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Spicy Buffalo Cauliflower Tots add that hot wing you love to these cheesy little veggie-packed bites. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and with a kicked up flavor that is just begging to be dipped into Ranch or blue cheese dressing. The family will be asking for seconds of this easy gluten free side dish!
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by American Family Insurance. All opinions are my own. Originally Published June 22, 2014. Updated on March 23, 2021.
Spicy Cauliflower Tots – Taste like Buffalo Wings
Like most families, we have different wants and needs, likes and dislikes for each person in the family. But, of course, I still want to feed my family healthy, nutritious food.
One of the things I try to do is to get them to eat as many vegetables as possible. Naturally, I do want to make sure my kids enjoy eating vegetables in as close to their original form as possible – salads, peas and carrots, sliced cucumbers, roasted broccoli and more all make daily appearances on our lunch and dinner plates.
But it never hurts to squeeze in some extra. And the best way to squeeze in extra is to make it fun. Like turning cauliflower into cauli tots. Especially when those tots taste like spicy chicken wings!
Not only do they make a fun finger food side dish, but when you set them out on a platter with some dips and a pile of carrot and celery sticks you have a great game day snack or party appetizer!
Buffalo Cauliflower Tots Recipe
This kicked up version is based on my original cheesy Cauliflower Tots recipe. I’m going to give you an overview of the recipe here, plus all the detailed steps you need in the recipe card at the bottom of the post. But if you want to know all of my tips and tricks for tot perfection, be sure to check out that original recipe.
Ingredients
- Cauliflower: You’ll need about half a head of cauliflower so that after it is shredded you end up with about 4 cups of raw, shredded cauliflower.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I usually Cabot sharp cheddar, but use your favorite.
- Buffalo hot sauce: Frank’s Red Hot is our favorite.
- Egg: Just one to help bind everything together.
- Cornmeal: If you are gluten free, check the label of your cornmeal that is is gluten free and not cross-contaminated.
How to Make Spicy Cauliflower Tots
- Preparations: Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a mini muffin tin thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. The key step is removing all excess moisture, so place the shredded cauliflower in a kitchen towel and twist and squeeze to drain out as much liquid as possible.
- Make the mixture: Toss all of the ingredients together in a large bowl. I like to use a fork.
- Divide and bake: Using a spoon or scoop, divide the mixture between the muffin cups and be sure to press it down firmly into the cups. You’ll fill all 24 cups in the muffin tin. Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Can you use frozen cauliflower rice?
I have not tested this, but I suspect you would have to thaw and drain it thoroughly and squeeze it out very well, as frozen vegetables tend to retain more moisture.
Can you make these low carb?
I have used 1/2 cups almond meal in place of cornmeal and they are still delicious, but have a slightly softer texture because the cornmeal helps to bind it. If you do want to make them keto-friendly, I recommend trying 1/4 cup of almond meal and 2 Tablespoons coconut flour. I have not tested that substitution in the tots, but it works perfectly in my Cauliflower Hash Browns Casserole, as the coconut flour helps to absorb moisture much like the cornmeal.
What do you dip Buffalo Cauli Tots in?
Whether you want to use your favorite wing dip or tot dip, go to the store and grab a bottle or try my homemade versions.
Make it a Meal – What to Serve Spicy Cauliflower Tots With
A food processor with shredding blade is the fastest and easiest way to shred the cauliflower and cheese. I use the one linked here from Hamilton Beach.
This 24-cup mini muffin tin is just the right size for one batch of cauliflower tots.
Using a small cookie scoop makes quick work of filling the mini muffin tin.
Buffalo Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients
- 4 cups shredded raw cauliflower (about half of a large head), see Note
- 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 2 oz.)
- 1/2 cup hot sauce (recommended: Frank's Red Hot)
- 1 egg
- ½ cup cornmeal
- Your favorite Blue Cheese or Ranch dip or dressing for dipping, such as my Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dip, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spray a mini muffin tin thoroughly with oil or cooking spray.
- Place the shredded cauliflower in a kitchen towel and squeeze out the excess moisture. Be sure to remove as much liquid as possible.
- Combine all of the ingredients (except the Blue Cheese or Ranch dip) in a large bowl, and mix together thoroughly. I like to use a fork to toss it all together.
- Using a spoon or scoop, divide the mixture between the muffin cups and press down firmly into the cups.
- Bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Let cool slightly before using the tip of a butter knife or mini spatula to loosen and pop the tots out of the muffin tin.
