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- 1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese - 1 large egg - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free if needed) - 2 green onions, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing Let’s break down the key ingredients for these cheesy cauliflower tots. First, you need a medium head of cauliflower. This is the star of the recipe. It gives the tots their shape and healthy boost. Cutting it into florets helps it cook evenly. Next, the cheese varieties are crucial for flavor. I use one cup of shredded cheddar cheese for a rich taste. Parmesan cheese, at half a cup, adds a nice sharpness. You can mix and match different cheeses if you like. The additional ingredients bring everything together. You need one large egg to bind the mixture. Half a cup of breadcrumbs helps achieve that crispy texture. If you prefer gluten-free, you can easily substitute with gluten-free breadcrumbs. Finally, the seasonings enhance the taste. Two finely chopped green onions add freshness. One teaspoon each of garlic and onion powder gives a nice depth. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to your liking. Having these ingredients ready makes the cooking process smooth. You’ll enjoy each step more when you have everything organized. So, gather these ingredients, and let’s get ready to make some tasty, crispy cheesy cauliflower tots! Preheating the Oven First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will help the tots cook evenly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, lightly grease the paper with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. Cooking the Cauliflower Next, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes until they are tender. Drain the cauliflower and let it cool. This step makes your tots softer and easier to mix. Draining Moisture Once the cauliflower is cool, take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Use it to squeeze out as much moisture as you can. Removing the moisture is key for making the tots crispy. Combining Components In a large mixing bowl, add the drained cauliflower. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and grated parmesan cheese. Crack in one large egg. Next, mix in the breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined. Shaping the Tots Now, take a handful of the mixture and shape it into small tots. Aim for the size of a walnut. This size helps them cook evenly. Place each tot on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between them. Arranging on Baking Sheet Make sure the tots are spaced out on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to reach all sides, making them crispy. Baking Time and Temperature Bake your tots in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway through to get an even golden brown color. When they are crispy and brown, they are ready. Let them cool slightly before serving. Moisture Removal Techniques To get crispy tots, you must remove moisture from the cauliflower. After cooking, drain the cauliflower well. Then, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out extra water. This step is key. The drier the cauliflower, the crisper the tots. Proper Baking Tips Baking at the right temperature is crucial. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the tots on a lined baking sheet. Make sure they have space between them. This allows hot air to circulate and helps them crisp up. Flip the tots halfway through baking. This ensures even browning. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown. Dipping Sauces These cheesy cauliflower tots taste great with dipping sauces. Try marinara sauce for a classic option. Ranch dressing adds a cool twist. You can also serve them with spicy aioli for a kick. Presentation Ideas For a fun presentation, use a small basket. Line it with parchment paper for a homey touch. You can also serve them on a colorful plate. Garnish with extra chopped green onions to add color. This makes your dish look even more appealing. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in your cheesy cauliflower tots. Cheddar is great, but try mozzarella for a milder taste. Gouda adds a nice smokiness, while feta gives a tangy kick. Mixing cheeses can create a deeper flavor. If you want a dairy-free option, vegan cheese works well. Look for brands that melt nicely for best results. Nutritional yeast is another choice, adding a cheesy flavor without dairy. Adding spices makes your tots unique. Try mixing in paprika for a smoky taste. A pinch of cayenne adds heat. You can also use Italian herbs like oregano and basil for a fresh flavor. Incorporating vegetables boosts nutrition. Finely shredded carrots or zucchini mix in well. You can also add cooked spinach for extra greens. Just make sure to remove moisture from any added veggies. This keeps your tots crispy and delicious! Refrigeration Tips To keep your cheesy cauliflower tots fresh, place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. This helps maintain their flavor and texture. If you want to enjoy them later, it's best to reheat them instead of eating them cold. Freezing Instructions If you have extra tots, freezing is a great option. First, let them cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about an hour until firm. After that, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. They can last for up to three months in the freezer. Make sure to label the bag with the date. Best Methods for Reheating The best way to reheat cheesy cauliflower tots is in the oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the tots on a baking sheet and heat for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them crispy. You can also use an air fryer if you want them extra crispy. Maintaining Texture and Flavor To keep the flavor intact, avoid using the microwave. Microwaving can make them soggy. Instead, reheating in the oven or air fryer retains that nice crunch. If they seem dry, you can lightly spray them with olive oil before reheating. This adds moisture back into the tots. Yes, you can. Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well. Your tots will still be crispy and tasty. Look for a golden-brown color. The outside should feel crispy. This usually takes 20 to 25 minutes in the oven. Flipping them halfway helps with even cooking. Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well. Remove as much water as you can. This step is key to getting crispy tots. These tots pair well with dips. Try marinara sauce or ranch dressing. You can also serve them with a salad for a fresh touch. In this post, we explored making Cheesy Cauliflower Tots. We listed simple ingredients, outlined easy steps, and shared tips for perfect results. Remember to drain cauliflower well for crispiness. Feel free to mix cheese types or spices for flavor. Store any leftovers properly for another day. With these easy steps, you'll make a tasty snack or side dish. Enjoy your cooking and share these delicious tots with others!

Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

Craving a delicious and healthier snack? Try these cheesy cauliflower tots! Packed with flavor and easy to make, these bite-sized treats are perfect for parties or a fun family dinner. Made with cheddar, parmesan, and fresh green onions, they're crispy on the outside and cheesy on the inside. Discover how to whip up this tasty recipe in just 40 minutes. Click through to get the full recipe and impress everyone with this guilt-free delight!
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Ingredients
  

1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1 large egg

1/2 cup breadcrumbs (can use gluten-free if needed)

2 green onions, finely chopped

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Lightly grease the parchment with cooking spray or olive oil.

    In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add the cauliflower florets. Cook for about 5-7 minutes until the cauliflower is tender, then drain and allow to cool slightly.

      Once cooled, use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth to squeeze out excess moisture from the cauliflower. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible for crispy tots!

        In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, grated parmesan cheese, egg, breadcrumbs, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

          Using your hands, shape the mixture into small, bite-sized tots (about the size of a walnut) and place them onto the prepared baking sheet.

            Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

              Once baked, remove from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 min | 40 min | 4 servings

                  - Presentation Tips: Serve the cheesy cauliflower tots in a small basket or on a colorful plate with a side of marinara sauce or ranch dressing for dipping. Garnish with additional chopped green onions for a pop of color!