Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots Crispy and Tasty Snack

by
- Cauliflower florets - Cheddar cheese - Almond flour - Parmesan cheese - Eggs - Seasoning options To make cheesy cauliflower tater tots, you need a few key ingredients. First, get a medium head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. This gives your tots a great base. Next, you’ll need one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor. Add half a cup of almond flour to help bind everything together. You also need a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Then, two large eggs will help hold your mixture. Finally, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices make your tots pop with flavor. - Add-ins for flavor enhancement - Suggested dipping sauces You can customize your tater tots with fun add-ins. Try adding cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions for a tasty twist. Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For dipping sauces, ranch dressing is a classic choice. Spicy ketchup is also a fun option. You can serve them with guacamole or a creamy aioli too. Choose what you love for a perfect snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to steam the cauliflower. Cut the head into small florets. Place them in a steamer basket and steam for about 8-10 minutes. The cauliflower should be tender but not mushy. After steaming, drain the cauliflower well and let it cool slightly. This step is key. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tater tots will be. Once cooled, grab a clean dish towel. Place the cauliflower in it and wring it out. Remove as much moisture as you can. This will help our tater tots achieve that perfect crunch. Now it’s time to mix our ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything well. Make sure the mixture feels sticky but not too wet. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of water. You want a thick paste that holds together well. This mixture will form the base of our tasty tater tots. Next, we shape the mixture into tater tots. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a small log shape. Place each shaped tot on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven't done so already. After shaping, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely. Bake the tots for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking. You want them golden and crispy on the outside. Enjoy your delicious cheesy cauliflower tater tots! To get that crunchy finish, start with the right prep. Steam your cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes. Once tender, drain them well. The key is to remove as much moisture as possible. I like to use a clean dish towel. Wring it out tightly to squeeze out the water. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tots will be. When baking, I recommend lightly spraying the tops with cooking spray or brushing them with olive oil. This extra step helps achieve that golden color and crisp texture we all love. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Serving these cheesy cauliflower tater tots is fun! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing or spicy ketchup works great. You can also try a yogurt-based dip for a fresh twist. For presentation, place the tots on a nice serving platter. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for color. This adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look even more inviting. Enjoy these tasty bites with friends or family! Pro Tips Drain Well: Ensure that the cauliflower is drained thoroughly after steaming to achieve the crispiest tater tots possible. Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture can elevate the flavor and add a fresh touch. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for unique flavors and textures. Serve Immediately: These tater tots are best served hot and fresh from the oven for maximum crunch and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out some ingredients in this recipe. If you want a dairy-free option for cheese, use vegan cheese instead of cheddar. This will keep the taste and texture similar, while making it suitable for those who avoid dairy. For the Parmesan, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you need a gluten-free option for flour, almond flour works well. You can also use coconut flour, but it may need adjustments in the liquid since it absorbs more moisture. Both choices help keep your tater tots tasty and light. Mixing in spices or herbs can change the flavor of your tater tots. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky taste or some Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh twist. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate other vegetables to boost nutrition. Finely grated carrots or zucchini adds color and flavor. Just be sure to wring out any excess moisture to keep your tots crisp. This way, you create a unique and flavorful snack every time! To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. Keep the container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tater tots. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat your tater tots, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you use the microwave, they may become soggy. To avoid this, place a paper towel under the tater tots when reheating. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them tasty. Enjoy your delicious snack! Yes, you can make these tater tots ahead of time. To do this, prepare the mixture as usual but do not bake it. Shape the tater tots and place them on a baking sheet. Then, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through. These tater tots pair well with many dishes. Here are some popular options: - Ranch dressing: A classic dip that adds a creamy touch. - Spicy ketchup: For those who love a bit of heat. - Guacamole: A fresh and creamy dip that complements the flavors. - Salsa: Adds a zesty kick to your snack. - Vegetable sticks: Serve with a side of crunchy veggies for added health. Absolutely! These tater tots are great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and freeze them. To freeze, shape the tater tots and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer. This way, you always have a tasty snack ready to go! This blog post covered how to make delicious cheesy cauliflower tater tots. You learned about key ingredients, like cauliflower, cheese, and eggs, and how to customize them. I shared essential tips to ensure your tots reach peak crispiness and provided helpful storage and reheating advice. Remember, these tater tots are versatile and perfect for meal prep. Getting creative with your flavors can make this dish even more exciting. Enjoy experimenting with them in your kitchen!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

