crumbs for a crisp, golden exterior. The inside stays tender and flavorful, making them feel familiar and comforting while still being full of wholesome ingredients.
Perfect as a snack, side dish, or easy main, these nuggets can be pan-fried for extra crunch or baked for a lighter option. They’re great served fresh with your favorite dipping sauce, but they also reheat well, making them a convenient choice for busy weeknights or meal prep. Whether you’re trying to add more veggies to your routine or looking for a kid-friendly alternative to traditional nuggets, this recipe fits right in.
Ingredients
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into chunks
- ½ head cauliflower, broken into florets
- 1 head broccoli, broken into florets
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 large egg
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1¾ cups bread crumbs, divided
Instructions
- Prepare the mixture
- Add the carrots, cauliflower, broccoli, garlic, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Blend until the mixture is finely chopped and well combined.
- Add bread crumbs
- Add 1¼ cups (145 g) of the bread crumbs to the food processor. Pulse just until incorporated. Do not overblend—the mixture should hold together but still have texture.
- Form the nuggets
- Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a small, round nugget using your hands.
- Coat the nuggets
- Place the remaining ½ cup (60 g) of bread crumbs in a shallow bowl. Roll each nugget in the bread crumbs until fully coated.
- Cook the nuggets
- Choose one of the following methods:
- Pan-fry:
- Heat a small drizzle of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the nuggets for about 10 minutes total, turning occasionally, until golden brown on both sides.
- Bake:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place nuggets on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 25 minutes, flipping once after the first 15 minutes, until golden and crisp.
Notes: Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.