Description
These Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are a delicious and healthier twist on the classic tater tots. Made with tender roasted cauliflower and garlic, combined with cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, they are crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, these tots are baked to golden perfection and can be enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Cheese & Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Other
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking and help with browning.
- Roast Cauliflower and Garlic: Spread the cauliflower florets and garlic cloves evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cauliflower is tender and slightly browned, which enhances the flavor. After roasting, allow them to cool slightly before handling.
- Process the Roasted Veggies: Transfer the cooled roasted cauliflower and garlic to a food processor. Pulse them in short bursts until finely chopped but not pureed; you want to maintain some texture with small chunks.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cauliflower-garlic mixture with shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika if using. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a moldable mixture.
- Form Tot Shapes: Shape the mixture into small tots approximately 2 inches long. Place them spaced evenly on the prepared baking sheet to ensure even cooking.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the formed tots with olive oil spray. This step helps to achieve a crispy outer crust during baking.
- Bake the Tots: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through baking to ensure they become golden and crisp on all sides.
- Serve: Once baked to a golden crisp, remove the tots from the oven and serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack or side dish.
Notes
- Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Smoked paprika is optional but adds a nice smoky flavor.
- You can substitute the cheese with vegan alternatives to make it dairy-free, though texture may vary.
- Ensure not to over-process the cauliflower in the food processor to avoid a mushy texture.
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray is key for getting a crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Leftover tots can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven for best crispness.
