Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots Crunchy and Flavorful

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In this recipe, we focus on simple yet tasty ingredients. Each one plays a big role in making your cheesy cauliflower tater tots crunchy and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup almond flour (or any flour of choice) - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray for cooking Cauliflower is the star here. It gives the tots a nice texture. Cheese adds a delicious, gooey flavor. Almond flour keeps them light, but you can use any flour you like. The egg helps bind everything together. Green onions bring a fresh taste. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Using olive oil spray helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Each ingredient contributes to a delightful bite that you won't forget! {{ingredient_image_1}} Steaming the Cauliflower Start by steaming the cauliflower florets. Place them in a steamer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. This step helps keep the tots light. Draining Moisture Once steamed, let the cauliflower cool a bit. Then, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze tightly to remove as much water as you can. This step is key for crunchy tater tots. If they are wet, they won’t crisp up well. Combining All Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cauliflower. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of almond flour, and 1 large beaten egg. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together nicely. Forming Tater Tot Shapes Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into small tater tot shapes. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each tot. This helps them cook evenly. Baking Instructions Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for a nice, even crunch. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy cauliflower tater tots! To get the best crunch from your cheesy cauliflower tater tots, start by draining moisture. Moisture makes the tots soggy. After you steam the cauliflower, wrap the florets in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze hard to remove as much water as you can. This step is key! Next, use cooking spray wisely. Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray before baking. This helps them turn golden and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through baking. This ensures that every side gets even heat. Dipping sauces add fun to your tater tots. Try ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli. These sauces complement the cheesy flavor well. You can also serve the tots with a side salad for a fresh touch. Pair these tots with burgers or grilled chicken for a full meal. They make a great side dish for any gathering. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a meal, they are sure to please! Pro Tips Draining is Key: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible. This step is essential for achieving crispy tater tots. Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles. Uniform Sizes: When shaping your tater tots, try to make them all similar in size for even cooking and browning. Halfway Flip: Remember to flip the tater tots halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for different tastes. Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Try mozzarella for a mild, gooey texture. Parmesan adds a nice nutty touch. You can also mix cheeses for a fun twist. Create your own blend that suits your taste buds. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Finely chopped spinach adds color and nutrients. Carrots can bring a bit of sweetness. Zucchini is another great option, but make sure to drain it well. You can even use broccoli for extra crunch. Get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking! If you need gluten-free options, almond flour works well. You can also use coconut flour or chickpea flour. These flours keep the texture nice without gluten. Just replace the regular flour with your choice. This way, you can enjoy tasty tater tots that fit your diet! I love leftovers, especially when they taste this good! To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them. This way, they won't get soggy. If you want to keep them longer, I suggest freezing them. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want them crispy again. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Check halfway and flip them for even crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Just cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method works wonders! Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw it first. Drain any extra water. This helps keep your tater tots crispy. To make these tater tots vegan, skip the egg. Use a flax egg instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This works well as a binder. These tater tots pair great with various dips. You can serve them with ranch dressing or ketchup. They also go well with a spicy aioli. Enjoy them as a snack or as a side dish with any meal. You now have a clear path to making tasty Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots. We covered the main ingredients, from cauliflower to different cheese options. I shared steps for preparing, mixing, and baking, ensuring a crisp texture. Tips helped you achieve the best results, while variations let you customize your tots. Finally, I provided storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking adventure and delight in each cheesy bite!

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Looking for a fun and tasty way to enjoy veggies? Try my Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots! These crunchy and flavorful bites are simple to make and perfect for any meal. With gooey cheese and a crispy exterior, they’ll satisfy your cravings without the guilt. Plus, I’ll share tips to make them even better. Get ready to dive into a delicious recipe that your family will love!

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Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Healthy Alternative: These cheesy cauliflower tater tots provide a guilt-free twist on traditional tater tots, perfect for satisfying cravings without the extra carbs.
  2. Easy to Make: With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
  3. Customizable: You can easily swap in your favorite cheeses or add spices to make these tater tots uniquely yours.
  4. Perfect for Meal Prep: These tater tots can be made ahead of time and stored in the freezer, making them an ideal snack or side for busy days.

Ingredients

In this recipe, we focus on simple yet tasty ingredients. Each one plays a big role in making your cheesy cauliflower tater tots crunchy and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need:

– 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets

– 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

– 1/2 cup almond flour (or any flour of choice)

– 1 large egg, beaten

– 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon onion powder

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Olive oil spray for cooking

Cauliflower is the star here. It gives the tots a nice texture. Cheese adds a delicious, gooey flavor. Almond flour keeps them light, but you can use any flour you like. The egg helps bind everything together. Green onions bring a fresh taste. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.

