Low Carb Cauliflower Breadsticks (Lean & Green ~ Gluten & Nut Free)

These veggie breadsticks are
very flavorful & delicious!

Ingredients:

parchment paper

avocado or olive oil cooking spray

2 cups riced cauliflower*

1/2 cup liquid egg whites

8 ounces reduced fat mozzarella cheese (2 cups grated)**

1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

1/2 teaspoon dry basil leaves

1/2 teaspoon dry oregano leaves

1/2 cup low carb marinara sauce**

Method:

Preheat oven to 350* (325* if using a glass pan). Line a 9 x 9 inch square pan with parchment paper. Lightly spray the parchment with cooking oil spray and set aside.

Add the cauliflower, egg whites and 1 1/2 cups of cheese to a large bowl. Mix well and pour into the prepared pan. Bake for 30 minutes.

Remove from the oven. Increase oven heat to 450*. Top with an additional piece of parchment paper and a pizza stone or baking sheet. Carefully invert. Remove the square pan and parchment liner. 

Return to the oven and bake for another 15 to 17 minutes. Add the spices to a very small bowl, and blend with a pestle or the back of a spoon. Set aside.

Remove from the oven. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into 12 equal portions. Carefully separate slightly. Sprinkle the spice mixture over the breadsticks. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese. Return to the oven for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. While the breadsticks finish baking, heat the marinara sauce in a small saucepan or in a microwave safe bowl (or glass measuring cup).

Cut between the bread sticks, and melted cheese, to separate again. Place 6 breadsticks on a serving plate with 1/4 cup marinara for dipping or drizzling. Makes 2 servings.

*I keep bags of riced cauliflower in my freezer, so that I always have it on hand when I need a quick vegetable to add to a meal. If you have the time, you may also grate fresh cauliflower.

**If you are not following a low fat meal plan, regular mozzarella may be used.

***I use Victoria brand low carb sauce, but any sauce that has 50 calories (or less) & 3 grams fat, per 1/4 cup will work.

Each servings equals: 1 lean, 3 green & 2 1/4 condiments

Nutritional info per serving, approximately: 428 calories ~ 25 grams fat ~ 15.25 grams carbs ~ 12.6 grams net carbs ~ 36.28 grams protein

Note: My husband was skeptical when I told him I was making "cauliflower breadsticks", but he really enjoyed this meal and was so glad that he tried them! 😀