Go Back
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs) - 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder - 1/4 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 large egg, beaten - Olive oil spray For these cheesy cauliflower tater tots, the main players are simple. The cauliflower gives a great base. It adds fiber and keeps the tots light. Cheddar cheese brings a rich, creamy flavor. Almond flour or breadcrumbs help bind everything together. Seasoning makes a big difference too. Garlic powder adds depth. Onion powder brings a sweet note, and paprika gives a mild kick. Salt and pepper round out the flavors, making each bite delicious. Don't forget the green onions! They add a fresh crunch and bright color. The egg acts as a glue, holding the mixture together. Finally, a light spray of olive oil helps create a crispy outer layer when baked. Gather these ingredients, and you're ready to make a tasty snack that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat oven and prepare baking sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step helps the tots bake evenly and prevents sticking. 2. Steam cauliflower florets: Cut your cauliflower into small florets. Steam them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. You can use a pot or microwave for steaming. Once steamed, drain the florets and let them cool for a few minutes. 1. Drain and dry cauliflower: Take the cooled cauliflower and put it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can. This step is key for crispy tots. 2. Combine ingredients in a mixing bowl: In a large bowl, mix the drained cauliflower with shredded cheese, almond flour, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined. 3. Add egg to the mixture: Pour in the beaten egg and mix again. You want a dough-like consistency that holds together well. 1. Shape the mixture into tots: With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into tots, about 1 to 1.5 inches long. Place each tot onto your prepared baking sheet. 2. Bake until golden brown and crispy: Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil. This will help them crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through. They should be golden brown and crispy when done. Let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy these tasty bites! How to steam cauliflower correctly To steam cauliflower, place florets in a pot with a small amount of water. Cover the pot tightly. Heat it on medium until steam forms. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until tender. You can also use a microwave. Just place the florets in a bowl with a bit of water, cover it, and microwave for 5 minutes. Importance of drying the cauliflower Drying the cauliflower is key to getting good texture. After steaming, let it cool briefly. Then, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze to remove moisture. This step helps your tater tots stay crispy when baked. Tips for crispy tots For crispy tater tots, use a light spray of olive oil before baking. This helps them brown nicely. Also, make sure they are spread out on the baking sheet. Give them space to get air and crisp up. Adjusting baking time for preferred doneness Baking time can change based on your oven and preference. Start with 20 minutes at 400°F. Check for golden brown color. If you want them crispier, add a few more minutes. Just remember to flip them halfway for even cooking. Best dips to pair Serve your cheesy cauliflower tater tots with yummy dips. Ranch dressing adds a cool, creamy touch. Sriracha mayo gives a spicy kick. You can also try a simple garlic aioli or a tangy yogurt dip. Creative plating ideas Make your serving look fun! Arrange the tater tots on a colorful platter. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. You can even add small bowls of dips on the side for a nice touch. This makes it look fancy and inviting! Pro Tips Use Fresh Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower will yield the best flavor and texture for your tater tots. Avoid using frozen, as it may contain excess moisture. Perfectly Shape the Tots: Wet your hands slightly before shaping the mixture into tots to prevent sticking and to help them hold their shape better. Experiment with Cheese: While cheddar cheese is delicious, feel free to mix in other types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor profile. Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the tater tots immediately after baking while they are still hot and crispy. {{image_2}} You can switch up the cheese in this recipe. Instead of cheddar, try mozzarella or pepper jack. Each cheese brings a new flavor. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, use almond flour or chickpea flour instead of breadcrumbs. Both options keep your tater tots light and tasty. Want a spicy kick? Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the mix. For a fresh taste, chop up some spinach or bell peppers and stir them in. Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro can also give your tots extra flavor. Experiment with your favorite spices and veggies to make this dish your own. I love using an air fryer for these cheesy cauliflower tater tots. Air frying gives them a crispy outside and a soft inside. If you prefer baking, that works too! Just make sure to flip them halfway through. For a different texture, consider deep frying. This method makes them extra crunchy, but be mindful of the oil. Each method brings out unique textures and flavors. Try them all to find your favorite! To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, use airtight containers. Glass or plastic containers both work well. Store them in the fridge right away to keep them safe. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside. To enjoy your tater tots again, the oven is best for reheating. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer for a quick heat-up. If you want to freeze them, do so before cooking. Freeze in a single layer, then put them in a bag. To use, bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time. In the fridge, your tater tots will last up to 3 days. For the best taste, eat them within this time. If you freeze them after cooking, they can last for about a month. For best results, eat them sooner rather than later. If you freeze them before cooking, they are good for about 2 months. Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can prep these tater tots ahead of time. Shape the tots and place them on a baking sheet. Cover and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easy to have a quick snack ready when you need it. Are these tater tots healthy? Absolutely! These cheesy cauliflower tater tots use cauliflower, which is low in calories and high in fiber. The cheddar cheese adds flavor and protein, while almond flour keeps them gluten-free. This snack is a tasty way to enjoy veggies. What to do if the mixture is too wet? If your mixture feels too wet, add a little more almond flour or breadcrumbs. This will help absorb extra moisture. You can also let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow it to thicken. How to fix burnt taters? If your tater tots burn, check your oven temperature. It might be too high. Lower the temperature next time. If they burn on the outside but are raw inside, try flipping them and baking for a shorter time. Calories per serving One serving of these cheesy cauliflower tater tots has about 150 calories. Breakdown of macronutrients - Protein: 5g - Fat: 10g - Carbohydrates: 10g - Fiber: 3g These numbers can vary based on specific ingredients used. Always check your brands for exact values. Making cauliflower tater tots offers a tasty twist on a classic snack. We've covered essential ingredients, from cauliflower to spices. You learned how to steam, mix, and shape your tots for that perfect crunch. I shared tips for storage and reheating. Explore variations to fit your taste. In the end, these tots can be a fun and healthy treat. Try them out and enjoy experimenting with flavors! You'll impress family and friends with your new skills.

Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots

Delicious and crispy cauliflower tots packed with cheesy goodness.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup almond flour (or breadcrumbs)
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.25 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • as needed olive oil spray

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Steam the cauliflower florets in a pot or microwave until tender (about 5-7 minutes). Drain and let cool slightly.
  • Once cooled, transfer the cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheese, almond flour, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Add the beaten egg to the mixture and stir until everything is fully incorporated, forming a dough-like consistency.
  • Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tot shapes (around 1-1.5 inches in length) and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly spray the tots with olive oil to ensure they get golden and crispy.
  • Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking.
  • Once cooked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve on a platter, garnished with fresh green onions or parsley, with a side of dipping sauce.
Keyword appetizer, cauliflower, cheesy, tater tots