These Cheesy Cauliflower Tots are a delicious oven-baked alternative to traditional potato tater tots. Made with tender cauliflower, shredded Cheddar cheese, scallions, eggs, and breadcrumbs, they’re golden on the outside, soft on the inside, and full of savory flavor.
Whether you’re looking for an easy vegetable side dish, a family-friendly snack, or a creative way to use cauliflower, these homemade tots are a great addition to your recipe collection.
Unlike frozen tater tots, this recipe starts with fresh cauliflower that’s steamed until tender, finely chopped, and mixed with simple ingredients. The mixture is shaped into small tots and baked until lightly browned.
Why You’ll Love These Cauliflower Tots
- Oven-baked: No deep-frying required.
- Cheesy flavor: Reduced-fat Cheddar adds a savory, satisfying taste.
- Simple ingredients: Fresh cauliflower, eggs, breadcrumbs, scallions, and seasonings.
- Family-friendly: Makes approximately 35 bite-sized tots.
- Versatile: Serve as an appetizer, snack, or vegetable side dish.
Tips for Making Crispy Cauliflower Tots
Start by steaming the cauliflower for 10–12 minutes, until tender. Allow it to cool before chopping it finely. For the best texture, remove excess moisture from the cooked cauliflower before mixing it with the other ingredients. Too much moisture can make the tots soft and difficult to shape.
Combine the cauliflower with the egg, egg white, shredded Cheddar, breadcrumbs, minced scallions, salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture rest for 10 minutes so the breadcrumbs can absorb moisture. Use a tablespoon measure to portion the mixture into approximately 35 tots. Arrange them on a lightly greased baking sheet and spray the tops with cooking spray.
A large nonstick baking sheet makes it easy to bake the tots in a single layer. Bake at 400°F for 15 minutes, turn carefully, and bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these baked cauliflower tots warm with ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your favorite dipping sauce. They also pair nicely with grilled chicken, homemade burgers, or a fresh green salad. These Cheesy Cauliflower Tots are an easy way to turn everyday cauliflower into a flavorful homemade side dish.
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Cheesy Cauliflower Tots
- Total Time: :37
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- Cooking spray
- 1 head cauliflower, trimmed (about 1 ½ pounds)
- 1 egg
- 1 egg white
- ½ cup reduced fat, shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 scallions, white and green parts, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Coat one large or two small baking sheets with cooking spray. Set aside.
- Steam the cauliflower for 10-12 minutes or until soft. Set aside to cool. Once cool, mince the cauliflower.
- Stir the remaining ingredients into the minced cauliflower, and let the mixture rest for 10 minutes.
- After resting, stir the mixture again. Scoop cauliflower with a tablespoon measure onto the sprayed baking sheet. Form the ball into the shape of a tater-tot. Repeat to make 35 tots.
- Spray the top of each tot with cooking spray. Bake for 15 minutes. Turn the tots and bake an additional 10 minutes or until golden brown.
- Prep Time: :20
- Cook Time: :17
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stove Top / Oven