Crispy (Healthy) Cauliflower Tater-Tots

Crispy (Healthy) Cauliflower Tater-Tots

Recipe by Keisha PalmerCourse: Lunch, Snacks, Dinner

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

25

minutes

Total time

40

minutes

These crispy cauliflower tater tots are the best alternative to regular fried tater tots. They are fully kid-approved and guaranteed to CRUNCH despite being baked, not fried.

Crispy on the outside and soft and tender on the inside- the mild-tasting cauliflower takes on the flavors of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and onion and delivers the most satisfying savory taste. Kiddies, go bananas for these tasty tots; let’s go!

For more picky-eater-approved recipes, check out these luscious turkey meatballs
and my one-pot tomato pasta!

Ingredients

• 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 600g or 21.2 ounces)

• 1/4 cup (25g or 0.9 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/4 cup (30g or 1.1 ounces) breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup (28g or 1 ounce) almond flour or whole wheat flour

• 1 large egg

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

• 1/4 teaspoon paprika

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooking spray or olive oil, for greasing

Directions

• Preheat the oven:
  Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.
• Prepare the cauliflower:
  Place the cauliflower florets in a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice-like grains. Alternatively, you can grate the cauliflower using a box grater. Transfer the cauliflower rice to a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out any excess moisture.
• Mix the ingredients:
  In a large mixing bowl, combine the cauliflower rice, grated Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, almond flour or whole wheat flour, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
• Form the tater tots:
  Take about 1 tablespoon of the cauliflower mixture and shape it into a small cylinder or tot shape. Repeat with the remaining mixture, placing the formed tater tots on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the tater tots:
  Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the tater tots are golden brown and crispy, flipping them halfway through the cooking time for even browning.
• Serve:
  Once the tater tots are cooked to your desired crispiness, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving. Serve the crispy cauliflower tater tots with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, ranch dressing, or barbecue sauce.

Common Mistakes When Making Cauliflower Tater Tots

So, these are easy to make and require little skill, BUT there are a few trip-ups to avoid:

• Not removing enough moisture: One common mistake is not removing enough moisture from the cauliflower after grating or processing it. Excess moisture can give you a soggy set of tater tots that don’t hold together well and become mushy when cooked. Be sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the grated cauliflower using a kitchen towel or paper towel before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Using too much liquid: Adding too much liquid, like egg or milk, to the cauliflower mixture can make it too wet and difficult to form into tater tot shapes. Use the minimum amount of liquid necessary to bind the ingredients together, and avoid adding extra moisture that could affect the texture of the tater tots.
• Skipping the breadcrumb coating: Coating the tater tots in breadcrumbs before baking or frying helps create a crispy exterior and adds texture to the finished dish. Skipping this step can result in tater tots that are soft and lacking in crunch. Be sure to coat the tater tots in breadcrumbs before cooking for optimal texture.
• Overcrowding the baking sheet: Overcrowding the baking sheet with too many tater tots can prevent them from cooking evenly and crisping up properly. Leave some space between each tater tot on the baking sheet to allow for air circulation and even cooking. Consider baking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
• Not flipping or turning them: For even browning and crispiness, it’s essential to flip or turn the tater tots halfway through the cooking time. Neglecting to do so can result in unevenly cooked tater tots, with one side being golden brown and crispy while the other side remains pale and soft. Be sure to flip or turn the tater tots halfway through baking or frying for consistent results.

Why These Cauliflower Tater Tots Are So Good

Here’s why these cauli-tots will be a staple on your kiddies’ menu rotation:

• The MOST delicious taste: Cauliflower tater tots have an incredible savory flavor that both kids and adults swoon over. They are similar in taste to traditional potato tater tots.
• Healthier alternative: Cauliflower tater tots are a healthier alternative to traditional tater tots made with potatoes. They are lower in carbohydrates and calories and higher in fiber and nutrients. They’re also baked and not fried!
• Hidden vegetable: Cauliflower tater tots are a sneaky way to incorporate vegetables into your child’s diet, especially for picky eaters who may not enjoy eating vegetables on their own. The cauliflower is finely grated or processed, making it less noticeable and more palatable for those hesitant to eat veggies.
• Crispy texture: When baked, cauliflower tater tots develop a crispy exterior while remaining tender on the inside. The crispy texture adds a satisfying crunch that makes them irresistible.
• Versatile: Cauliflower tater tots are incredibly versatile and can be customized with different flavors and seasonings. You can add herbs, spices, cheese, or even bacon bits!
• Kid-friendly: Kids love tater tots, and cauliflower tater tots are no exception! They are fun to eat and can be served as a tasty snack, side dish, or even a main course. Plus, they are easy for little hands to pick up and enjoy.
• Easy to make: These tots are easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. They require minimal prep work and can be baked in the oven for a quick and delicious snack or meal.
• Dietary friendly: Cauliflower tater tots suit various dietary preferences and restrictions. They can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour and dairy-free by omitting the cheese or using dairy-free cheese alternatives.