Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots – Immerse yourself in the world of Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots. A variation of the classic tots. These golden bites of deliciousness will make a perfect addition, to any family meal or gathering. Bursting with the flavors of garlic and cheese this recipe puts a spin on beloved comfort food. Prepare yourself to indulge in this easy dish that will leave your taste buds yearning for more.
I can still vividly recall the first time I whipped up a batch of these Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots for my family. It was a regular weeknight. I wanted to sneak some veggies into my child’s diet. Little did I know that these tots would quickly become everyone’s favorite. The enticing aroma of garlic combined with the cheesy goodness that oozed out from these nuggets had both my husband and child hovering around the oven eagerly awaiting their turn to taste. That evening dinner turned into a feast filled with laughter and gratitude for these tots.
What makes these Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots truly special?
Take your meal to heights with these Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots. A take on traditional tots. Packed with flavors, like garlic, cheddar, and parmesan cheese these tots offer a crispy layer while maintaining a tender interior. They’re an accompaniment, for any event. Their adaptability really comes through when you pair them with your preferred dipping sauces. Whether you’re trying to incorporate vegetables or treating yourself to some comfort food these tots provide a culinary experience just waiting to be explored.
What You Need To Make This Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots Recipe?
Water: Start by using tap water to boil the cauliflower and carrots. Make sure the water is, at a rolling boil before adding in the vegetables.
Salt: Add some salt to the boiling water to season the cauliflower and carrots as they partially cook. This will enhance their flavor.
Cauliflower: Opt for a small head of cauliflower and cut it into florets. It’s best to choose fresh cauliflower for best results.
Carrots: Choose large carrots for this recipe. Look for fresh, vibrant ones as you’ll be slicing them before boiling them.
Green Onions: For this recipe use the white parts of the green onions. Thinly slice them to add an oniony taste.
Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves to infuse an aroma into the tots. Fresh garlic is recommended for its flavor.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs give the tots an airy texture resulting in a crispy layer. You can easily find these breadcrumbs in grocery stores.
Egg: The egg serves as a binding agent ensuring that the tots hold together well. It’s best if the egg is at room temperature, for binding.
Reduced Fat Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated sharp cheddar cheese adds flavor to your dish. Opting for reduced-fat cheese keeps things healthier without compromising on taste.
Parmesan Cheese: The grated parmesan cheese adds a nutty and salty taste, to the tots complementing the cheddar perfectly.
Dried Oregano: For an herbal touch, we include dried oregano in the tots. It pairs wonderfully with the garlic and cheese.
Garlic Powder: To make the tots irresistibly garlicky and delicious we enhance the flavor with a sprinkle of garlic powder.
Fresh Parsley: For a touch of freshness and a pop of color finely chop some parsley to incorporate into the tots.
Salt and Fresh Ground Pepper: Don’t forget to season the tots with salt and freshly ground pepper according to your taste preference. Just keep in mind that you may have already added some salt during the boiling process.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Steps To Make Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots:
Step 1: Get ready for some oven magic! First things first, preheat your oven to a toasty 400°F (200°C). This is where the real transformation of these tots begins—crispy perfection is just around the corner.
Step 2: Grab your trusty baking sheet and give it a quick spritz with cooking spray. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s ready for these golden delights.
Step 3: We’re diving into the vegetable wonderland now! In a pot, bring 4 cups of water to a lively boil, and toss in 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Now, in go your cauliflower florets and those big, beautiful carrots. Let ’em have a quick parboil for about 5 minutes. We’re just getting them warmed up here.
Step 4: After their hot bath, drain the cauliflower and carrots, and give ’em a refreshing rinse with cold water. Pat them down with some paper towels, so they’re not feeling too damp. They’re getting ready for their star turn.
Step 5: Now, let’s talk flavor town. In a mixing bowl, toss in sliced green onions, minced garlic (oh, that aroma!), panko breadcrumbs, a beaten egg, and our cheesy stars—grated cheddar and parmesan. Add a pinch of dried oregano, a dash of garlic powder, and some freshly chopped parsley, and season to taste with salt and pepper. This is where the party’s starting!
Step 6: Time to make some kitchen music! Pop your cooled cauliflower and carrots into a food processor. Give it a whirl, but not too much – we want them nicely chopped, not pureed. Now, introduce your flavor-packed cheese mixture to the party. Pulse it all together like they’re dancing, about 5 to 6 times. You want them to get to know each other, but not get too cozy.
Step 7: Here comes the fun part! Scoop out about 2 tablespoons of this flavorful mix into your hands and shape them into cute little ovals. These are your tots-in-the-making!
Step 8: Place your tots on that prepared baking sheet. Pop them in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. Then, with a flip of your spatula, let them keep partying for another 9 to 10 minutes until they’re all beautifully golden browned.
Step 9: Take a deep breath. The aroma filling your kitchen is nothing short of amazing, but these tots are hot stuff! Let them cool off a bit before you dive in. Trust me; it’s worth the wait.
Step 10: Now, the moment you’ve been waiting for! Serve these golden nuggets of goodness with your favorite dipping sauces. Ketchup, mustard, yogurt, you name it—these tots are ready to mingle. Dip, bite, and savor the scrumptiousness!
Tip:
For a crispy layer place the formed tots on a wire rack positioned over the baking sheet instead of placing them directly on the sheet. This allows air to circulate around the tots ensuring crispiness. Additionally, it prevents the bottoms from getting too soggy resulting in satisfyingly crunchy Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make these tots ahead of time and reheat them later?
Sure! You can definitely prepare these tots ahead of time. Reheat them later. Just follow the instructions to prepare and bake them, then store them in an airtight container, in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for around 10 minutes. Until they’re heated through.
Can I use frozen cauliflower and carrots instead of fresh ones?
If you don’t have cauliflower and carrots on hand frozen ones will work too in a pinch. Just remember to thaw. Pat them dry before using them in the recipe.
Are these tots gluten-free?
Regarding options, you can make these tots gluten-free by substituting panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. That way everyone can savor these tots without any worries, about gluten content.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Garlicky & Cheesy Carrots and Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients
- 4 c. water
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1 small head cauliflower cut into florets
- 2 large carrots
- 2 green onions thinly sliced (white parts only)
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 c. panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 1/2 c. grated reduced-fat sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 c. grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- 1/4 c. finely chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking sheet, with cooking spray. Set it aside.
- In a pan bring 4 cups of water to a boil adding 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
- Add the cauliflower and carrots to the boiling water. Let them cook for 5 minutes.
- Once done, drain and rinse the cauliflower and carrots with water. Use paper towels to pat them dry. Allow them some time to cool down.
- In a mixing bowl combine the sliced green onions, minced garlic, panko breadcrumbs, egg, grated cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, dried oregano, garlic powder chopped fresh parsley, salt and freshly ground pepper.
- Transfer the cauliflower and carrots into your food processor. Pulse several times until they are evenly chopped without becoming too fine in texture.
- Now add the cheese mixture to the food processor. Pulse for approximately 5 to 6 times until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Using 2 tablespoons of the mixture at a time shape it into oval-shaped tots using your hands.
- Place these tots onto the baking sheet. Bake for about 10 minutes. Then flip them over. Continue baking for 9 to 10 minutes until they turn beautifully golden browned.
- Take them out of the oven. Allow them to sit for a couple of minutes. Enjoy these Carrots and Cauliflower Tots with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ketchup, tangy mustard, smooth yogurt or your own personal preference.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
