Pepper Jack Cauliflower Tots

These crispy Mexican Cauliflower Tots are baked, cheesy, and just a little spicy! With bold flavor from chili powder and cumin, plus melty pepper Jack cheese, they are perfect for dipping in salsa or guacamole. Whether you serve them as a veggie side dish or a fun snack or appetizer, they make any day a fiesta!

Try even more spicy tots! If you love the heat, you’ll also enjoy Old Bay Cauliflower Tots or Buffalo Cauliflower Tots.

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Cauliflower Tots with A Spicy Twist

My family loves Mexican food, whether we are piling barbacoa into corn tortillas or making chicken burrito bowls. So I knew it was time to spice up my basic cauliflower tots by adding a little Tex-Mex flair. Some chili powder for heat and cumin for smokiness, as well as pepper Jack to give them a little extra kick, these tots have become a beloved Taco Tuesday side in my house. Here’s why you’ll love them too…

• Lots of veggies. These cheesy tots are packed with cauliflower. But that crispy texture and cheesy flavor will have everyone gobbling them up. Especially if you serve them with fun dips!
• Naturally gluten free. I’ve always made my tots with cornmeal as a binder, so not only do they have a great texture, but you don’t have to swap out any ingredients. They do work with breadcrumbs, and yes, even almond flour to avoid carbs, though that does lead to a softer tot that doesn’t hold together quite as well.
• So many ways to enjoy them. As I said, they make a great side when you are serving a Mexican-style dinner, but they are also super fun for appetizers during the big game or for a Cinco de Mayo celebration!

Recipe Ingredients

Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to make these cheesy Mexican tots. Scroll down to the recipe card for the full quantities and step-by-step instructions.

• Cauliflower. You’ll need about half a head, which you’ve shredded. Do not cook it!
• Pepper Jack Cheese. If you want to tone down the spice, you can use plain Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese.
• Egg.
• Cornmeal. I prefer the texture of conrmeal, but you can also use breadcrumbs or slightly ground oats, certified gluten free, if needed.
• Seasonings. You’ll need salt, chili powder, and cumin. You can use more or less chili powder, depending on your preferred level of heat.

Quick Tips

You can get even more detailed tips in my recipe for basic Cauliflower Tots. But here are a few essential things to keep in mind.

• Shred it up. While you can use a box grater, I like to use the shredding blade on my food processor. Do not cook the cauliflower first – the tots are made with raw cauliflower. Use the remainder of the head for another variety like Mozzarella Cauliflower Tots or a batch of Air Fryer Cauliflower.
• Squeeze it well. The salt does help to release the moisture, but you also want to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Work in batches to make it easier, and when you think you are done, squeeze a little more. This ensures they hold together well.
• Avoid sticking. Either metal or silicone pans work for this recipe. Metal pans produce more golden and crispy tots, but need to be sprayed well, but they pop out of the silicone pans more easily.
• Store and reheat. You can keep any extra Mexican cauliflower tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months, just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before reheating. The cauliflower tots can be reheated in the microwave, but popping them in the oven or air fryer restores the crispiness.
• Don’t forget the dips. If you are all about that guac, try my Easy Guacamole or even Avocado Crema. For some fresh vibes, use your favorite jar of salsa or a batch of fresh Pico de Gallo. You can even dunk them in Jalapeno Ranch or Creamy Southwestern Dressing.

Make it a Meal

One of my kids’ favorite dinners is when I whip up a batch of these tots along with some Crispy Dogs. But they are perfect to pair with any of your favorite Mexican meals, from Taco Tuesday to Cinco de Mayo and beyond! Here are some serving suggestions…

• Taco Night. Whether you go with classic Ground Turkey Tacos or something fresh like Tilapia Fish Tacos, it doesn’t hurt to add some extra veggies.
• Cozy Casseroles. These Mexican Cauliflower Tots are also a perfect way to pair something lighter with Walking Taco Casserole or a pan of Chicken Enchiladas.
• Fiesta Food. You can also pair with other Tex-Mex-style appetizers for a party, such as Cheesy Mexican Dip and a big basket of Air Fryer Tortilla Chips.

More Mexican Side Dishes

• Mexican Street Corn
• Instant Pot Pinto Beans
• Corn Tortillas
• Mexican Quinoa Salad