Description
Crispy and delicious Cauliflower Tots made with steamed cauliflower, cheeses, and a touch of seasoning. These baked vegetarian tots are a healthy and tasty alternative to traditional potato tots, perfect as a snack or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Cauliflower Mixture
- 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
For Baking
- Cooking spray or olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the 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 approximately 5 minutes until tender but not mushy.
- Process Cauliflower: Drain the steamed cauliflower well. Transfer the florets to a food processor and pulse a few times until the cauliflower reaches a rice-like consistency.
- Remove Moisture: Place the processed cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots.
- Mix Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, egg, diced onion, parmesan, cheddar, breadcrumbs, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Form Tots: Scoop out 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and shape each portion into a tot using your hands. Make them as uniform in size as possible for even cooking.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart to allow even baking and browning.
- Bake: Bake the tots in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Carefully flip each tot over, then bake for an additional 10 minutes or until the tots are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with ketchup or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Slightly adapted from the Just a Taste recipe.
- For convenience, use store-bought cauliflower rice or pre-cut florets to save prep time.
- Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the cauliflower to ensure tot crispiness.
- Shape tots evenly to promote uniform cooking.
- Leave space between tots on the baking sheet so they brown evenly and cook thoroughly.
- Add your preferred spices to the cauliflower mixture for extra flavor.
- To store leftovers: Cool completely, then place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
- To reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
- To freeze: Freeze cooled tots individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 10 months. No need to thaw before reheating.
