These crispy, oven-baked cauliflower tots offer a nutritious twist on classic tater tots. With tender cauliflower, Colby Jack cheese, and seasoned breadcrumbs, each bite is satisfying, light, and delicious—a perfect snack or side dish.
2½cupsraw cauliflower floretsabout 2 cups when cooked
1large egg
1large egg white
½cuponiondiced
1teaspoongarlicminced
2tablespoonsfresh parsleyminced
½cupColby Jack cheesegrated
½cupseasoned Panko breadcrumbs
Salt and pepperto taste
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Instructions
Prepare the Cauliflower: Begin by cooking the cauliflower florets. Pour approximately ¼ inch of water into a large pan and heat over medium heat until simmering. Reduce the heat to low, add the cauliflower, cover, and allow it to steam for approximately 5 minutes, until the cauliflower is tender yet firm enough to hold its shape. Drain any excess water and let the cauliflower cool slightly.
Chop and Combine Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Finely chop the cooked cauliflower and place 2 cups of the cauliflower pieces into a mixing bowl. Add the egg, egg white, diced onion, minced garlic, parsley, grated Colby Jack cheese, and seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper as desired. Stir well to ensure the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Shape the Tots: Using a measuring spoon, scoop out approximately 1½ tablespoons of the cauliflower mixture. Shape each portion into a tot-like form, resembling a small, oblong oval. Place each tot on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them to allow for even cooking.
Bake the Tots: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, turning the tots occasionally to ensure even browning on all sides. Continue baking until the tots are golden and crisp on the exterior.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. These cauliflower tots pair well with a dipping sauce of your choice or as a side to various dishes.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free Panko or almond flour. Adjust the seasoning as needed if your gluten-free alternative is unseasoned.