Can I make cauliflower tots without cheese?

Yes, you can make cauliflower tots without cheese if you prefer a dairy-free or vegan version. You can replace mozzarella with a dairy-free cheese substitute or skip it altogether. The egg and breadcrumbs will still hold the tots together nicely.

How do I prevent my cauliflower tots from becoming soggy?

To avoid soggy tots, make sure to thoroughly dry the cauliflower after cooking. You can use a cheesecloth or paper towels to press out any excess moisture. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier your tots will be.

Can I freeze cauliflower tots before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze cauliflower tots before cooking. After shaping them, place the tots on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Then transfer them to a freezer bag for long-term storage. When you're ready to cook them, bake or air fry directly from frozen.

What are some good dipping sauces for cauliflower tots?

Cauliflower tots pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces, including classic ketchup, ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or a creamy yogurt-based dip. Experiment with your favorites for added flavor!

The Best Cauliflower Tots – Healthy, Crunchy, and Delicious!

Name: Cauliflower Tots
Prep time: 35 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 h 5 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 cups small cauliflower florets (or riced cauliflower); 1 large egg; ⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs; ⅓ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper; Cooking oil spray (for baking); 1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

Description

These cauliflower tots are a healthier, low-carb alternative to traditional tater tots. Crispy on the outside with a cheesy, flavorful inside, they’re perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. Cauliflower tots are easy to prepare and can be baked, air-fried, or deep-fried, making them versatile and customizable to your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

4 cups small cauliflower florets (or riced cauliflower)
1 large egg
⅓ cup Panko breadcrumbs
⅓ cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking oil spray (for baking)
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the cauliflower florets in the microwave for 3-4 minutes or steam/boil for 5 minutes until tender. Drain and allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
Use a food processor to finely chop the cauliflower or chop it by hand.
Press out any excess liquid from the cauliflower using a cheesecloth or paper towels.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower with egg, breadcrumbs, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Shape the mixture into small tater tots and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray the tots with cooking oil and bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for 4-5 minutes at the end.
For deep frying: Heat oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry the tots for 3-4 minutes until golden and crispy.
For air frying: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and air fry the tots for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Ensure the cauliflower is well-drained to avoid soggy tots.
If using frozen cauliflower, thaw and drain thoroughly before proceeding.
Use a silicone baking mat or parchment paper to prevent the tots from sticking to the baking sheet.
These cauliflower tots can be frozen before cooking for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen at 350°F for 15-20 minutes.
For a vegan version, replace the egg with a flaxseed mixture (1 tbsp flaxseed meal + 3 tbsp water).

Prep Time: 35 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Baking, Frying, Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (3-4 tots)
Calories: 120 kcal
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 150mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 3g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 10g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 5g
Cholesterol: 55mg