If you are looking for a fantastic way to enjoy a healthier twist on a classic comfort food, this Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe is an absolute game changer. These crispy, golden nuggets bring out the natural mild sweetness of cauliflower, mixed with just the right blend of seasonings to create irresistible bites everyone will love. Whether you’re trying to sneak some extra veggies onto the dinner table or simply want a new snack that delivers on flavor and texture, these tots are going to become your go-to treat in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these simple yet essential ingredients that combine to create the perfect balance of flavor, crunch, and moisture in your cauliflower tots. Each element plays a vital role, from binding the mixture to enhancing the taste and giving that satisfying golden crust.
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (340g): The star ingredient that brings a light, fresh flavor and a naturally tender texture.
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder: Helps to lighten the tots and jumpstart their crispiness during baking.
- 1/3 cup flour (40g): Acts as a binding agent; choose spelt, white, oat, gluten free all-purpose, sorghum, or almond flour depending on your preference.
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional): Adds a subtle herbal note that brightens the overall taste.
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder: Delivers that gentle savory punch synonymous with comfort food.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the sweetness of the cauliflower.
- 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs (30g) or almond flour: Provides the golden, crunchy coating that makes these tots irresistibly crispy.
How to Make Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Steam the Cauliflower
Start by steaming your cauliflower florets until they are fall-apart soft. This softness is essential because it ensures the tots hold together without being mushy. Make sure to drain the cauliflower thoroughly and let them cool to prevent excess moisture from messing with the texture.
Step 2: Mix Dry Ingredients
In a small bowl, whisk together baking powder, garlic powder, salt, flour, and optional oregano. This spice mixture is the magic touch that elevates the flavor profile of your cauliflower tots and helps achieve that perfect tender bite.
Step 3: Squeeze Out Extra Moisture
Once the cauliflower is cool, place it in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth over a bowl or sink and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is key to making sure your tots don’t turn soggy during cooking.
Step 4: Mash and Combine
Use a fork or potato masher to mash the cauliflower until smooth but still slightly textured. Then gently stir in the dry ingredient mixture. If the mixture feels too dry, add water slowly, a teaspoon at a time, until it just holds together.
Step 5: Shape and Coat the Tots
Using your hands, press the cauliflower mixture into traditional tater tot shapes. Roll each tot in a bowl of fine breadcrumbs or almond flour to form that coveted crunchy shell that bakes to golden perfection.
Step 6: Bake or Air Fry
Arrange the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in your air fryer basket. Bake at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (218 degrees Celsius) for 25 minutes, or air fry for about 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They’re ready when the outsides are crisp and lightly browned.
Step 7: Enjoy!
Serve the cauliflower tots hot as a delightful snack, appetizer, or side dish. Their crispy edges and soft centers make them irresistible down to the last bite.
How to Serve Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe by topping with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives, a sprinkle of parmesan, or a drizzle of sriracha mayo for an extra layer of flavor and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These tots pair wonderfully with classic comfort foods. Think alongside a creamy coleslaw, crispy chicken tenders, or a fresh garden salad. They are also fabulous as part of a brunch spread with eggs and avocado.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by serving these tots on a platter with assorted dipping sauces such as spicy ketchup, garlic aioli, or tangy ranch. Alternatively, stack them as mini tot towers layered with melted cheese and bacon bits for crowd-pleasing appetizer towers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftover tots (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to five days, ready to enjoy whenever you want a quick snack.
Freezing
These cauliflower tots freeze wonderfully. Lay them out on a baking sheet in a single layer and flash freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. This makes it super easy to cook just what you need straight from the freezer.
Reheating
To bring your tots back to crispy perfection, reheat them in the oven or air fryer instead of the microwave. This will refresh their crisp edges and keep the texture delightful rather than soggy.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower for this Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower, but be sure to thaw and drain it completely before proceeding to squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid soggy tots.
Are these tots gluten-free?
They can be! Simply use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs or almond flour to keep the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.
Can I make these Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe vegan?
Absolutely! The recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use plant-based ingredients for the flour and breadcrumbs.
What dipping sauces pair best with cauliflower tots?
Classic ketchup, spicy mayo, ranch dressing, or even a tangy cheese sauce all complement the mild flavor of the tots beautifully.
How do I make sure my tots don’t fall apart?
Removing as much liquid as possible after steaming and squeezing the cauliflower is key, as well as making sure the mixture is not too wet before shaping into tots.
Final Thoughts
This Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe is one of those fantastic finds that makes healthy eating exciting and downright delicious. Crispy, flavorful, and so easy to make, these tots will soon be flying off your plate and into everyone’s hearts. Give them a try, and I promise you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Cauliflower Tater Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 25 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Cauliflower Tater Tots are a delicious, low-carb alternative to traditional potato tots. Lightly seasoned and baked or air fried to crispy perfection, they make a perfect side dish or snack that’s both gluten-free and vegetarian-friendly.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets (340g)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/3 cup flour (40g) (choose from spelt, white, oat, gluten free all purpose, sorghum, or almond flour)
- 1 tsp dried oregano (optional)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 cup fine breadcrumbs (30g) or almond flour
Instructions
- Prepare the baking surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, or grease your air fryer tray to prevent sticking.
- Steam the cauliflower: Steam cauliflower florets until they are very soft and fall-apart tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool completely.
- Preheat oven or air fryer: Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C). If using an air fryer, heat it to as close to this temperature as possible.
- Mix dry ingredients: In a small bowl, combine baking powder, garlic powder, salt, flour, and optional dried oregano.
- Remove excess moisture: Place the cooled cauliflower in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth over a sink or bowl, and squeeze out as much liquid as you can to avoid sogginess.
- Mash and combine: Mash the cauliflower until smooth using a fork or potato masher. Stir in the spice and flour mixture thoroughly. If the mixture feels too dry, add a little water slowly until it comes together.
- Shape the tots: Form the mixture into tater tot shapes with your hands. Roll each tot in a bowl of crushed fine breadcrumbs or almond flour for extra crispiness.
- Cook the tots: Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet or arrange them in the air fryer basket. Bake for 25 minutes or until lightly browned and crispy. Alternatively, air fry for about 10 minutes or until golden and crisp, shaking the basket halfway through cooking.
- Serve: Serve the cauliflower tots hot as a side dish or appetizer with your choice of optional toppings or dips.
- Store leftovers: Allow any leftovers to cool completely before refrigerating in a covered container for up to five days.
Notes
- You can use various flours such as spelt, white, oat, gluten-free all-purpose, sorghum, or almond flour to suit your dietary preferences.
- Using fine breadcrumbs or almond flour to coat the tots helps achieve a crispier exterior.
- Be sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the cauliflower to prevent soggy tots.
- Both baking and air frying are great options; baking takes longer but yields a nice even crisp, while air frying is quicker.
- Optional dried oregano adds a nice herby flavor, but you can omit it if you prefer a more neutral taste.
- These tots freeze well; reheat in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