If you’re on the hunt for a guilt-free snack that’s both crispy and delicious, look no further! My Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots are packed with flavor and perfect for satisfying those crunchy cravings. Made with simple ingredients like cauliflower, cheese, and eggs, they’re easy to whip up. I’ll guide you through each step to make your kitchen adventures fun and rewarding. Let’s dive into this cheesy delight!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Comfort: These cheesy cauliflower tater tots are the perfect guilt-free comfort food that satisfies cravings without the carbs.
  2. Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, anyone can whip up these tasty tots in no time!
  3. Versatile Snack: They can be enjoyed as a snack, appetizer, or even a side dish, making them a fantastic addition to any meal.
  4. Kid-Friendly: These tots are a great way to sneak in veggies for picky eaters while still being delicious and fun to eat!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients List

– Cauliflower florets

– Cheddar cheese

– Almond flour

– Parmesan cheese

– Eggs

– Seasoning options

To make cheesy cauliflower tater tots, you need a few key ingredients. First, get a medium head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. This gives your tots a great base. Next, you’ll need one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor.

Add half a cup of almond flour to help bind everything together. You also need a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Then, two large eggs will help hold your mixture. Finally, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices make your tots pop with flavor.

Optional Ingredients for Customization

– Add-ins for flavor enhancement

– Suggested dipping sauces

You can customize your tater tots with fun add-ins. Try adding cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions for a tasty twist. Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

For dipping sauces, ranch dressing is a classic choice. Spicy ketchup is also a fun option. You can serve them with guacamole or a creamy aioli too. Choose what you love for a perfect snack!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation of Cauliflower

First, we need to steam the cauliflower. Cut the head into small florets. Place them in a steamer basket and steam for about 8-10 minutes. The cauliflower should be tender but not mushy. After steaming, drain the cauliflower well and let it cool slightly. This step is key. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tater tots will be. Once cooled, grab a clean dish towel. Place the cauliflower in it and wring it out. Remove as much moisture as you can. This will help our tater tots achieve that perfect crunch.

Mixing the Ingredients

Now it’s time to mix our ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything well. Make sure the mixture feels sticky but not too wet. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of water. You want a thick paste that holds together well. This mixture will form the base of our tasty tater tots.

Shaping and Baking

Next, we shape the mixture into tater tots. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a small log shape. Place each shaped tot on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven’t done so already. After shaping, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely. Bake the tots for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking. You want them golden and crispy on the outside. Enjoy your delicious cheesy cauliflower tater tots!

Tips & Tricks

Ensuring Crispiness

To get that crunchy finish, start with the right prep. Steam your cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes. Once tender, drain them well. The key is to remove as much moisture as possible. I like to use a clean dish towel. Wring it out tightly to squeeze out the water. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tots will be.

When baking, I recommend lightly spraying the tops with cooking spray or brushing them with olive oil. This extra step helps achieve that golden color and crisp texture we all love. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Serving these cheesy cauliflower tater tots is fun! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing or spicy ketchup works great. You can also try a yogurt-based dip for a fresh twist.

For presentation, place the tots on a nice serving platter. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for color. This adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look even more inviting. Enjoy these tasty bites with friends or family!

Pro Tips

  1. Drain Well: Ensure that the cauliflower is drained thoroughly after steaming to achieve the crispiest tater tots possible.
  2. Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture can elevate the flavor and add a fresh touch.
  3. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for unique flavors and textures.
  4. Serve Immediately: These tater tots are best served hot and fresh from the oven for maximum crunch and flavor.

