Buffalo Cauli Tots

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 get my kids 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. I started with my original cheesy Cauliflower Tots recipe. But when those tots taste like spicy chicken wings, it’s a real treat for the taste buds!

Spicy Cauliflower Tots – Taste like Buffalo Wings

I have a hard time stopping when I have a plate of buffalo cauliflower tots in front of me. Here’s why you’ll love these tatsy tots too…

• Packed with veggies. Yes, these tots are all cauliflower, not mixed with potato. Don’t get me wrong, I love a spud, but this is a way to make sure you are getting your servings of vegetables!
• So many ways to serve. 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!
• Naturally gluten free. Made with cauliflower and held together with cheese, egg, and cornmeal, these have a perfect tot texture, but no need for flour or breadcrumbs. So they are gluten frere, no swaps needed. That means the family can enjoy them together!

Recipe Ingredients

Here is an overview of what you’ll need to make these spicy tots – yes, 5 ingredients are all you need! Scroll down to the recipe card for the full amounts and step-by-step instructions.

• 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 sharp yellow cheddar, but use your favorite, whether that’s white cheddar or a mild option.
• 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.

Quick Tips

You’ll find all of the detailed tips for tot perfection in my original Cauliflower Tots recipe. But here are some of the most important things to remember.

• Simplify shredding. A food processor with a shredding blade is the fastest and easiest way to shred the cauliflower and cheese.
• Spray it well. You’ll want a good coating of nonstick cooking spray in your mini muffin tin.
• Squeeze thoroughly. 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.
• Use a scoop. Using a small cookie scoop makes quick work of filling the mini muffin tin. A 24-cup mini muffin tin is just the right size for one batch of cauliflower tots, just pack the mixture in thoroughly so the tots stay together.

Frequently Asked Questions About Buffalo Cauliflower Tots

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.

Can you freeze them?

Add cooled tots to a freezer-safe container or sealable, freezer-safe bag and store them in the freezer for up to 3 months. You can reheat them in the oven or air fryer until they are hot and crispy.

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.

• Greek Yogurt Ranch Dip
• Buffalo Ranch Dip
• Greek Yogurt Blue Cheese Dip
• Homemade Ketchup
• Buffalo Ketchup

Make it a Meal

These spicy tots pair well with any dish that you might normally serve with tater tots. Here are some family-favorites in both classic and kicked-up versions.

• Sloppy Joes. Everyone loves traditional Homemade Sloppy Joes, and the spice pairs with the sweetness, but you can double the heat and make Buffalo Chicken Sloppy Joes.
• Hot Dogs. You don’t need a grill when Air Fryer Hot Dogs turn out nice and crispy, but you can also go for epic Loaded Buffalo Hot Dogs.
• Chicken Tenders. Toss some Baked Gluten Free Chicken Fingers in the oven, or use a skillet to whip up some quick Buffalo Chicken Tenders.