Meet your new obsession: Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots. These crispy, flavorful little bites bring all the nostalgic joy of classic tater tots, but get a glow-up with wholesome cauliflower and a punch of savory roasted garlic. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun side, or a guilt-free snack, these tots deliver golden crunch and bold flavor in every bite while easily sneaking in more veggies. Trust me, once you try these, you’ll wonder how you ever snacked without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You won’t believe how easy it is to create Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots with just a handful of staple ingredients. Each one is chosen for maximum flavor and the perfect tot texture—crisp on the outside, tender in the middle, and brimming with irresistible roasted garlic goodness.
- Cauliflower: The star of the show! When roasted, it becomes nutty and sweet, blending seamlessly into irresistibly tender tots.
- Olive oil: Helps the veggies caramelize and keeps the tots moist—it also adds a hint of richness.
- Garlic cloves: Roasting transforms garlic into a mellow, almost buttery burst of flavor.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Infuses a salty, cheesy umami depth that makes the tots extra addictive.
- Bread crumbs (regular or panko): Bind everything together and give those edges just the right crunch.
- Egg: Acts as the glue that holds the tots in shape, so you get perfectly golden nuggets.
- Onion powder: Boosts the savory factor without overpowering the roasted garlic.
- Salt: Balances and brings out all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Adds a hint of warmth and gentle bite.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): For a pop of color and a fresh, herby finish—it’s optional, but worth it!
How to Make Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots
Step 1: Roast the Cauliflower and Garlic
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Cut your cauliflower into florets, toss them with olive oil, and add the garlic cloves right on the pan. Roast everything together for about 25 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until the cauliflower turns beautifully golden and tender and the garlic softens. This step is key—roasting concentrates the flavors, setting the stage for crave-worthy Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots.
Step 2: Prep and Chop
Once your roasted veggies are out of the oven, let them cool for a few minutes. Then, place the cauliflower and those luscious roasted garlic cloves into a food processor. Pulse until they’re finely chopped but still with enough texture so your tots won’t be mushy. You’re aiming for a tot-friendly consistency that’s easy to shape.
Step 3: Mix Up the Tot Mixture
Transfer your chopped cauliflower and garlic to a mixing bowl. Add in the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Stir everything together until all the ingredients are evenly distributed and the mixture starts to hold its shape when pressed. If it feels a bit loose, sprinkle in a touch more breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Shape the Tots
With clean hands or a small cookie scoop, portion out tablespoon-sized amounts of the mixture. Roll each into a small, tot-like cylinder or use your fingers to pinch the sides for that classic look. Arrange them all on your lined baking sheet, giving each tot its space for even browning.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your 400°F oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping the tots halfway through. You’ll know they’re done when they’re crisp and golden on the outside. Serve your warm Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots straight from the oven with a dipping sauce, and watch them disappear in minutes!
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra Parmesan, a dusting of fresh parsley, or even a hint of lemon zest can elevate your tots to restaurant-level status. These finishing touches make your plate pop and add a little extra flavor to every bite.
Side Dishes
Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots pair beautifully with a crisp green salad, zesty coleslaw, or even classic grilled chicken. For a kid-friendly dinner, serve them alongside mini turkey burgers or juicy grilled hot dogs for a playful veggie twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile the tots high in a rustic basket lined with parchment for party-style snacking, skewer them with toothpicks for an appetizer platter, or nestle them in a lunchbox with colorful, fresh veggies for an irresistible midday treat. However you serve them, they’re guaranteed to be the star of your table!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots left (which is rare, trust me!), stash them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They stay surprisingly crisp and are ideal for popping into lunchboxes or reheating for a quick snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, let your tots cool completely and then freeze on a baking sheet in a single layer before transferring to a zip-top bag or container. They’ll keep their shape and flavor for up to two months—just grab as many as you need for later cravings.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-baked crispiness, reheat your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots in a hot oven or air fryer for a few minutes until warmed through and crisp on the outside. Skip the microwave if you can, as it tends to make them soft instead of crunchy.
FAQs
Can I make Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots gluten-free?
Absolutely! Simply swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour in place of regular breadcrumbs. The tots hold together just as well and taste amazing. No one will even know the difference.
Do I need a food processor for this recipe?
A food processor makes it really easy to get the perfect texture for your tots, but if you don’t have one, don’t worry. Just chop the roasted cauliflower and garlic very finely with a sharp knife. They’ll still come together beautifully!
Can I prepare these tots ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Form the tots and arrange them on a baking sheet, then refrigerate, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes them a brilliant make-ahead option for parties or busy weeknights.
What kind of dipping sauces go best with Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots?
These tots love all sorts of dips! Classics like ketchup, ranch, or honey mustard are always winners, but try them with spicy sriracha mayo, chipotle aioli, or a tangy yogurt dip for a fun twist.
Can I add other veggies or herbs to the mixture?
Definitely! Finely grated carrot, a handful of chopped spinach, or even a sprinkle of smoked paprika or Italian herbs can add color and flavor. Just keep the ratios similar so the tots hold together when baked.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a snack or appetizer that feels comforting and fresh at the same time, Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are a total game-changer. They pack in all the flavor and crunch you crave, with a boost of veggies you’ll actually look forward to eating. Give them a try—you may never reach for frozen tots again!
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Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 tots 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these flavorful Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots as a delicious and healthy appetizer or snack. Made with cauliflower, garlic, and Parmesan, these tots are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, perfect for dipping!
Ingredients
Cauliflower Tots:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (about 4 cups florets)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare cauliflower: Cut the cauliflower into florets, toss with olive oil, and roast with garlic cloves for 25 minutes.
- Process ingredients: Transfer roasted cauliflower and garlic to a food processor, pulse, and mix with Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, seasonings, and parsley.
- Form tots: Shape tablespoon-sized portions into tot shapes and bake until golden brown and crisp.
- Serve: Enjoy warm with dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- These tots freeze well—just bake and cool completely before freezing in a single layer. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tots
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
