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- Medium head of cauliflower - Shredded sharp cheddar cheese - Almond flour - Grated Parmesan cheese - Large eggs For this recipe, I start with one medium head of cauliflower. It’s key to break it into small florets. This helps them cook faster and allows for easy mixing. Next, I add one cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese. This cheese gives the tots that gooey, cheesy goodness we all crave. I also include half a cup of almond flour. Almond flour helps bind the mixture and adds a nice crunch. A quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese brings extra flavor and richness to the mix. Finally, I use two large eggs. They help hold everything together and give the tots a delightful texture. Don’t forget to season! I usually add one teaspoon of garlic powder and one teaspoon of onion powder for a tasty kick. A pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper will enhance all the flavors. Lastly, I like to use cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to grease the baking sheet. This ensures my tater tots don’t stick and get nice and crispy. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the tater tots get crispy. 2. Steam the cauliflower florets until they are tender. This should take about 8 to 10 minutes. 3. Drain and dry the cauliflower thoroughly. You want to remove all the moisture. 1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt and pepper. 2. Mix everything well using a fork or your hands. You want a uniform mixture. 3. Shape the mixture into small tater tot forms. Each should be about the size of a bite. 4. Space them out on the baking sheet. This helps them cook evenly. 1. Lightly spray or brush the tops of the tater tots with cooking oil. This adds to their crunch. 2. Bake them in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes. Flip them halfway through for even cooking. 3. Once they are golden brown, allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes. This helps them firm up before serving. To make your cheesy cauliflower tater tots crispy, drying the cauliflower is key. After steaming, I always wring out the cauliflower in a clean dish towel. This step removes extra moisture. The drier the cauliflower, the better the crunch! Optimal baking techniques make a difference, too. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This hot temperature helps create a golden crust. I also line my baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Lightly spraying the tops with cooking spray or brushing them with olive oil adds even more crispiness. For the best dips, I love creamy ranch or zesty spicy ketchup. These sauces pair perfectly with the cheesy flavor of the tater tots. You can also try a tangy BBQ sauce for a fun twist! To enhance presentation, sprinkle freshly chopped herbs like parsley or chives on top. This adds color and freshness. Serve your tater tots warm for the best taste and crunch. Pro Tips Use Fresh Cauliflower: Always opt for fresh cauliflower for the best flavor and texture. Look for firm, compact heads with no browning or soft spots. Drying is Key: After steaming, make sure to wring out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tater tots. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique twist on these tater tots. Check for Doneness: Keep an eye on the tater tots as they bake. If they are not golden brown after 30 minutes, give them a few extra minutes in the oven for that perfect crispiness. {{image_4}} You can change the cheese in this recipe. Try using mozzarella or goat cheese. Both will melt well and add a different taste. You can also mix cheeses for a unique flavor. If you need a gluten-free option, almond flour works great. You can also use coconut flour, but you may need less. Both give the tots the right texture without gluten. Want to spice things up? Add extra seasonings. Try smoked paprika for a smoky taste or chili powder for heat. You can also mix in fresh herbs like basil or thyme for a fresh twist. Feel free to add finely chopped vegetables. Grated zucchini or spinach will boost nutrition. Just make sure to remove excess moisture before mixing. This keeps your tater tots crispy and delicious. To store your cheesy cauliflower tater tots, let them cool first. Place the cooled tater tots in an airtight container. Make sure to separate layers with parchment paper to avoid sticking. This keeps them fresh for up to four days in the fridge. The best containers for freshness are glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials help keep moisture out. Avoid using metal containers, as they can affect the taste. For the best reheating results, use your oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tater tots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer. Set it to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes. This method adds extra crunch. To maintain crispiness, avoid using the microwave. It can make the tater tots soggy. Always cover them loosely with foil if you want to keep them warm for a short time. You can store cheesy cauliflower tater tots in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Make sure to keep them in an airtight container. This helps keep them fresh and tasty. When you are ready to eat, just reheat them. Yes, you can freeze these tater tots! After baking, let them cool completely. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They will stay good for up to 2 months. To enjoy them later, bake straight from the freezer. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. You can serve cheesy cauliflower tater tots with many tasty dips. Here are a few ideas: - Creamy ranch dressing - Zesty spicy ketchup - Garlic aioli - Sweet chili sauce - BBQ sauce Feel free to mix and match! These dips add fun flavors to your tater tots. These cheesy cauliflower tater tots are easy to make and fun to eat. We covered the ingredients, preparation, and baking steps to ensure great results. You learned tips for crispiness and ideas for serving. Experiment with flavors and ingredient swaps to make these tots your own. Remember to store leftovers properly to keep them fresh. With these simple guidelines, you'll enjoy delicious tater tots anytime. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Cauliflower Tater Tots

Delicious and crispy tater tots made with cauliflower and cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Appetizer
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 150 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 medium head cauliflower, broken into florets
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup almond flour
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • to taste salt and freshly ground pepper
  • for greasing cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  • Bring a pot of water to a boil and steam the cauliflower florets for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender when pierced with a fork. Drain well and allow them to cool for a few minutes.
  • Once the cauliflower has cooled slightly, transfer it to a clean dish towel. Gather the edges of the towel and twist to wring out as much moisture as possible. The drier the cauliflower, the crispier the tater tots will be!
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower with shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Use a fork or your hands to mix until everything is well incorporated into a cohesive mixture.
  • With your hands, take small portions of the mixture and shape them into bite-sized tater tot shapes. Place each formed tot on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have a little space between them for even cooking.
  • For a delightful crunch, lightly spray the tops of the tater tots with cooking spray or brush them with a touch of olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through to ensure they become golden and crispy all around.
  • Once baked, remove the tater tots from the oven and allow them to cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving to allow them to firm up.

Notes

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and sprinkle with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Keyword appetizer, cauliflower, cheesy, tater tots