Description
These Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are a delicious and healthy alternative to classic potato tots. Roasted cauliflower and garlic create a flavorful base combined with cheeses and breadcrumbs for the perfect crispy texture. Baked to golden perfection, they make a great appetizer or snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Binding and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Others
- Olive oil spray or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with olive oil to prevent sticking and aid crisping.
- Roast Cauliflower and Garlic: Spread the cauliflower florets and garlic cloves evenly on the baking sheet. Roast in the oven for 20-25 minutes until they become tender and start to brown lightly. Allow them to cool down slightly before moving to the next step.
- Process Roasted Vegetables: Transfer the roasted cauliflower and garlic to a food processor. Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped but still retains some texture with small chunks—avoid pureeing into a paste.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the processed cauliflower and garlic with cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, egg, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Mix thoroughly until well incorporated into a cohesive dough-like mixture.
- Shape the Tots: Take portions of the mixture and shape them into small tot shapes approximately 2 inches long. Arrange the shaped tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them so they don’t touch.
- Add Crispy Finish: Lightly spray the tops of the tots with olive oil spray to help them achieve a golden, crispy texture when baked.
- Bake the Tots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip the tots halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness on all sides.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the cauliflower tots warm with your favorite dipping sauce such as ketchup, ranch, or a spicy aioli.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
- You can add extra herbs or spices like dried thyme or cayenne pepper for variation.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add a little more breadcrumbs to firm it up.
- Leftover tots can be stored in the refrigerator and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- Make sure to pulse cauliflower to small chunks to avoid soggy tots.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
