This recipe may come as a shock to you, but today I’m going to show you how to make tortillas out of cauliflower… yes, these are Cauliflower Tortillas!

Watch the quick, how-to video showing you how to make Cauliflower Tortillas, then print out the complete recipe at the end of this post so you can make them at home.

stack of cauliflower tortillas in a cloth napkin

Cauliflower Tortillas

Don’t be scared. They sound strange, I know. The funny thing is that they are both strange and wonderful.

stack of cauliflower tortillas in a striped cloth napkin

Cauliflower Tortillas don’t taste like your typical corn or flour tortilla at all. They’re a simple substitute for using grains, and they totally work.

Slim Palate Paleo Cookbook

The recipe (with a couple of small changes) comes from Joshua Weissman’s book:  The Slim Palate Paleo Cookbook.

I’m not on the Paleo diet, and if you’re reading my blog, you’re probably not either, but you don’t have to be eating Paleo to enjoy this recipe or indulge in reading this cookbook.

There is a lot to this cookbook that cookbook lovers will embrace. First of all, it was written by a (then) 17-year old who was in the midst of making healthy changes to his life (see photos below).  Joshua decided to take charge and incorporate real food into his life (no grain, gluten or refined sugar), and in the process of doing that, he lost 100 pounds and wrote a cookbook. I don’t “treasure” cookbooks all that often, but I am truly in love with this one. I’ve been reading it like a novel, and it’s so impressive and inspiring to know that it was written by such a young person who is intelligent beyond his years.

The book contains recipes for all meals of the day. Those recipes on my list to try very soon are: Bacon and Caramelized Shallot Quiche, Grilled Coconut- Basil Chicken, Sweet Rosemary Meatballs, Sea Bass with Fennel and Tomato, Egg Drop Soup, Indian Cauliflower Couscous, Spaghetti Squash Alfredo with Mushrooms, Salted Dark Chocolate Almond Butter Fudge, Pumpkin Blondies, and Strawberry- Toasted Vanilla Bean Ice Cream.

YUM, right??  There is a big, beautiful photograph for every single recipe- and all of the photographs were taken by the talented Mr. Weissman.

cauliflower crumbles in a bowl

How to make Cauliflower Tortillas:

It begins with cauliflower that has been obliterated into cous-cous-like granules in your food processor. Some people have mentioned in the comments that they’ve had success using already riced cauliflower instead of processing a head of cauliflower. Once it’s in this state, a short stint in the microwave softens it up. If you don’t own a microwave, just steam it on the stove instead.

ingredients for cauliflower tortillas in a cheesecloth squeezing it dry

When cauliflower is cooked, the moisture comes out in full force. Wrapped in cheesecloth or a thin dishtowel, you can gently squeeze out the moisture. It’s important to squeeze out ALL of the moisture!

mixing ingredients for cauliflower tortillas in a glass bowl

The crumbled cauliflower is mixed with egg, salt and pepper (I add fresh cilantro and lime juice).  If you are vegan, or if you are allergic to eggs… readers have mentioned that they substitute flax eggs without any trouble.

forming cauliflower tortillas on parchment paper

This mixture is shaped into “tortillas” and baked- first on one side and then on the other.

cauliflower tortillas cooling on a cooling rack

Then the Cauliflower Tortillas are placed on a rack for a bit of cooling.

frying tortillas in a skillet

The final quick step in the recipe is tossing them in a heating skillet for a little browning and crisping on each side.

stack of cauliflower tortillas in a striped cloth napkin

That’s it!  I enjoy these Cauliflower Tortillas straight out of the pan for eating. I also enjoy them with a little cheese melted on top like a quesadilla. They’re also good in the morning with a scrambled egg and eaten like a taco.

They are somewhat pliable to bend and fill with a small amount of filling for tacos, but they are most certainly perfect to eat all by themselves too. I recommend eating them “tostada-style” because they may tear when trying to bend like a taco. Try topping them with this Best Ground Beef Taco Meat.

stack of tortillas in a striped cloth napkin

Can you taste the cauliflower?  I’d say, yes. If you’ve ever sampled the cauliflower pizza crust, you’ll most likely also be a fan of Cauliflower Tortillas. You might also like to try my Zucchini Pizza Crust too!