- Serve with Blue Cheese or Ranch Dip for dipping.
Notes
Did you make this?
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Did you boil the cauliflower first? You mentioned squeezing the extra moisture out?
Nope, you use it raw, but as you squeeze it in the towel, the excess moisture will squeeze out.
These look so amazing! Curious if you know of anything that could be used to bind everything together in place of the egg? Or, if they would hold up with just leaving the egg out altogether? Would love to make a vegan version of these!
I haven’t tried without egg. I’d love to know how it works out for you.
I realize you’re using mini muffin tins, but how many tots should this make? Hard to know how much to pack into each cup…..
I make 24 from each batch. You’ll have to pack it down, plus that helps them stay together.
These look awesome! Do you hava calorie count for these?
No, I’m sorry, I have not calculated it.
Looks good!
Pinned to a group board…yum!!
You are the cauli-tot queen! I will be trying these soon. Thanks for sharing!
Yeah more cauli-tots! I think you need to work for the cauliflower board or something, you truly represent this vegetable!
Haha, hmmm, maybe that’s an idea 😉
Hi, I love the look of these, but what exactly, for a non-American is ‘hot sauce’?
Hot sauce is a sauce made out of cayenne peppers. Here is a brand I like – https://www.franksredhot.com/
DROOLING for these!!
Haha, thanks!
Um, this is an amazing idea. Love it, and can’t wait to try them myself!
Thank you! I love to “buffalo” everything!
These look delicious! And who doesn’t love tots!! I made something similar with cauliflower florets one time, but they were pretty messing when eating. These looks like they’d be a whole lot easier to eat! I can’t wait to try these!!
I am seriously obsessed with all your cauliflower tater tots recipes! This one is a winner for sure!
I need to try your cauli tots. Such a great idea! This buffalo version is at the top of the to-make list…can’t wait!
I need…yes NEED…to make these! They sound awesome, I bet the whole family will love them (hence, double batch). 🙂
LOL I love the description of all your food habits. Your cauli-tots are always popular, and you choose such great flavors!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Your a genius! This recipe is just perfect! Perfect!! I want this!
Haha, I try 😉
I love little bites like these! The fact their veggie, all the better! Snack happy!
They are so snackable!
Oh yum! I love anything Buffalo-style!
Me too, except wings, strangely enough!
My kids also always know what’s in the food we eat and is has paid off that both of them love fruits as well as veggies alike.
Oh, and your buffalo cauliflower tots looks absolutely fantastic!
Thanks Bea! Yes, so important to make them appreciate fruits and veggies in all forms.
This is a genius idea. There’s no way I’m sharing my tots. Pinned.
Haha, my 1 year old and 4 year old didn’t want to share either! I think they ate six or more each!
I loooooove tater tots, but try not to make them too often because I know they’re not great for us. But these?? These could become a weekly staple!
They pretty much are in our house!
Such a fun recipe — looking forward to making this with my kiddos!
Thanks – definitely fun food for the kids!
We are trying to eat more veggies, and I’m thinking my hubby would love these. I can’t wait to try them and see what he thinks!
These are great for getting in an extra veggie serving!
This is such a great idea!! My boys would love these! Well, we all would for that matter.
We were all big fans here! Thanks!
This sounds so much better the regular tots!!! I love the flavor!!
Thanks Deanna!
Oh my heavens, these are adorable! They look so crunchy. Great, now I’m craving cauliflower for breakfast 😉
We actually had them with Breakfast for Dinner! 🙂
Very creative!
Thanks Dorothy!
I remember you telling me about making cauli-tots when we were at BlogHer Food, and I have been wanting to make a batch ever since! Loving this new version with a kick – right up my alley!
They are a little work but so worth it!
These look delicious! My son would love this!
My boys definitely did!
You are truly the queen of cauliflower. I’m always inspired by your creations! These look awesome. Can’t wait to try them.
Thanks so much. These might be my favorite!
There you go combining my love of cauliflower and buffalo hot sauce. Awesome!
Is it weird that I eat cauliflower with hot sauce fairly regularly?! 🙂
Hi Brianne,
Can you tell me how many cauli-tots this recipe makes? I’m having a party in two weeks with lots of little bites and want to serve these. They sound delicious. Also, are they still good at room temp?
Thank you, Melvene Tardy
mtardy817@yahoo.com
One batch will fill the standard 24 mini muffin tin. It’s easy enough to double if you need to. I haven’t tried the Buffalo ones at room temperature, but my basic cheddar ones are still yummy when cooled.