AmericanMedium · Hot
Crispy baked coin-shaped patties made with tender kale and sharp cheddar, crusted in fragrant toasted pumpkin seed dust. A crowd-pleasing snack the whole family will love.
20 min
22 min
42 min
Method
Preheat oven to 200C (400F). Spread pumpkin seeds on a baking sheet in a single layer.
Toast seeds in the oven for 5-7 minutes, shaking the pan halfway through, until they pop and turn golden. Watch carefully to avoid burning. Let cool completely.
Add shredded cheddar, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, and black pepper to the kale. Stir until evenly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Divide the kale mixture into 8 equal portions. Shape each into a flat round coin about 2 inches wide and ½ inch thick, pressing firmly to compact.
Press each coin firmly into the pumpkin seed dust, coating the top surface and edges. Place coated-side up on the baking sheet. Repeat with remaining coins.
Remove from oven and let cool on the pan for 3 minutes. The coins will firm up as they rest. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutri-Score
Excellent balance
A–E · lower is better · score -3
Calories
610
per serving
Protein
36g
Carbs
35g
Fat
40g
Sat. fat
17g
Fiber
12g
Sugar
7g
Sodium
778mg
Nutri-Score is a general nutritional-balance guide, not medical or dietary advice.
Environmental impact
Low impact
A–E · lower is better · includes estimates
kg CO2e
0.8
per serving
Water
0.1m³
Land
18Pt
Runoff
0.04g P
Cheddar cheese, finely shredded drives 74% of this recipe’s estimated footprint.
Carbon from Poore & Nemecek 2018; water, land & runoff from Agribalyse — modelled averages for comparing recipes, not a measurement of your groceries.
Flavor Profile
Umami
Sweet
Salty
Sour
Bitter
Spicy
Textures
Aromas
Kitchen Equipment
Safety & Storage
Cooking Temperature
Bake at 200C (400F) as specified. Verify oven accuracy with an internal thermometer. Coins are done when both sides are golden, cheddar is bubbling, and internal temperature reaches at least 74C (165F) to ensure egg is fully cooked.
Cross Contamination
Use separate bowls and utensils for raw egg and allergen-free ingredients if cooking for someone with severe allergies. Wash hands thoroughly between handling different ingredient groups.
Storage
Store leftover coins in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze uncooked formed coins on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Thaw in refrigerator before baking.
High Risk Population
With young children present, ensure coins cool adequately before serving to prevent burns. The crispy texture may pose a choking hazard for children under 4; consider cutting into smaller pieces for toddlers.
Handling
Let toasted pumpkin seeds cool completely before blending to prevent burns from splashing. When massaging kale with hands, ensure hands are clean to avoid bacterial transfer to the raw egg mixture.
Equipment Safety
Use caution when blending warm seeds as they can generate heat and cause pressure buildup. Stop blending frequently and check temperature. Watch carefully when toasting seeds in oven as they can burn quickly.
Allergen Warning
This recipe contains multiple top allergens (milk, eggs, wheat, sesame). Always inform guests of allergen content before serving. When preparing for allergen-sensitive individuals, prepare a separate portion before adding any allergenic ingredients to the main mixture.
Pro Tips
Technique
After shaping each coin, press down firmly one more time before coating—this compresses the kale and helps everything stay together when you bite into it. A compact coin won't crumble, and that satisfying crisp is worth the extra few seconds of patience.
Make Ahead
You can prep the seed dust up to a week ahead and store it in an airtight container—the garlic mellows and the flavors actually deepen. Shape the kale mixture into coins, place them on a parchment-lined sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When your family's ready to eat, bake straight from frozen with an extra 5 minutes in the oven.
Substitution
If sharp cheddar is too bold for your little ones, swap half with a mild white cheddar or even a young gouda—still cheesy, but friendlier. Adults at the table can top theirs with a few extra shavings of whatever cheese you used.
From the chef
These coins work because of two things happening at once: kale and carrot get massaged together until they soften, then sharp cheddar and egg bind them into a mixture that holds its shape under heat. The real trick is the pumpkin seed dust — toasted seeds ground with garlic and salt, pressed into each coin before baking so the outside crisps up while the inside stays cheesy and tender. Bake them twice, flipping once, and you get that satisfying crunch on both sides. Serve warm and they go fast, which is a small win every time.
Source: generated · June 13, 2026