Name: Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; Cooking spray or olive oil

If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and veggie-packed snack, you’ve got to try this Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe. They’re the perfect way to enjoy cauliflower in a new, exciting form that’s crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—total crowd-pleasers that even picky eaters will love!

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Healthy and guilt-free: These tots are baked, not fried, making them lighter but still deliciously crispy.
Veggie-forward fun: A creative way to sneak more cauliflower into your diet without boring steamed veggies.
Simple ingredients, big flavor: Cheese and seasonings transform humble cauliflower into irresistible bites.
Kid-friendly and snack-ready: Perfect finger food for lunchboxes, parties, or anytime munching.

A white bowl lined with white parchment paper holds about fourteen golden brown, crispy rectangular pieces of fried food, likely nuggets, sprinkled lightly with green herbs. Near the center of the bowl is a small white bowl filled with red sauce. On one side near the edge is a small bunch of bright green parsley sitting on top of some nuggets. The whole setup rests on a white marbled texture surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots, healthy cauliflower bites, veggie tots recipe, baked cauliflower snacks, easy cauliflower finger food

Ingredients & Substitutions

The beauty of this Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients—each playing a crucial role. The cauliflower forms the base and provides a mild sweetness, while the cheeses add that melty, savory depth. Egg acts as the binder, and breadcrumbs help keep things crispy. A pinch of salt and pepper balances these flavors perfectly.

Flat lay of fresh cauliflower florets, a cracked egg with a bright yolk, finely diced white onion, shredded parmesan cheese with its pale creamy color, vibrant shredded cheddar cheese, a small pile of golden breadcrumbs, all neatly arranged with some sprigs of fresh herbs, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots, healthy cauliflower bites, veggie tots recipe, baked cauliflower snacks, easy cauliflower finger food

Cauliflower florets: Fresh is best, but you can use frozen if needed—just thaw and drain thoroughly.
Egg: Acts as a natural glue binding the tots together for shaping and baking.
Onion: Fresh diced onion gives a subtle sharpness for balanced flavor.
Parmesan and cheddar cheese: A combo that delivers the perfect cheesy punch and luscious texture.
Breadcrumbs: Essential for crispy texture; gluten-free breadcrumbs work just as well.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings that bring out the natural flavor of cauliflower and cheese.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe

Step 1: Steam and Prepare the Cauliflower

Start by steaming fresh cauliflower florets until tender but still firm—about 5 minutes. This process softens the cauliflower so it’s easy to puree. Once steamed, drain well and pulse it briefly in a food processor until it reaches a rice-like texture. The key here is not to overdo it; you want some texture, not mush.

Step 2: Remove Excess Moisture

This step truly makes a difference. Transfer the pureed cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. Moisture is the enemy of crispy tots, so wringing it out well guarantees a crisp, golden exterior once baked.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients and Shape

In a mixing bowl, add the drained cauliflower along with diced onion, eggs, shredded parmesan and cheddar, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until evenly combined. Then, scoop 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and form into small tot shapes with your hands. Try to keep the sizes uniform so they bake evenly.

Step 4: Bake Until Crispy

Place your tots on a parchment-lined or greased baking sheet, spacing them about an inch apart. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes, then carefully flip each tot and bake an additional 10 minutes to achieve maximum crispiness and golden color. That’s it—easy and rewarding!

How to Serve Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe

The dish is served on a white ceramic plate placed on a white marbled surface. The plate holds about a dozen golden-brown, crisp-looking bite-sized nuggets with a seasoned, slightly rough texture. Green parsley pieces are scattered over the nuggets and a small fresh parsley bunch is placed near the back for garnish. On the right side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with smooth, shiny red ketchup. A white paper liner is underneath the nuggets. In the background, a white marble mortar with a wooden pestle is slightly blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots, healthy cauliflower bites, veggie tots recipe, baked cauliflower snacks, easy cauliflower finger food

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or chives over the tots for a pop of vibrant green and a fresh flavor contrast. A dash of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving can also elevate their taste beautifully.

Side Dishes

These tots are fantastic alongside a crisp garden salad, a bowl of soup, or even as a fun substitute for fries with burgers and sandwiches. They also pair wonderfully with tangy dips like garlic aioli, ketchup, or a zesty ranch dressing.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving these tots in mini appetizer cups with different sauces for dipping. Or arrange them around a cheese and veggie platter to add texture and flavor variety. For kids, serve with colorful plates and a side of fresh fruit for a playful presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, place leftover cauliflower tots in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to 4 days—perfect for quick snacks or lunch additions throughout the week.

Freezing

Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots freeze wonderfully. Just freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They keep up to 10 months, so you can prep a big batch and enjoy them anytime.

Reheating

To reheat, avoid the microwave if you want to keep that crunch. Warm them in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes, either from frozen or thawed. This method will refresh their crisp texture without drying them out.

FAQs

Can I make these Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe vegan?

Yes! You can substitute the egg with a flax egg or a commercial egg replacer and use vegan cheeses. Just keep in mind that the texture might be slightly different, but they’ll still turn out tasty and crisp.
Is it necessary to squeeze out all the moisture from the cauliflower?

Absolutely! Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving those perfectly crispy tots. If the cauliflower is too wet, the tots won’t hold together well and may become soggy instead of golden and crunchy.
Can I use pre-riced cauliflower instead of fresh florets?

Yes, pre-riced cauliflower is a great time-saver. Just be sure to drain and squeeze it well to remove any added moisture before mixing with the other ingredients.
What dipping sauces go best with these cauliflower tots?

Great options include ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy sriracha mayo, or even a cool cucumber yogurt dip. Feel free to get creative and match sauces to your favorite flavors!

Final Thoughts

Trying this Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots Recipe is a sure way to add some fun, crunch, and wholesome goodness to your snack game. They’re easy to whip up, versatile, and incredibly satisfying—I promise they’ll become a new favorite in your kitchen. Give them a go and enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite!