These Cheesy Cauliflower Tots transform a humble vegetable into a crispy, golden-brown snack that’s as satisfying as it is healthy.
Perfectly crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, they appeal to both kids and adults alike.
Low in carbohydrates and gluten-free, they provide a fiber-rich base from cauliflower while delivering a protein boost from cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
Eggs help bind the mixture and add additional protein, making these tots more filling than typical snack options.
With minimal prep and a quick bake time, they are perfect for weekday snacks, lunchboxes, or meal prep.
Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, and you have a wholesome, guilt-free treat that’s both convenient and versatile.
Must-Have Tools for Perfect Results
Food Processor
Essential for finely ricing cauliflower quickly and evenly, giving your tots a uniform texture. Beyond this recipe, it’s perfect for making dips, sauces, and veggie-based dishes.
Large Mixing Bowl
Provides ample space to combine cauliflower, cheese, eggs, and seasonings without making a mess, ideal for tossing salads or marinating proteins.
Baking Sheet with Parchment Paper
Ensures even cooking and prevents sticking, while simplifying cleanup. Great for roasting veggies or baking cookies as well.
Measuring Cups and Spoons
Crucial for precise ingredient portions, ensuring consistency in flavor and texture. Also indispensable for accurate baking and meal prep.
Spatula
Perfect for folding ingredients gently and transferring tots onto the baking sheet. It doubles as a versatile tool for sauces, batters, and stirring.
Crispy Cheesy Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches an even temperature for baking. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, making sure the edges are flat and secure, which prevents sticking and makes cleanup effortless. Set the tray aside within easy reach, so you can place the tots on it immediately after forming.
- Rice the Cauliflower: Chop the cauliflower into small, even florets and transfer them into a food processor. Pulse just a few times until the cauliflower resembles fine rice, being careful not to over-process into a mushy consistency; this ensures the tots maintain their structure and crispiness.
- Cook the Cauliflower Rice: Place the riced cauliflower into a microwave-safe bowl and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Microwave for 10 minutes until slightly tender, then allow it to cool for about 5 minutes so it is safe to handle and won’t melt the cheese when mixed.
- Combine Ingredients: Transfer the cooled cauliflower rice into a large mixing bowl, then add shredded cheddar, mozzarella, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, eggs, salt, and pepper. Use a spatula to mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly combined into a sticky, cohesive mixture that can be easily formed into tots.
- Shape the Tots: Using approximately one tablespoon of the cauliflower mixture, roll and shape it into a small, cylindrical tot with your hands, ensuring a compact form to prevent crumbling. Place each tot carefully onto the prepared baking sheet, leaving enough space between each one to allow air circulation and even baking.
- Bake Until Golden: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, rotating the tray halfway through for consistent browning. For an extra golden, crispy exterior, finish the tots under the broiler for 1–2 minutes while watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the baked tots from the oven and allow them to cool slightly on the tray for a few minutes. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as pizza sauce, ketchup, ranch, or sour cream, and enjoy a crispy, cheesy, and wholesome snack.
Notes
- If you don’t have a food processor, you can finely grate the raw cauliflower using the coarse side of a box grater.
- For those without a microwave, steam or boil the cauliflower until tender, then rice it manually or with a processor.
- You can freeze unbaked tots by placing them on a lined baking sheet, covering with plastic wrap, and storing in an airtight container. Thaw on the counter for 1–2 hours before baking.
- Adjust the seasonings to taste; smoked paprika or cayenne can add a nice kick.
- For extra crispiness, lightly brush or spray the tots with olive oil before baking.
Chef’s Secrets For Crispy Tots
To achieve perfectly crispy tots every time, allow the riced cauliflower to cool slightly after microwaving or steaming—this helps prevent excess moisture from making the tots soggy.
Pressing the mixture firmly while forming each tot ensures they hold together and bake evenly.
Using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella creates a rich, melty texture with excellent flavor, while adding Italian seasoning or garlic enhances the aroma.
A quick broil at the end produces a golden, slightly crunchy exterior that gives each tot a restaurant-quality finish.
Serving Suggestions For Snack Time
Cheesy cauliflower tots are versatile and pair well with a variety of dips.
For a classic touch, serve with pizza sauce or ketchup.
Ranch or sour cream adds a creamy contrast, while spicy sriracha mayo or avocado crema can give a modern twist.
They make a great side dish for lunch or dinner and are also perfect for kids’ snack plates.
Consider serving alongside a fresh salad, roasted veggies, or grilled chicken for a complete, balanced meal.
Storage Tips To Preserve Freshness
Store baked tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness rather than using a microwave, which can make them soft.
For long-term storage, freeze unbaked tots on a lined baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, to enjoy a convenient, ready-to-eat snack anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipe
1. Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes! Replace cheddar and mozzarella with plant-based cheeses that melt well. Nutritional yeast can also be added for extra cheesy flavor.
2. Can I use frozen cauliflower?
Fresh is preferred, but you can use thawed, well-drained frozen cauliflower. Make sure to squeeze out any excess water to prevent soggy tots.
3. How do I make them extra crispy?
Press the mixture firmly when shaping, bake at high heat, and finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes. A light spray of oil helps too.
4. Can I prepare these in advance?
Absolutely! Form the tots and freeze them unbaked. Bake them straight from frozen, adjusting cooking time slightly.
5. Are these low-carb and keto-friendly?
Yes, cauliflower is low in carbs, and these tots are naturally gluten-free, making them perfect for keto or low-carb diets.
This recipe has been adapted and simplified from the original version by jocooks. We’ve refined the steps for a smoother cooking experience and added helpful notes, nutrition insights, and essential kitchen tools to make it even easier for home cooks.
Jessica T. Brown is the founder of KitchenHush.com, a platform born out of her deep love for cooking and the quiet joy found in the kitchen. From a young age, Jessica discovered that the kitchen wasn’t just a place to prepare meals—it was a space for connection, creativity, and comfort. Inspired by those early memories, she created Kitchen Hush to share that experience with home cooks everywhere.