Baked Cauliflower Tots (Print Version)
Crispy, cheese-infused cauliflower bites perfect for snacking. Baked or air-fried for a healthier alternative to potato tots.
# Ingredients:
01 -
2 medium heads cauliflower, cut into florets
02 -
1/4 cup small diced onion
03 -
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
04 -
1/4 cup finely ground breadcrumbs
05 -
1 large egg
# Steps:
01 -
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a nonstick baking sheet liberally with cooking spray.
02 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and cook until fork tender, 5 to 10 minutes. Thoroughly drain the florets and transfer them to a food processor. Pulse the cauliflower until it breaks down into small, rice-sized pieces. Avoid overmixing.
03 -
Measure out 3 packed cups of the processed cauliflower and add to a large bowl. Stir in diced onion, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Mix until thoroughly combined to achieve a mashed-potato-like consistency.
04 -
Using your hands, scoop up 1 to 2 tablespoons of the mixture and mold into a tater tot shape. Place on the prepared baking sheet, spacing the tots about 1 inch apart. Repeat with the remaining mixture.
05 -
Bake the tots for 20 minutes, then flip them and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until crisped. Remove and serve with ketchup, pesto, hummus, or your preferred dipping sauce.
06 -
To air-fry the tots, preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Coat the basket with cooking spray and add a batch of tots. Air-fry for 6 minutes, flip, and air-fry for an additional 3 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
# Notes:
01 -
The onion should be cut small enough to easily mix into the cauliflower mixture.
02 -
Any extra puréed cauliflower can be turned into mashed cauliflower as a substitute for mashed potatoes.