Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these Cauliflower Tots because they have a crisp exterior and a soft, flavorful center without requiring deep frying. Baking keeps the preparation simple while still giving me deliciously golden edges.

I also like how easy they are to customize. I can switch the cheese, add herbs or spices, or cook the tots in an air fryer when I want them even crispier. They pair well with ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or almost any dipping sauce I have on hand.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 large eggs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking spray or olive oil

Directions

I preheat my oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. I lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray or oil.
I steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are just tender. I avoid cooking them until extremely soft because excess moisture can make the tots difficult to shape.
I drain the cauliflower thoroughly and let it cool slightly. I then chop it very finely or pulse it briefly in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
I place the chopped cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. I find this step especially important for firm, crispy tots.
I transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and add the cheddar, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
I stir everything together until the mixture holds together when pressed.
I scoop small portions of the cauliflower mixture and shape each one into a compact tot using my hands.
I arrange the tots on my prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one. I lightly spray or brush the tops with oil.
I bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, carefully turning the tots halfway through, until both sides are golden brown and crisp.
I let them cool for a few minutes before serving them warm with my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 24 Cauliflower Tots.

Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 20–25 minutes
Total time: About 40–45 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4

I usually serve about 6 tots per person as a side dish. When I’m serving them as a party appetizer alongside other foods, I make the portions smaller.

Variations

For extra-cheesy Cauliflower Tots, I add a little more cheddar or use a combination of cheddar and mozzarella. I keep the additional cheese moderate so the tots still hold their shape.

For spicy Cauliflower Tots, I mix cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeño into the cauliflower mixture.

When I want extra crunch, I use panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs. I can also lightly coat the shaped tots with additional panko before baking.

For an Italian-inspired variation, I add dried Italian seasoning and use extra Parmesan. I like serving this version with warm marinara sauce.

I can also make Air Fryer Cauliflower Tots. I arrange them in a single layer, lightly spray them with oil, and air fry at around 375°F (190°C) until crisp and golden, turning them during cooking.

Storage/Reheating

I let leftover Cauliflower Tots cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. I store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

To reheat them, I prefer using the oven or air fryer because both methods help restore their crispy exterior. I reheat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven until hot and crisp.

In the air fryer, I heat the tots at around 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes, checking them regularly until they are warmed through.

For longer storage, I freeze the cooked and cooled tots in a single layer before transferring them to a freezer-safe container. I keep them frozen for up to 2 months and reheat them directly from frozen in the oven or air fryer.

FAQs

How do I keep Cauliflower Tots from falling apart?

I remove as much moisture as possible from the cooked cauliflower before mixing it with the other ingredients. I also make sure the cauliflower is finely chopped and the eggs and breadcrumbs are evenly distributed. When shaping the tots, I press the mixture firmly together.

Can I make Cauliflower Tots in an air fryer?

Yes. I lightly spray the shaped tots with oil and arrange them in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. I air fry them at approximately 375°F (190°C), turning them during cooking, until the outside is crisp and golden.

Can I use frozen cauliflower?

Yes. I can use frozen cauliflower after cooking it according to the package instructions. Because frozen cauliflower can contain extra moisture, I make sure to drain and squeeze it especially well before preparing the tot mixture.

Can I prepare Cauliflower Tots ahead of time?

Yes. I can prepare and shape the tots ahead of time, then keep them covered in the refrigerator until I’m ready to bake them. I can also bake the entire batch ahead and reheat the tots in the oven or air fryer before serving.

What dipping sauces go well with Cauliflower Tots?

I love serving them with ketchup, ranch dressing, garlic aioli, honey mustard, marinara sauce, or a spicy mayo. I choose the dipping sauce based on the seasonings I add to the tots.

Conclusion

Cauliflower Tots are one of my favorite ways to transform cauliflower into a crispy, cheesy snack or side dish. The combination of tender cauliflower, melted cheese, breadcrumbs, and savory seasonings creates flavorful little bites that are easy to serve and even easier to dip.

Cauliflower Tots Recipe

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These Cauliflower Tots are crispy and golden outside with a tender, cheesy center packed with savory flavor. Baked instead of deep fried, they make an easy appetizer, snack, or vegetable side dish perfect for dipping.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 40–45 minutes
Yield: 24 tots, about 4 servings
Category: Appetizer
Method: Bake
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly coat the parchment with cooking spray or olive oil.
Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until just tender, taking care not to overcook them.
Drain the cauliflower thoroughly and let it cool slightly. Finely chop it or pulse briefly in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Place the chopped cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible.
Transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl and add the cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, Parmesan, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Stir until thoroughly combined and the mixture holds together when pressed.
Scoop small portions of the mixture and firmly shape each portion into a compact tot.
Arrange the tots on the prepared baking sheet with space between them. Lightly spray or brush the tops with oil.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, carefully turning halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on both sides.
Let the cauliflower tots cool for a few minutes before serving warm with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

Squeezing as much moisture as possible from the cooked cauliflower is important for tots that hold together and become crisp.
Frozen cauliflower can be used, but drain and squeeze it especially thoroughly after cooking.
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs or lightly coat the shaped tots with additional panko before baking.
For a spicy variation, add cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or finely chopped jalapeño.
For air fryer tots, lightly spray with oil and cook in a single layer at about 375°F (190°C) until crisp and golden, turning during cooking.
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.
Freeze cooked and cooled tots for up to 2 months and reheat directly from frozen.
Reheat in a 375°F (190°C) oven or an air fryer for the crispiest texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6 tots
Calories: 270 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 16 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 18 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 125 mg