Cheesy Cauliflower Tots ~ TO BE TASTY

Cauliflower Tots (Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly)

These Cauliflower Tots are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Packed with the goodness of riced cauliflower and loaded with cheese, they’re crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Whether you’re following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet, these tots will make a perfect snack or side dish. They’re quick and easy to prepare and are perfect for meal prep or serving as a tasty appetizer.

Ingredients:

2 cups riced cauliflower (fresh or frozen)
Cauliflower is the base of these tots, and it’s naturally low in carbs, making it a great substitute for potatoes. You can use fresh cauliflower and rice it yourself or opt for frozen riced cauliflower to save time.
1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
Cheese adds both flavor and helps bind the tots together. Cheddar provides a sharper flavor, while mozzarella offers a milder taste and a gooey texture when baked. You can use either depending on your preference or a combination of both for added flavor.
1/4 cup almond flour
Almond flour acts as a binding agent, giving the tots structure without adding carbs. It helps give the tots a crispy texture when baked.
1 large egg
The egg helps bind all the ingredients together, ensuring that the tots hold their shape as they bake. It also adds a little richness to the mixture.
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor of the tots, giving them that extra kick. If you love garlic, you can add a bit more to suit your taste.
1/2 tsp onion powder
Onion powder complements the garlic powder and brings out the savory depth of flavor. It’s a classic pairing in savory dishes like this.
Salt and pepper to taste
Season with salt and pepper to enhance the flavors. Start with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper, then taste and adjust as needed.
Olive oil spray
A light mist of olive oil spray helps the tots get crispy as they bake in the oven. It’s a healthier option than using excess oil and ensures an even coating for the best results.

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent the tots from sticking and to make cleanup easier.
Prepare the Cauliflower:
If using frozen cauliflower, be sure to thaw it completely. Once thawed, place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This is an important step as excess moisture can make the mixture too wet and cause the tots to fall apart.
If using fresh cauliflower, rice it by chopping it into florets and pulsing it in a food processor until it resembles the texture of rice. Then, steam it until tender (about 5-7 minutes) and drain any excess water. You can also place it in a clean towel and wring out the moisture.
Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, shredded cheese, almond flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir the mixture until everything is well incorporated and a dough-like consistency forms. The cheese and egg should help bind everything together, while the almond flour provides structure. If the mixture seems too wet, add a little more almond flour until it reaches the right consistency for shaping.
Shape the Tots:
Using your hands, take small portions of the mixture (about 1 tablespoon per tot) and shape them into small cylinders or oval shapes (like a traditional tot). If you prefer, you can make them slightly rounder, but they will bake best when shaped as little logs. Arrange the tots on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a bit of space between each one to ensure even cooking and crisping.
Spray with Olive Oil:
Lightly spray the tots with olive oil using a spray bottle. This will give them a nice, golden crisp when baked. Be sure to coat them evenly, but don’t drench them. This step ensures they cook evenly and develop that perfect crispy outer layer.
Bake:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Halfway through the baking time, you can flip the tots to ensure both sides crisp up evenly. If they’re getting too brown, you can reduce the oven temperature slightly or move them to a lower rack.
Serve and Enjoy:
Once the cauliflower tots are golden and crispy, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. They’re delicious on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, ketchup, or a spicy aioli.

Recipe Notes:

Texture Tips: If your cauliflower mixture feels too wet or sticky, it may be because there is still excess moisture in the cauliflower. Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible before mixing. If the mixture still feels too wet, add a bit more almond flour to help it hold together.
Cheese Variations: You can use any cheese you like. Cheddar provides a sharper, more distinct flavor, while mozzarella is mild and melts beautifully. A blend of the two is also great for added richness and gooey texture.
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to suit your taste. Adding some paprika or Italian seasoning can bring extra depth to the flavor. You can also stir in some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for a burst of freshness.
Make Ahead: These cauliflower tots are great for meal prep. You can form them into tots, place them on a baking sheet, and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the tots to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, cook them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5 minutes to the baking time.
Dipping Sauce Ideas: These tots pair wonderfully with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, sour cream, salsa, or even a tangy spicy ketchup for an extra kick. You can even try a homemade guacamole for a fresh, creamy dip.
Storage: Leftover cauliflower tots can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness. You can also reheat them in the microwave, though they may lose some of their crispiness.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving):

Calories: 100
Carbs: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 7g

These cauliflower tots are the perfect way to enjoy a low-carb version of a classic comfort food. They're crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them a great snack or side dish. Enjoy these tots with a hot dip and your favorite beverage, and you'll have a crowd-pleasing treat that's both healthy and delicious!