Go Back
- Medium head of cauliflower - Shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Grated parmesan cheese - Large egg - Breadcrumbs (gluten-free option) - Green onions - Garlic powder - Onion powder - Seasoning: Salt and pepper - Greasing option: Cooking spray or olive oil These ingredients work together to create tasty cheesy cauliflower tots. The cauliflower adds a nice texture while keeping the dish healthy. The combination of sharp cheddar and parmesan gives a rich, cheesy flavor that you will love. The egg binds everything together, and the breadcrumbs add that perfect crunch. For the toppings, I love using fresh green onions. They add a nice freshness and color. Garlic and onion powder give a subtle flavor boost. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper; it makes a big difference! If you prefer, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well and keep the dish accessible for everyone. Use cooking spray or olive oil to grease the baking sheet. This step helps the tots crisp up nicely. Now that you have your ingredients ready, let's move on to the next steps to make these cheesy cauliflower tots! - Preheat to 400°F (200°C). - Line the baking sheet with parchment paper. - Boil cauliflower florets until tender. - Drain and cool the cauliflower. To start, you will want to boil the cauliflower florets. This step is important because soft cauliflower mixes better. Cook them for about 5 to 7 minutes until tender. You can check this by piercing them with a fork. After boiling, drain the florets and let them cool for a bit. - Squeeze out moisture from cauliflower. - Combine all ingredients and mix thoroughly. Once the cauliflower cools, wrap it in a clean towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This part is key for crispy tots. Next, in a large bowl, mix the drained cauliflower with the cheeses, egg, breadcrumbs, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. Stir well to blend everything evenly. - Shape the mixture into tots. - Place on baking sheet and bake. Now comes the fun part! Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into tots. Aim for a size similar to walnuts. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, giving them space. This helps them cook evenly. - Flip tots halfway for even cooking. - Cool before serving. Bake the tots in your preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get that golden-brown crust on both sides. Once they are ready, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes. Enjoy your crispy cheesy cauliflower tots! To get the best crispy tots, you must drain extra moisture from the cauliflower. After boiling, let the cauliflower cool. Then, wrap it in a clean towel and squeeze out as much water as you can. This step is key! If you skip it, your tots may be soggy. For baking, I recommend using parchment paper on your baking sheet. This helps the tots cook evenly and stay crispy. You can easily boost the flavor of your tots. Add spices like paprika or cayenne for a little kick. Fresh herbs, like parsley or cilantro, can also make a big difference. If you want to switch up the cheese, try mozzarella or pepper jack. These options add a new twist to the classic recipe. For serving, place your cheesy cauliflower tots in a small basket or on a colorful plate. Pair them with dips like marinara sauce or creamy ranch for extra flavor. To make them look even better, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top. This adds a nice pop of color and freshness! {{image_4}} You can change the cheese for different flavors. Try using mozzarella for a gooey texture. Pepper jack adds a nice spicy kick. If you want a dairy-free option, use vegan cheese. Many brands offer great substitutes that melt well. You can make these tots even better by adding more veggies. Zucchini or carrots mix well with cauliflower. They add color and nutrients. If you want extra protein, add cooked bacon or chicken. Chopped ham also works nicely. If you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well in this recipe. For a low-carb option, skip the breadcrumbs altogether. You can replace them with almond flour or crushed pork rinds. These choices keep the texture nice and crispy. To keep your cheesy cauliflower tots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge after they cool down. They stay good for about 3 to 4 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them. For freezing, lay the tots on a baking sheet. Make sure they don’t touch each other to avoid sticking. Freeze them for about an hour, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they won’t clump together. When you're ready to eat, reheat them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. This step helps keep them crispy and delicious. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. It is a great time-saver. Frozen cauliflower is usually blanched before freezing. This helps keep its color and nutrients. Just make sure to thaw it first. Drain any extra water well. This step keeps your tots crispy. Fresh cauliflower is also good. It has a firmer texture. This gives the tots a nice bite. To add heat, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch and taste as you go. You can also add cayenne pepper or hot sauce. These spices boost the flavor without overpowering the cheese. If you like a stronger kick, try jalapeños. Finely chop them and mix in with the other ingredients. Several sauces work great with cheesy cauliflower tots. Marinara sauce is a classic choice. Its tangy flavor complements the cheese well. Ranch dressing adds a creamy touch. You can also try a spicy aioli. This adds a little zest. For a twist, use a yogurt dip with herbs. Each sauce brings a different flavor that enhances your tots. Making these tots vegan is easy. Replace the egg with a flaxseed meal mix. Just mix one tablespoon of flaxseed meal with three tablespoons of water. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. For cheese, use a vegan cheese alternative. You can also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This keeps your tots delicious and plant-based. The blog post shares a simple way to make tasty cauliflower tots. We covered the ingredients needed, step-by-step cooking instructions, and tips for the best results. There are ideas for variations and storage options, too. These tots are fun to make and can suit many diets. Try out the recipe and make it your own. I hope you enjoy every crispy bite of your homemade cauliflower tots!

Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with these delicious Cheesy Cauliflower Tots! They're perfect for a snack or side dish, packed with flavor and crispy perfection. Made with simple ingredients like cauliflower, cheddar, and parmesan, these healthy tots will satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Discover the full recipe and transform your cooking today. Click through for step-by-step instructions and tips!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 large egg, lightly beaten

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (gluten-free can be used if preferred)

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This will help ensure your tots become nicely crisp.

    In a large pot, bring water to a rolling boil and add the cauliflower florets. Cook for approximately 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender enough to pierce easily with a fork. Drain the cauliflower well and allow it to cool for a few minutes.

      Once the cauliflower has cooled slightly, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wrap the florets inside. Squeeze out as much moisture as possible; this step is crucial for achieving perfectly crispy tots!

        In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan, beaten egg, breadcrumbs, finely chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.

          Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into tots, roughly the size of walnuts. Place each tot onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have space between them for even cooking.

            Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through the baking time to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden-brown crust on both sides.

              Once they are golden and crispy, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the tots cool for a few minutes before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the perfectly golden cheesy cauliflower tots in a small, rustic basket or arrange them artfully on a vibrant plate. Pair with a side of zesty marinara sauce or creamy ranch dressing for dipping. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional chopped green onions on top for a lovely splash of color!