Healthy and Low Carb Oven Baked Cauliflower Rosti (Cauliflower Hash Browns)

Cauliflower Rösti are a variation of the classic potato rösti, typical of Swiss cuisine. They are delicious flat medallions, prepared with a mixture of crumbled cauliflower florets, eggs, flour, grated caciocavallo cheese and minced garlic that, once baked in the oven, will be fragrant and tasty to the bite.

Once ready, you can serve the rösti as an appetizer or tasty side dish, combined with a portion of meat or fish, or you can bring them to the table at brunch time together with a yogurt dressing and other tasty sauces.

What is Cauliflower Rosti?

Cauliflower rösti is a modern twist on the traditional Swiss rösti, a dish that dates back to the 19th century. Originally, rösti was a simple potato-based dish created by Swiss farmers in the canton of Bern as a hearty breakfast. Over time, it evolved into a versatile side dish enjoyed across Switzerland and beyond. The cauliflower variation is a more recent innovation, emerging as a lighter, low-carb alternative to the classic version. Inspired by the global trend of incorporating vegetables into traditional recipes, cauliflower rösti maintains the crispy, golden texture of its potato counterpart while adding a subtle, nutty flavor. This adaptation has gained popularity in health-conscious and gluten-free diets, making it a staple in modern kitchens around the world.

Pro Tips for The Best Cauliflower Rosti

• Before mixing the raw cauliflower with the rest of the ingredients, it will be essential to grate the florets, let them rest in a bowl with a pinch of salt and then squeeze them carefully inside a clean cotton cloth: in this way you will eliminate most of the vegetation liquid and obtain a dry and easily malleable mixture. 
• Eggs and grated cheese help bind the cauliflower together, preventing the rösti from falling apart while cooking. If you're making a vegan version, a flax egg or a bit of chickpea flour can work as substitutes.
• Allow the rösti to cool slightly before serving. This helps it firm up and develop the best texture.

   

Is Cauliflower Rosti Really Healthy?

Yes, cauliflower rösti is a healthier alternative to traditional potato rösti. Cauliflower is low in carbs and calories while being rich in fiber, vitamins C and K, and antioxidants. It also has a lower glycemic index than potatoes, making it a great option for those managing blood sugar levels. However, if fried in too much oil or overloaded with cheese, it can become less healthy—so balance is key!

Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Rice, Instead?

Yes, frozen cauliflower rice can be used for rösti, but it requires extra preparation. Since frozen cauliflower contains more moisture, it’s essential to thaw and squeeze out excess water using a kitchen towel to prevent sogginess. The texture may be slightly softer than fresh cauliflower, but if drained well and combined with proper binders like eggs and cheese, it will still yield a delicious, crispy rösti!

Should I Soak Cauliflower Before Cooking It?

No, cauliflower doesn’t need to be soaked before making rösti. Soaking could add extra moisture, making the rösti soggy. Instead, it's best to grate it raw and remove excess water by squeezing it in a kitchen towel. This helps achieve a crispy, golden texture when cooked.

What Else Can I Add To This Rosti?

Try mixing in grated cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, or mozzarella) for richness, herbs like parsley or chives for freshness, or spices such as paprika or garlic powder for a kick. For added crunch, toss in grated carrots or zucchini (but squeeze out the moisture first). If you want more protein, mix in chopped bacon, smoked salmon, or cooked quinoa. The possibilities are endless!

Can I Air Fry Them, Instead?

Yes! Simply preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F), lightly grease the basket, and cook the rösti for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method gives a golden, crispy texture while keeping the inside tender—perfect for a lighter version of the classic dish!

Can I Make This Rosti Ahead of Time?

Yes! Cauliflower rösti can be made ahead of time for easy meal prep. You can shape them and store them uncooked in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If already cooked, simply reheat in a pan, oven, or air fryer until crispy again. Perfect for a quick and delicious meal anytime!

Does This Rosti Freeze Well?

Yes! Cauliflower rösti can be frozen either raw or cooked. To freeze raw rösti, shape them and place them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer them to an airtight container. For cooked rösti, let them cool completely before freezing. When ready to eat, cook from frozen in a pan, oven, or air fryer until hot and crispy. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer!

How to Store Any Leftovers

To store leftover cauliflower rösti, let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

For best results, reheat in a pan, oven, or air fryer to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.

How to Make Cauliflower Rosti

Clean the cauliflower: remove the outer green leaves and divide it into florets.

Pass the cauliflower florets through a grater with large holes.

Collect the grated cauliflower rice in a bowl and add the salt, then mix carefully and let it rest for about 10 minutes.

Once the time has passed, transfer the cauliflower to the center of a clean cotton kitchen towel.

Form a sort of bundle with the tea towel and carefully squeeze the cauliflower, so as to eliminate most of the vegetation water.

At this point, put the cauliflower back into a bowl and add the eggs.

Season with chopped parsley and minced garlic clove, then pour in the grated cheese.

Add the flour too.

Then, season with paprika powder and finish with a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil.

Mix the ingredients carefully, until you get a fairly smooth mixture.

Take a small amount of dough with your hands and form a meatball.

Crush it with your hands to obtain a fairly thin medallion.

As they are ready, arrange the rosti on a baking tray with baking paper, already brushed with a drizzle of oil, and bake in a hot oven at 390°F/200°C for approximately 20 minutes.

Once they are golden and fragrant, take the rostis out of the oven and let them cool.

Enjoy!