Variations

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap out some ingredients in this recipe. If you want a dairy-free option for cheese, use vegan cheese instead of cheddar. This will keep the taste and texture similar, while making it suitable for those who avoid dairy. For the Parmesan, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy.

If you need a gluten-free option for flour, almond flour works well. You can also use coconut flour, but it may need adjustments in the liquid since it absorbs more moisture. Both choices help keep your tater tots tasty and light.

Flavor Variations

Mixing in spices or herbs can change the flavor of your tater tots. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky taste or some Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh twist. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

You can also incorporate other vegetables to boost nutrition. Finely grated carrots or zucchini adds color and flavor. Just be sure to wring out any excess moisture to keep your tots crisp. This way, you create a unique and flavorful snack every time!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. Keep the container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tater tots. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Tips

To reheat your tater tots, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you use the microwave, they may become soggy. To avoid this, place a paper towel under the tater tots when reheating. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them tasty. Enjoy your delicious snack!

FAQs

Can I make these tater tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can make these tater tots ahead of time. To do this, prepare the mixture as usual but do not bake it. Shape the tater tots and place them on a baking sheet. Then, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through.

What can I serve with cheesy cauliflower tater tots?

These tater tots pair well with many dishes. Here are some popular options:

– Ranch dressing: A classic dip that adds a creamy touch.

– Spicy ketchup: For those who love a bit of heat.

– Guacamole: A fresh and creamy dip that complements the flavors.

– Salsa: Adds a zesty kick to your snack.

– Vegetable sticks: Serve with a side of crunchy veggies for added health.

Are these tater tots suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! These tater tots are great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and freeze them. To freeze, shape the tater tots and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer. This way, you always have a tasty snack ready to go!

This blog post covered how to make delicious cheesy cauliflower tater tots. You learned about key ingredients, like cauliflower, cheese, and eggs, and how to customize them. I shared essential tips to ensure your tots reach peak crispiness and provided helpful storage and reheating advice. Remember, these tater tots are versatile and perfect for meal prep. Getting creative with your flavors can make this dish even more exciting. Enjoy experimenting with them in your kitche

