Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots
Why You'll Love This Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots
A vegetable tater tot? Tot lovers, you will thank me for one of the better way to satisfy your snacking needs! Packed with fiber, cheese, and flavor baked in one delicious recipe. One of my favorite ways to load up on the heathy snacks, dinner side dish, or summer outdoor party appetizers. These dairy free and gluten free baked cauliflower cheese tots are worth the 35 minutes!
Key Ingredients You'll Need
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Frozen Cauliflower: Using steam-in-bag cauliflower makes the prep work incredibly fast.
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Cheese: You can use any cheese you prefer! I use a dairy-free brand like Daiya, but shredded mozzarella or cheddar works wonderfully if you aren’t strictly dairy-free.
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Egg: Acts as the binder to hold all that cheesy, cauliflower goodness together.
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Almond Flour: Keeps the recipe gluten-free and adds a nice nutty texture.
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Everything Bagel Seasoning: This is my “secret” ingredient for instant flavor, but you can also use simple garlic powder or onion powder if you prefer.
How to Make Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots
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Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Steam: Prepare the frozen cauliflower according to the package directions.
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Process: In a food processor, pulse the steamed cauliflower, egg, cheese, and seasoning until combined.
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Mix: Transfer to a large bowl and stir in the almond flour.
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Shape: Form the mixture into tater tot-sized cylinders. Place them on your prepared baking sheet.
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Bake: Bake for 20 minutes, then flip carefully and bake for another 10 minutes until golden and crispy.
For the best results, I highly recommend using Caraway Home non-toxic bakeware—use code STACIE at checkout for a special discount!
Stacie’s Tricks & Tips
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Make them Crispy: If you have an air fryer, you can reheat these leftovers in it for 3–5 minutes to get them crispy again—it’s way better than the microwave!
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Get Creative: You can swap the cauliflower for broccoli to mix things up. The texture remains similar and it’s a great way to use up whatever veggies you have in the freezer.
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Storage: These keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just pop them in a preheated oven for a few minutes to warm through before serving.
Gluten Free Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots
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Ingredients
- 2 bags frozen cauliflower, steam package
- 1 1/2 cup dairy free cheese, or any cheese preference
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon everything bagel seasoning
- 1 cup almond flour or almond meal
Directions
- Pre-heat oven to 400 degree F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Steam cauliflower according to directions.
- In a food processor, process cauliflower, egg, cheese, and everything bagel seasoning.
- In a large bowl, dump mixture into the bowl and add the almond flour.
- Shape into tater tot size and place on parchment paper. This mixture made two batches.
- Bake 20 minutes. Flip, bake another 10 minutes.
- Serve with your favorite sauce or side dip.
- Store left over in airtight container in the refrigerator. Good for 5 days.
- To re-heat, place in pre-heated oven for 5 minutes or until warm, or an air fryer.
*Use any cheese you like. I used Daiya brand.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots dairy-free?
Yes, Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots can easily be made dairy-free by using your favorite plant-based shredded cheese. I personally use Daiya brand, which melts perfectly in this recipe. Just ensure your dairy-free cheese is shredded finely so it incorporates well with the cauliflower.
Are Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots gluten-free?
Yes, Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots are naturally gluten-free when you use the almond flour specified in the recipe. Almond flour provides the necessary structure without relying on wheat-based binders. If you have a nut allergy, you can try substituting with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend, though the texture may change slightly.
How long do Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots last in the fridge and can I freeze them?
Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots keep in the fridge for up to 5 days when stored in an airtight container. To freeze them, place the raw, shaped tots on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Bake them directly from frozen by adding 3–5 minutes to the total baking time.
Why are my Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots falling apart?
Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots often fall apart if there is too much excess moisture left in the cauliflower. Always steam the cauliflower well and use paper towels to squeeze out all the liquid before adding it to your food processor. This step is critical to ensure the almond flour binds properly with the other ingredients.
Can I make Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots without a food processor?
Yes, you can make Baked Cauliflower Cheese Tots without a food processor by finely chopping the steamed cauliflower with a sharp knife. Once chopped, mash it slightly with a fork or potato masher before mixing in the egg, cheese, and seasoning. The texture will be slightly chunkier, but the flavor will remain just as delicious.
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