If you’re searching for a snack that’s equal parts wholesome and totally irresistible, look no further than these Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots. Packed with the sweet, mellow flavor of roasted garlic, cheesy undertones, and a perfectly crisp exterior, these veggie-forward bites are here to wow your taste buds and make even the toughest veggie skeptics smile. Whether you serve them as a fun appetizer, a star side, or a light meal, these tots deliver on taste, comfort, and creativity—all in bite-size form!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots lies in their simple, hearty ingredients. Each one adds something special, building a tot with depth of flavor, satisfying texture, and golden goodness. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a little secret for why each element truly counts:
- Cauliflower: The star of the show! Opt for a fresh, medium head and cut into florets for easy steaming and blending.
- Roasted garlic: Four cloves get mashed into mellow, rich sweetness that brings addictive flavor without overpowering.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory, nutty notes and helps bind the tots with a subtle meltiness.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Delivers sharp, creamy bite and beautiful color—swap for mozzarella if you like things milder!
- Seasoned breadcrumbs: These bring in texture and just the right amount of seasoning; use gluten-free if needed.
- Large egg: Acts as the glue that helps everything stick together and gives the tots their appealing, tender bite.
- Onion powder: A quarter teaspoon quietly boosts overall flavor without drawing attention.
- Salt: Just enough to enhance all the natural veggie and cheese flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle kick—you can always add more if you want a little heat!
- Olive oil spray or drizzle: Helps the tots crisp up and turn that beautiful golden brown in the oven.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This helps make sure your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots won’t stick and get that perfect golden crust without unnecessary greasing. A little bit of advance prep here saves you cleanup and ensures every tot slides right off the sheet.
Step 2: Steam and Chop the Cauliflower
Steam or microwave your cauliflower florets until they’re wonderfully tender—about 5 to 7 minutes. Once they’re cool enough to handle, either finely chop them up with a knife or pulse in your food processor until they resemble coarse rice. You want tiny pieces for the best tot texture, but avoid pureeing—some bits give body and substance!
Step 3: Squeeze Out the Moisture
Pile your chopped (or pulsed) cauliflower onto a clean kitchen towel, pull the edges together, and squeeze over the sink. Removing as much liquid as possible is crucial: it’s the secret to getting tots that bake up crisp, not soggy. You’ll be surprised how much water you can wring out!
Step 4: Mix Up the Tot Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower with the mashed roasted garlic, Parmesan, cheddar, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything up until it’s evenly combined—it should start looking like a thick, slightly sticky dough. Every scoop promises a bite packed with flavor!
Step 5: Shape the Tots
Use a tablespoon or small scoop to portion out the mixture, rolling each bit into that classic little tot shape. Line them up on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a smidge of space so they can brown on all sides. The process is a bit like making savory cookies—fun and oddly satisfying!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Lightly spray or drizzle your tots with olive oil, then slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for about 20 to 25 minutes, making sure to flip each tot halfway through so both sides get beautifully golden and crisp. Watch as your kitchen fills with the irresistible smell of cheese and roasted garlic!
Step 7: Serve Hot and Enjoy
Once your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are golden, crispy, and just begging to be eaten, serve them hot, fresh from the oven. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as is—they’re plenty flavorful on their own!
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots
Garnishes
For the ultimate finishing touch, sprinkle your tots with a little extra fresh Parmesan, some chopped parsley, or even red pepper flakes for a pop of color and flavor. A quick dusting of flaky salt while they’re still hot also makes them really sing. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish to elevate this snack!
Side Dishes
If you’re serving Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots as a main event, round out the plate with a crisp green salad, steamed veggies, or a bowl of tomato soup for dunking. They also pair beautifully with grilled proteins or as a fun alternative to fries alongside burgers and sandwiches—totally kid friendly and grown-up approved!
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your tots into a showstopper by stacking them high on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, or serve them in little paper cones for a party-ready feel. For dipping, arrange ramekins of marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli around the plate to let everyone mix, match, and mingle flavors.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you wind up with extra Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots (and that’s a big if!), let them cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They’ll keep their flavor in the fridge for up to three days, ready to jump back into snack duty at a moment’s notice.
Freezing
Want to have tots on hand for later? Arrange cooled, baked tots in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to two months. Just be sure to label them—you’ll thank yourself on busy evenings!
Reheating
To recapture that freshly-baked crispness, reheat your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots in a 400°F oven or air fryer until warmed through and golden, about 8 to 10 minutes. Skip the microwave if you can—the oven keeps them crunchy and irresistible, just like day one.
FAQs
Do I have to use roasted garlic, or can I substitute raw garlic?
Roasting the garlic is really what gives these tots their signature mellow, sweet flavor. You can substitute raw, but it’s much sharper and can overpower the dish. For the best flavor, stick with roasted whenever possible.
Can I make these Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots gluten free?
Absolutely! Just swap the seasoned breadcrumbs for your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs. They’ll bind beautifully, and the flavor stays just as delicious.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance and bake later?
Yes, you can mix up the tot dough a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready, just shape, bake, and enjoy freshly crisp tots with minimal effort.
What dipping sauces go best with these tots?
Classic choices like marinara, ranch, or even a spicy barbeque sauce work perfectly with Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots. For something special, try a homemade garlic aioli or sriracha-laced ketchup!
My tots aren’t getting crispy. What went wrong?
This usually happens if there’s too much moisture left in the cauliflower, so be sure to squeeze it really well. Also, don’t skip the olive oil spray or a hot oven—that’s what helps give them their crave-worthy crust.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to break out of your snack routine (or sneak in some extra veggies), Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are a total game changer. Give them a try, share with friends or family, and get ready for a round of happy, cheesy smiles. Trust me: they’ll disappear faster than you think!
Print
Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free (with substitutions)
Description
These Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Packed with flavor from roasted garlic and cheeses, these crispy tots make a perfect snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
Cauliflower Tots:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 cloves roasted garlic, mashed
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray or drizzle, for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare cauliflower: Steam or microwave the cauliflower florets until tender, about 5–7 minutes. Drain, cool, chop finely, and squeeze out excess moisture.
- Mix ingredients: In a bowl, combine cauliflower, roasted garlic, cheeses, breadcrumbs, egg, and seasonings. Mix well.
- Form tots: Shape mixture into small tots and place on baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
- Serve: Enjoy hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
- To roast garlic, wrap whole cloves in foil and bake at 400°F for 30–35 minutes until soft and golden.
- Cheddar can be substituted with mozzarella or omitted for a lighter version.
- For gluten-free tots, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5–6 tots
- Calories: 130
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 270mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