Using olive oil spray helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Each ingredient contributes to a delightful bite that you won’t forget!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Cauliflower

Steaming the Cauliflower

Start by steaming the cauliflower florets. Place them in a steamer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. This step helps keep the tots light.

Draining Moisture

Once steamed, let the cauliflower cool a bit. Then, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze tightly to remove as much water as you can. This step is key for crunchy tater tots. If they are wet, they won’t crisp up well.

Mixing the Ingredients

Combining All Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cauliflower. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of almond flour, and 1 large beaten egg. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together nicely.

Shaping and Baking

Forming Tater Tot Shapes

Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into small tater tot shapes. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each tot. This helps them cook evenly.

Baking Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for a nice, even crunch. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy cauliflower tater tots!

Tips & Tricks

Achieving Crispiness

To get the best crunch from your cheesy cauliflower tater tots, start by draining moisture. Moisture makes the tots soggy. After you steam the cauliflower, wrap the florets in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze hard to remove as much water as you can. This step is key!

Next, use cooking spray wisely. Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray before baking. This helps them turn golden and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through baking. This ensures that every side gets even heat.

Serving Suggestions

Dipping sauces add fun to your tater tots. Try ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli. These sauces complement the cheesy flavor well. You can also serve the tots with a side salad for a fresh touch.

Pair these tots with burgers or grilled chicken for a full meal. They make a great side dish for any gathering. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a meal, they are sure to please!

Pro Tips

  1. Draining is Key: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible. This step is essential for achieving crispy tater tots.
  2. Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles.
  3. Uniform Sizes: When shaping your tater tots, try to make them all similar in size for even cooking and browning.
  4. Halfway Flip: Remember to flip the tater tots halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides.

Variations

Cheese Options

You can change the cheese for different tastes. Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Try mozzarella for a mild, gooey texture. Parmesan adds a nice nutty touch. You can also mix cheeses for a fun twist. Create your own blend that suits your taste buds.

Adding Vegetables

Feel free to mix in other veggies. Finely chopped spinach adds color and nutrients. Carrots can bring a bit of sweetness. Zucchini is another great option, but make sure to drain it well. You can even use broccoli for extra crunch. Get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking!

Gluten-Free Alternatives

If you need gluten-free options, almond flour works well. You can also use coconut flour or chickpea flour. These flours keep the texture nice without gluten. Just replace the regular flour with your choice. This way, you can enjoy tasty tater tots that fit your diet!

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

I love leftovers, especially when they taste this good! To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them. This way, they won’t get soggy. If you want to keep them longer, I suggest freezing them. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag.

Reheating Tips

When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, you want them crispy again. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Check halfway and flip them for even crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Just cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method works wonders!

FAQs

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw it first. Drain any extra water. This helps keep your tater tots crispy.

How can I make these tater tots vegan?

To make these tater tots vegan, skip the egg. Use a flax egg instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This works well as a binder.

What can I serve with Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots?

These tater tots pair great with various dips. You can serve them with ranch dressing or ketchup. They also go well with a spicy aioli. Enjoy them as a snack or as a side dish with any meal.

You now have a clear path to making tasty Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots. We covered the main ingredients, from cauliflower to different cheese options. I shared steps for preparing, mixing, and baking, ensuring a crisp texture. Tips helped you achieve the best results, while variations let you customize your tots. Finally, I provided storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking adventure and delight in each cheesy bit