Can you freeze Cauliflower Tortillas?

This is a commonly asked question, but I haven’t tried freezing them so I’m not sure how well that works. My guess is that they would be fine. Just heat them in a hot skillet to warm them up and make them pliable again.

Can you use frozen cauliflower to make cauliflower tortillas?

Yes, but frozen cauliflower will have much more moisture in it. Be sure to squeeze out that extra moisture!

Try making cauliflower tortillas, and let me know what you think.

If you happen to be following the Weight Watchers WW plan, you will find a link to the WW Points on the recipe card below.

stack of cauliflower tortillas in a cloth napkin
4.44 from 41 votes

Cauliflower Tortillas

Great low carb alternative to traditional corn or flour tortillas.
Prep: 30 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 50 minutes
Servings: 6 tortillas
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients

  • ¾ large head cauliflower (or two cups riced)
  • 2 large eggs (Vegans, sub flax eggs)
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • ½ medium lime, juiced and zested
  • salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions 

  • Preheat the oven to 375℉., and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Trim the cauliflower, cut it into small, uniform pieces, and pulse in a food processor in batches until you get a couscous-like consistency. The finely riced cauliflower should make about 2 cups packed.
  • Place the cauliflower in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, then stir and microwave again for another 2 minutes. If you don't use a microwave, a steamer works just as well.  Place the cauliflower in a fine cheesecloth or thin dishtowel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible, being careful not to burn yourself. Dishwashing gloves are suggested as it is very hot.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs. Add in cauliflower, cilantro, lime, salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. Use your hands to shape 6 small "tortillas" on the parchment paper.
  • Bake for 10 minutes, carefully flip each tortilla, and return to the oven for an additional 5 to 7 minutes, or until completely set. Place tortillas on a wire rack to cool slightly.
  • Heat a medium-sized skillet on medium. Place a baked tortilla in the pan, pressing down slightly, and brown for 1 to 2 minutes on each side. Repeat with remaining tortillas.

Notes

  • You can munch these by themselves, make quesadillas with them, or add some taco filling and fold it like a taco.
  • Some people have mentioned in the comments that they've had success using already riced cauliflower instead of processing a head of cauliflower.
  • Leftover tortillas should freeze well for you.

Nutrition

Serving: 1tortilla, Calories: 37kcal, Carbohydrates: 2g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 39mg, Potassium: 182mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 135IU, Vitamin C: 25.9mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!
4.44 from 41 votes (12 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate This Recipe




266 Comments

  1. Amanda says:

    Amazing transformation by Joshua! Thanks for this post, definitely intrigued in making these tortillas!

  2. Annie says:

    Joshua is an inspiration!!!!!! Can’t wait to try the cauliflower tortillas! Thanks for the wonderful story and recipe. I am going to look for his book!
    Thanks:)

  3. Julia says:

    That book (and these tortillas!!) is right up my alley! I love simple, clean paleo recipes and am always up for getting my hot little hands on more of them. Will definitely be checking out Joshua’s book and can’t wait to try a cauliflower tortilla taco/tostada!

  4. Amy Schnitzer says:

    Thank you so much for posting this! I am 42 years old and just started a Paleo Diet. I have been loving the way it makes me feel and look!
    I will for sure make this recipe and take a look at his cookbook!
    Also – I love your blog its given me so many great ideas!

  5. Chelsea @chelseasmessyapron says:

    This is amazing! Cauliflower tortillas?! Love this idea! And what an inspiring story – can’t believe he has a cookbook published and so young! Definitely need to check it out. Pinning!

  6. Ali says:

    So intrigued by this! Looks delicious.

  7. Averie @ Averie Cooks says:

    They look incredible and I want to make them right away! pinned

  8. leslie says:

    How very interesting. I bet they taste delish!

  9. Taylor @ Food Faith Fitness says:

    I have never heard of this cookbook, but I need it! I’m not Paleo specifically, but it sounds like it has some awesome recipes…like these cauli tortillas! Genius!

  10. Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor says:

    The Slim Paleo Cookbook has been on my wishlist for a while now. And not because I eat Paleo all of the time, but I’m intrigued by some of the recipes like these cauliflower tortillas!