If you're on the hunt for a deliciously crispy snack that won't derail your healthy eating goals, look no further than these Crispy Baked Cauliflower Tots! Bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients, these little bites are a game-changer for any appetizer spread or a fun twist on traditional tater tots. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple baking process, you can create a guilt-free treat that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 medium cauliflower, riced
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Rice the cauliflower by cutting it into florets and pulse in a food processor until it resembles fine, rice-like pieces. If you don't have a food processor, you can grate the cauliflower using a box grater.
- Place the riced cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for achieving crispy tots.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the dried cauliflower rice, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well incorporated.
- Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tot-shaped cylinders, approximately 1-2 inches long. Press the mixture firmly to help the tots hold their shape.
- Arrange the tots on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching each other. This allows them to crisp up evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and crispiness.
- Remove from the oven when the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside. Let them cool for 2-3 minutes before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli.
Tips
- Moisture Matters: Make sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible from the riced cauliflower. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect crispy texture. A clean kitchen towel works wonders for this!
- Uniform Size: When shaping your tots, aim for consistent sizes (about 1-2 inches long) to ensure even cooking. This will help them brown uniformly and enhance the overall presentation.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Arrange the tots on the baking sheet with space between them. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring that every side gets crispy and golden.
- Keep an Eye on Them: Ovens can vary, so start checking your tots around the 20-minute mark. You want them to be beautifully golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Dipping Delight: Serve your crispy cauliflower tots with a variety of dipping sauces to elevate the experience. Ranch, marinara, or spicy aioli make excellent choices that complement the flavors perfectly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 40mg
