These baked cauliflower tater tots are a crispy, flavorful, and guilt-free snack everyone will love.
Packed with fiber and plant-based protein, they’re low in carbs and naturally gluten-free if using almond flour or alternative flours.
Quick to prepare, easy to bake, and kid-approved, they make a perfect everyday snack, side dish, or meal-prep option that keeps you satisfied without the extra calories.
Crispy Cauliflower Tater Tots
Equipment
- Baking sheet – 1
- Parchment paper (1 sheet)
- Cheesecloth or clean dish towel – 1
- Mixing bowls (2)
- Fork (1)
- Steamer or pot – 1
Ingredients
- 4 cups cauliflower florets small
- 1 ½ tsp baking powder or 2 ½ tbsp flaxmeal
- ⅓ cup flour spelt, oat, white, sorghum, or gluten-free all-purpose
- 1 tsp dried oregano optional
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ –⅔ cup breadcrumbs or almond flour
- 3 tbsp water only if using baking powder option
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even browning. Set the sheet aside near your workspace so it’s ready when your tater tots are shaped. Preheating the oven will come later, but having the sheet ready helps streamline the process.
- Activate the Flaxmeal (If Using): If you’ve chosen the flaxmeal option instead of baking powder, place 2 ½ tablespoons of flaxmeal in a small bowl and whisk it together with ¼ cup of cold water. Allow the mixture to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This creates a gel-like consistency that mimics the binding power of eggs and ensures your tater tots hold their shape.
- Chop and Steam the Cauliflower: Wash and trim your cauliflower, removing any thick stems, and separate into small florets. Place the florets in a steamer basket over boiling water, cover, and steam until tender. You want the cauliflower to be soft enough to mash easily, but not so soggy that it releases too much water. Steaming typically takes 8–10 minutes, depending on the size of the florets.
- Drain and Cool the Cauliflower: Once steamed, transfer the cauliflower to a colander or large bowl to drain fully. Allow it to cool slightly so you can handle it safely in the next step. This cooling step also helps prevent excess moisture from making the tots mushy.
- Squeeze Out Excess Moisture: Lay a clean dish towel or a piece of cheesecloth over a large bowl or sink. Place the cooled cauliflower in the center, then gather the edges and twist to squeeze out as much water as possible. This is a crucial step — the drier your cauliflower, the crispier your tots will be.
- Mash the Cauliflower: Transfer the drained cauliflower to a large mixing bowl. Using a fork or potato masher, mash the florets thoroughly until smooth, breaking down any remaining larger pieces. The texture should be soft and slightly sticky, providing a good base for the binding ingredients.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, mix together your choice of flour (spelt, oat, white, sorghum, or gluten-free all-purpose), oregano (if using), garlic powder, salt, and baking powder (if using). Stir until evenly blended. This mixture will add flavor, structure, and lightness to your tater tots.
- Incorporate Dry Ingredients into Cauliflower: Gradually add the dry ingredient mixture to the mashed cauliflower, mixing thoroughly to combine. If you are using the baking powder option, also add 3 tablespoons of water to help create a slightly moist batter. If using flaxmeal, add the gel-like flax mixture instead. Use your hands or a spoon to ensure everything is evenly incorporated.
- Prepare the Coating: If using breadcrumbs, crush or pulse them in a food processor until fine and uniform. Almond flour can be used as a lower-carb alternative. Pour the coating into a shallow bowl for easy rolling.
- Shape the Tater Tots: Take small portions of the cauliflower mixture and roll them between your hands to form cylindrical or oval-shaped tots. Aim for uniform sizes so they bake evenly. Roll each tot in the prepared breadcrumbs or almond flour, coating them completely for extra crispiness.
- Arrange Tots on Baking Sheet: Place the coated tots on your prepared baking sheet, leaving a small gap between each tot to allow hot air to circulate. This ensures they crisp evenly on all sides.
- Bake to Golden Perfection: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Once heated, place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tater tots for approximately 25 minutes. Halfway through baking, carefully flip each tot using a spatula to ensure even browning on all sides. They should emerge lightly golden and crispy on the outside while remaining soft and tender inside.
- Cool Slightly Before Serving: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the tater tots to cool for 5 minutes. This brief resting time helps them firm up slightly and makes them easier to handle.
- Serve and Enjoy: Transfer your crispy, golden cauliflower tater tots to a serving platter. Serve them warm with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ketchup, mustard, or a creamy yogurt-based dip. They make a perfect snack, side dish, or addition to lunchboxes.
Notes
- For best results, enjoy tots fresh from the oven for maximum crispiness.
- Fully steam and drain cauliflower, then squeeze out excess water to prevent soggy tots.
- Customize flours: almond flour for low-carb, spelt for a nutty flavor, or gluten-free blends.
- Breadcrumbs create a golden crust; almond flour works for gluten-free versions.
- Shape tots uniformly to ensure even baking and consistent crispiness.
- Flavor variations: add herbs, smoked paprika, or nutritional yeast for extra taste.
- Can be prepared ahead: shape tots and freeze before baking for convenient meal prep.
- Lightly brushing with olive oil before baking enhances browning and crunch.
Chef’s Secrets To Perfect Tots
Achieving the perfect texture for cauliflower tots relies on attention to moisture and even baking.
Always fully steam and drain the cauliflower, then press it through a clean towel or cheesecloth—removing excess water ensures a crisp exterior and prevents sogginess.
For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs, smoked paprika, or a small amount of nutritional yeast to the mixture.
Rolling tots uniformly ensures they cook evenly, and flipping them halfway through baking promotes a consistent golden crust.
For an even crunchier exterior, lightly brush them with olive oil before baking.
Serving Suggestions For Family Favorites
Cauliflower tater tots pair beautifully with a variety of dips, from classic ketchup and mustard to creamy ranch, yogurt-based sauces, or spicy sriracha mayo.
Serve them alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a wholesome lunch, or include them as a fun side for burgers and sandwiches.
They also make an excellent snack for kids’ lunchboxes or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties.
For a creative twist, try topping baked tots with shredded cheese or a dollop of guacamole.
Storage Tips For Long-Term Freshness
These tater tots can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat in a preheated oven at 400°F for 5–8 minutes to restore crispiness—avoid microwaving, as it can make them soggy.
For longer storage, shape the tots and freeze them on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time, for a convenient ready-to-eat snack anytime.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these tots gluten-free?
Yes! Simply replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free panko and use a gluten-free flour blend in the mixture. The tots will still crisp up beautifully.
2. Can I use raw cauliflower instead of steaming?
Steaming is recommended because it softens the cauliflower, making it easier to mash and form into tots. Using raw cauliflower may result in a dry, crumbly texture that won’t hold together.
3. Can I bake these without breadcrumbs?
Yes, using almond flour or skipping the coating entirely works, though the exterior may not be as golden and crunchy. You can also lightly brush the tots with oil to enhance browning.
4. Can I make these ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the tot mixture and shape them, then freeze on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag. Bake directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time.
5. How do I keep tots crispy after baking?
Serve them immediately for the best texture. If storing, reheat in a preheated oven rather than a microwave to restore crispiness. Flipping halfway through reheating also helps maintain an even crunch.