In this recipe, we focus on simple yet tasty ingredients. Each one plays a big role in making your cheesy cauliflower tater tots crunchy and flavorful. Here’s what you’ll need: - 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup almond flour (or any flour of choice) - 1 large egg, beaten - 1/4 cup green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Olive oil spray for cooking Cauliflower is the star here. It gives the tots a nice texture. Cheese adds a delicious, gooey flavor. Almond flour keeps them light, but you can use any flour you like. The egg helps bind everything together. Green onions bring a fresh taste. Garlic and onion powders add depth. Lastly, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. Using olive oil spray helps them crisp up nicely in the oven. Each ingredient contributes to a delightful bite that you won't forget! {{ingredient_image_1}} Steaming the Cauliflower Start by steaming the cauliflower florets. Place them in a steamer basket and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. You want them tender but not mushy. This step helps keep the tots light. Draining Moisture Once steamed, let the cauliflower cool a bit. Then, wrap it in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze tightly to remove as much water as you can. This step is key for crunchy tater tots. If they are wet, they won’t crisp up well. Combining All Ingredients In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cauliflower. Then, mix in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup of almond flour, and 1 large beaten egg. Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir until everything is well combined. The mixture should hold together nicely. Forming Tater Tot Shapes Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture. Roll them into small tater tot shapes. Place these on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to leave space between each tot. This helps them cook evenly. Baking Instructions Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray. Bake them for 20 to 25 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through for a nice, even crunch. Once done, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your cheesy cauliflower tater tots! To get the best crunch from your cheesy cauliflower tater tots, start by draining moisture. Moisture makes the tots soggy. After you steam the cauliflower, wrap the florets in a clean kitchen towel. Squeeze hard to remove as much water as you can. This step is key! Next, use cooking spray wisely. Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray before baking. This helps them turn golden and crispy. Remember to flip them halfway through baking. This ensures that every side gets even heat. Dipping sauces add fun to your tater tots. Try ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or garlic aioli. These sauces complement the cheesy flavor well. You can also serve the tots with a side salad for a fresh touch. Pair these tots with burgers or grilled chicken for a full meal. They make a great side dish for any gathering. Whether you enjoy them as a snack or a meal, they are sure to please! Pro Tips Draining is Key: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible. This step is essential for achieving crispy tater tots. Cheese Choices: While sharp cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other cheese varieties like pepper jack or mozzarella for different flavor profiles. Uniform Sizes: When shaping your tater tots, try to make them all similar in size for even cooking and browning. Halfway Flip: Remember to flip the tater tots halfway through baking to ensure they brown evenly on all sides. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese for different tastes. Sharp cheddar gives a strong flavor. Try mozzarella for a mild, gooey texture. Parmesan adds a nice nutty touch. You can also mix cheeses for a fun twist. Create your own blend that suits your taste buds. Feel free to mix in other veggies. Finely chopped spinach adds color and nutrients. Carrots can bring a bit of sweetness. Zucchini is another great option, but make sure to drain it well. You can even use broccoli for extra crunch. Get creative and tailor the recipe to your liking! If you need gluten-free options, almond flour works well. You can also use coconut flour or chickpea flour. These flours keep the texture nice without gluten. Just replace the regular flour with your choice. This way, you can enjoy tasty tater tots that fit your diet! I love leftovers, especially when they taste this good! To keep your cheesy cauliflower tater tots fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them. This way, they won't get soggy. If you want to keep them longer, I suggest freezing them. Just lay them flat on a baking sheet first, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, you want them crispy again. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spread the tater tots on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for about 10-15 minutes. Check halfway and flip them for even crispiness. You can also use an air fryer for a quick reheat. Just cook them at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes. This method works wonders! Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw it first. Drain any extra water. This helps keep your tater tots crispy. To make these tater tots vegan, skip the egg. Use a flax egg instead. Mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with two and a half tablespoons of water. Let it sit for five minutes to thicken. This works well as a binder. These tater tots pair great with various dips. You can serve them with ranch dressing or ketchup. They also go well with a spicy aioli. Enjoy them as a snack or as a side dish with any meal. You now have a clear path to making tasty Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots. We covered the main ingredients, from cauliflower to different cheese options. I shared steps for preparing, mixing, and baking, ensuring a crisp texture. Tips helped you achieve the best results, while variations let you customize your tots. Finally, I provided storage and reheating methods for leftovers. Enjoy your cooking adventure and delight in each cheesy bite!

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, chopped into florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup almond flour (or any flour of choice)
  • 1 large egg, beaten
  • 0.25 cup green onions, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed olive oil spray for cooking

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Steam the cauliflower florets until tender, about 10-12 minutes, then allow to cool slightly.
  • In a clean kitchen towel, tightly wrap the steamed cauliflower and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is crucial for achieving crispy tater tots!
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, cheddar cheese, almond flour, beaten egg, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined.
  • Using your hands, form the mixture into small tater tot shapes and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Make sure to leave space between each tot for even cooking.
  • Lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with olive oil spray to promote browning.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flip them halfway through for uniform crispiness.
  • Remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible for crispy tots.
Keyword cauliflower, cheesy, tater tots, vegetarian

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