If you love the idea of a crunchy, flavorful snack that’s also packed with wholesome veggies, you’re going to adore this Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe. These golden little bites bring together the comforting texture of tots with a fresh, vegetable-forward twist that’s simply irresistible!
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Guilt-Free Crunch: These tots give you all the crispy satisfaction of traditional tater tots but with the goodness of cauliflower, so you can snack happily and healthfully.
Simple Ingredients: Using everyday pantry staples and fresh cauliflower means you don’t need anything fancy to whip these up.
Family-Friendly Fun: Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or looking for a fresh twist on finger foods, everyone will love munching on these tots.
Customizable Flavors: Easily add spices or change up the cheeses to tailor this recipe to your taste buds or what’s in your fridge.
Ingredients & Substitutions
The magic of this Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role, from the bright freshness of cauliflower to the richness of melted cheeses and the perfect hint of seasoning that ties it all together.
- Cauliflower florets: The star of the show – steaming and finely pulsing creates the perfect base for those crispy tots.
- Egg: Acts as a natural binder to hold everything together without heaviness.
- Onion: Adds subtle sweetness and a hint of sharpness to deepen the flavor profile.
- Parmesan and cheddar cheese: These cheeses introduce creaminess and a melty, savory bite that’s simply divine.
- Breadcrumbs: Helps to give structure and an extra crunch once baked.
- Salt and pepper: Just the right amount to elevate the flavors without overpowering.
How to Make Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Step 1: Steam and Prep the Cauliflower
Start by steaming fresh cauliflower florets until tender but still holding their shape, about 5 minutes. This gentle cooking brings out their natural sweetness while prepping them for the perfect tot texture.
Step 2: Pulse and Squeeze Out Moisture
Next, pulse the steamed florets briefly in a food processor until they resemble rice grains. Then, wrap the cauliflower in a clean towel and squeeze out every bit of moisture. This crucial step ensures your tots will be crispy and not soggy.
Step 3: Mix and Form Your Tots
In a bowl, mix the cauliflower “rice” with the egg, diced onion, both cheeses, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Once combined, shape the mixture into bite-sized tot forms—aim for uniform size to ensure even baking.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment or lightly greased, then bake at 375°F for 20 minutes. Flip them carefully and continue baking for another 10 minutes until golden and wonderfully crisp on the outside.
How to Serve Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle your tots with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and fresh zing. You can also add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drizzle of garlic aioli for extra flavor flair.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines as a snack or side paired beautifully with tangy ketchup, creamy ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo. Serve alongside a crisp green salad or grilled chicken for a wholesome, balanced meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking these tots in a fun appetizer tower or serve them in mini taco shells with avocado crema for the ultimate party bite. You can also turn them into a loaded plate by topping with melted cheese and a dollop of sour cream.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. This makes an easy grab-and-go snack or addition to lunch boxes throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze baked tots by first laying them out on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a ziplock bag. They’ll keep well for up to 10 months – perfect for meal prep or whenever that craving strikes.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat tots in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until warm and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which can make them lose their lovely crunch and turn mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen cauliflower for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the frozen cauliflower fully and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing, so your tots don’t end up soggy.
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How do I make the tots crispier?
Removing excess water from the cauliflower is key to crispiness. Also, baking them on a parchment-lined sheet with some space between each tot helps achieve that perfect crunch.
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Can I make these tots gluten-free?
Yes! Swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free options or use crushed nuts for a different texture. Just keep the binding consistent by adjusting the egg if needed.
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What dips complement these cauliflower tots the best?
Ketchup is a classic, but creamy ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or garlic aioli are fantastic options that elevate the flavor experience wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about sinking your teeth into homemade crispy bites, especially when they’re as wholesome as these Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe ones. Give this recipe a try and see how easy and delightful veggie snacking can be—you may just find your new favorite way to enjoy cauliflower!
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Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 24-30 tots) 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cauliflower Tots recipe offers a healthy and delicious twist on traditional tater tots, using steamed cauliflower combined with cheese, breadcrumbs, and seasonings to create crispy, bite-sized snacks perfect for dipping. These tots are baked to golden perfection, making them a flavorful and nutritious appetizer or side dish.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Tots Ingredients
- Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (approximately one large cauliflower head)
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
- Salt and ground fresh pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Steam cauliflower: Fill a large pot or skillet with 1 to 2 cups of water and place a steamer basket inside. Bring the water to a boil, add the cauliflower florets to the basket, cover with a lid, and steam for about 5 minutes until tender.
- Process cauliflower: Drain the steamed cauliflower well. Transfer it to a food processor and pulse a few times until the florets reach a rice-like consistency, being careful not to over-process into a puree.
- Remove moisture: Place the pulsed cauliflower into a kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for crispy tots, as excess water will make them soggy.
- Combine ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the drained cauliflower with the egg, diced onion, parmesan, cheddar, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper until thoroughly combined.
- Shape tots: Using 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture, form the mixture into tot shapes with your hands. Place each tot 1 inch apart on the prepared baking sheet to allow for even browning.
- Bake: Bake the tots for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each tot and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Serve: Remove the tots from the oven and serve warm with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Recipe slightly adapted from the Just a Taste recipe.
- To save time, use pre-cut cauliflower florets or buy cauliflower rice.
- Ensure you squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower for optimal crispness.
- Make tots uniform in size for even cooking.
- Leave space between tots on the baking sheet to promote even browning and crisping.
- Experiment with adding different spices or herbs to the mixture for additional flavor.
- To store leftovers, cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes rather than microwaving to maintain crispiness.
- To freeze, spread cooled tots on a baking sheet and freeze individually before transferring to a freezer-safe bag; freeze up to 10 months.
