Cauliflower Tots

I Can’t Get Enough of These Cauliflower Tots

These crisp little morsels are one of my best vegetable recipes ever. I love that they mimic classic tater tots, but they’re made with shredded cauliflower instead of shredded potatoes! Cauli tots are also baked rather than fried, which does double duty in keeping them lighter while allowing the edges to get deliciously crispy and the cheese to melt until it’s nice and toasty. Tots are a great and easy side to Pan Seared Cube Steaks or Beefaroni, which can be whipped up while the tots are in the oven. Some more highlights include:

• My kids love them. Yes, this is such a bonus! Both the kids and the adults at the table gobble these up fast.
• You can double the recipe. I love these tots so much I’ll often make a double batch, serve one round for dinner, and then freeze the rest for another time.
• Lighter than tater tots. The swap of cauliflower for potatoes and baking the tots in the oven keeps things from feeling heavy or greasy.
• Great with … everything. From burgers to dipping sauces, there are so many ways you can serve these veggie tots.

What You’ll Need

Cauliflower plus cheese and cornmeal (or gluten-free breadcrumbs) come together to make a quick snack or side. Here’s a look at what you’ll need, with the full ingredient amounts included in the recipe card at the end of this post.

• Cauliflower: You’ll need about 1/2 head of cauliflower for this recipe. You can make roasted cauliflower with the rest of the head, or double the recipe and use the entire head of cauliflower. Yes, you are reading the recipe correctly – you do NOT cook the cauliflower before shredding it.
• Salt: I used kosher salt in these tots.
• Cheddar Cheese: Use about 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese or another hard, flavorful cheese such as parmesan or Gruyere.
• Cornmeal: Gluten-free cornmeal helps to hold the tots together. You could also use gluten-free bread crumbs or ground oats (oat flour).
• Egg: A large egg is essential in binding the ingredients together to give structure to the tots.
• Seasonings: Ground mustard and black pepper.

How to Make Crisp Cauliflower Tots

Use a mini muffin pan to help shape the tots. I’ve included an overview below of how to make this recipe, and you can find the detailed instructions in the recipe card.

• Drain the cauliflower. Sprinkle the shredded cauliflower with salt, then let it sit to release moisture before squeezing out the water.
• Add to a bowl. Place the drained cauliflower in a bowl.

• Add remaining ingredients. Now add the cheese, cornmeal, egg, 1/2 teaspoon salt, dry mustard, and pepper to the cauliflower.
• Mix thoroughly. Use a fork to mix the tot batter together.

• Add to pan. Divide the mixture between greased muffin cups, pressing it down.
• Cook: Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.

Tips and Variation Ideas

• Spray your muffin tin. You’ll want to coat it really well. I don’t love using tons of nonstick cooking spray, but in this case, it will ensure you can get your tots out of the muffin tin. You can also use a silicone muffin pan, but the bottoms don’t get quite as browned and crisp.
• Ensure crispness. Squeeze out as much liquid as you possibly can and really pack the mixture into the muffin tins. This will ensure nice, crispy tots.
• Try another cheese: Sharp, medium, or mild cheddar works, or try another melty cheese like Jack or Fontina. Or do a mix of cheeses. You can try my Pepper Jack Cauliflower Tots or Parmesan Mozzarella Cauliflower Tots.
• Season them up: Give them a sprinkle of garlic powder, taco seasoning, or make Old Bay Cauliflower Tots (they taste a little like Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuits!).
• Grain-free: To make these grain and gluten-free, use almond flour or quinoa flour instead of cornmeal.
• Buy riced cauliflower: Look for already-riced (shredded cauliflower) in the refrigerated or frozen section of your grocery store and save yourself some prep time.
• Try other vegetables: If you can find other riced veggies like broccoli or mixed vegetables at the store, swap them for the cauliflower in equal amounts.

More Cauliflower Recipes

• Whipped Cauliflower
• Air Fryer Cauliflower
• Cheesy Cauliflower Casserole
• Sesame Glazed Cauliflower Bites