- Cauliflower florets - Cheddar cheese - Almond flour - Parmesan cheese - Eggs - Seasoning options To make cheesy cauliflower tater tots, you need a few key ingredients. First, get a medium head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. This gives your tots a great base. Next, you’ll need one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This adds a rich, cheesy flavor. Add half a cup of almond flour to help bind everything together. You also need a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor. Then, two large eggs will help hold your mixture. Finally, season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. These spices make your tots pop with flavor. - Add-ins for flavor enhancement - Suggested dipping sauces You can customize your tater tots with fun add-ins. Try adding cooked bacon bits or chopped green onions for a tasty twist. Want more heat? Add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper. For dipping sauces, ranch dressing is a classic choice. Spicy ketchup is also a fun option. You can serve them with guacamole or a creamy aioli too. Choose what you love for a perfect snack! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to steam the cauliflower. Cut the head into small florets. Place them in a steamer basket and steam for about 8-10 minutes. The cauliflower should be tender but not mushy. After steaming, drain the cauliflower well and let it cool slightly. This step is key. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tater tots will be. Once cooled, grab a clean dish towel. Place the cauliflower in it and wring it out. Remove as much moisture as you can. This will help our tater tots achieve that perfect crunch. Now it’s time to mix our ingredients. In a large bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix everything well. Make sure the mixture feels sticky but not too wet. If it feels too dry, add a tiny bit of water. You want a thick paste that holds together well. This mixture will form the base of our tasty tater tots. Next, we shape the mixture into tater tots. Take a small amount of the mixture and roll it into a small log shape. Place each shaped tot on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them. This helps them cook evenly. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you haven't done so already. After shaping, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or brush them with olive oil. This will help them brown nicely. Bake the tots for 25-30 minutes. Make sure to turn them halfway through cooking. You want them golden and crispy on the outside. Enjoy your delicious cheesy cauliflower tater tots! To get that crunchy finish, start with the right prep. Steam your cauliflower florets for about 8-10 minutes. Once tender, drain them well. The key is to remove as much moisture as possible. I like to use a clean dish towel. Wring it out tightly to squeeze out the water. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tots will be. When baking, I recommend lightly spraying the tops with cooking spray or brushing them with olive oil. This extra step helps achieve that golden color and crisp texture we all love. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes. Turn them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Serving these cheesy cauliflower tater tots is fun! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing or spicy ketchup works great. You can also try a yogurt-based dip for a fresh twist. For presentation, place the tots on a nice serving platter. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs on top for color. This adds a pop of freshness and makes the dish look even more inviting. Enjoy these tasty bites with friends or family! Pro Tips Drain Well: Ensure that the cauliflower is drained thoroughly after steaming to achieve the crispiest tater tots possible. Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mixture can elevate the flavor and add a fresh touch. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for unique flavors and textures. Serve Immediately: These tater tots are best served hot and fresh from the oven for maximum crunch and flavor. {{image_2}} You can easily swap out some ingredients in this recipe. If you want a dairy-free option for cheese, use vegan cheese instead of cheddar. This will keep the taste and texture similar, while making it suitable for those who avoid dairy. For the Parmesan, try nutritional yeast. It adds a cheesy flavor without dairy. If you need a gluten-free option for flour, almond flour works well. You can also use coconut flour, but it may need adjustments in the liquid since it absorbs more moisture. Both choices help keep your tater tots tasty and light. Mixing in spices or herbs can change the flavor of your tater tots. Consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky taste or some Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh twist. If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. You can also incorporate other vegetables to boost nutrition. Finely grated carrots or zucchini adds color and flavor. Just be sure to wring out any excess moisture to keep your tots crisp. This way, you create a unique and flavorful snack every time! To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, store them in an airtight container. Place a paper towel inside the container to absorb excess moisture. This helps prevent sogginess. Keep the container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the tater tots. Lay them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat your tater tots, use the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. If you use the microwave, they may become soggy. To avoid this, place a paper towel under the tater tots when reheating. This helps absorb moisture and keeps them tasty. Enjoy your delicious snack! Yes, you can make these tater tots ahead of time. To do this, prepare the mixture as usual but do not bake it. Shape the tater tots and place them on a baking sheet. Then, cover them with plastic wrap and refrigerate. You can keep them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop them in the oven straight from the fridge. Add a couple of extra minutes to the baking time to ensure they cook through. These tater tots pair well with many dishes. Here are some popular options: - Ranch dressing: A classic dip that adds a creamy touch. - Spicy ketchup: For those who love a bit of heat. - Guacamole: A fresh and creamy dip that complements the flavors. - Salsa: Adds a zesty kick to your snack. - Vegetable sticks: Serve with a side of crunchy veggies for added health. Absolutely! These tater tots are great for meal prep. You can make a large batch and freeze them. To freeze, shape the tater tots and place them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When you want to enjoy them, bake straight from the freezer. This way, you always have a tasty snack ready to go! This blog post covered how to make delicious cheesy cauliflower tater tots. You learned about key ingredients, like cauliflower, cheese, and eggs, and how to customize them. I shared essential tips to ensure your tots reach peak crispiness and provided helpful storage and reheating advice. Remember, these tater tots are versatile and perfect for meal prep. Getting creative with your flavors can make this dish even more exciting. Enjoy experimenting with them in your kitchen!

Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots

Delicious and crispy tater tots made with cauliflower and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup almond flour
  • 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and allow to cool slightly.
  • Once cooled, place the steamed cauliflower in a clean dish towel and wring it out to remove as much moisture as possible.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
  • Use your hands to form the mixture into small tater tot shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with cooking spray or brush with olive oil for extra crispiness.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until the tots are golden and crispy on the outside.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and garnish with herbs.
Keyword cauliflower, cheesy, healthy, tater tots

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