If you’re looking for the ultimate savory snack that’s light, bakes up crispy every time, and is bursting with flavor, then Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are about to become your new best friend! These golden, bite-sized gems take everything you love about classic tots and flip the script with cauliflower and rich roasted garlic, turning a humble veggie into the most craveable, poppable treat. Perfect for parties, kid-friendly dinners, or even just an upgraded movie night, this recipe keeps things easy but absolutely delivers on flavor and texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The marvel of Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots is how a handful of simple, everyday ingredients team up to create such an irresistible snack. Each element has its starring role, whether it’s adding creaminess, a crisp finish, or a big boost of savory depth.
- Cauliflower: This is your base — once steamed and chopped, it gives the tots their gorgeous soft texture and sneaks in all those nutrients.
- Roasted garlic: Roasting softens the bite of raw garlic and brings out a mellow, sweet flavor that makes these tots unforgettable (minced raw garlic also works if you’re in a hurry!).
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty richness and helps everything stick together without overwhelming the delicate cauliflower.
- Panko breadcrumbs: The secret to that classic crispy-edged tot exterior when baked instead of fried.
- Finely chopped parsley: Adds a pop of freshness and color, balancing the richness from the cheese and garlic.
- Large egg: Acts as the glue to hold all those good-for-you ingredients together beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Brings out all the hidden flavors lurking in your veggie-packed mix.
- Onion powder: Another layer of savory goodness, rounding out the flavor harmony.
- Olive oil spray: A quick mist ensures your tots get that irresistible golden brown finish.
How to Make Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. Give it a quick mist of olive oil spray — this helps the tots crisp up on the bottom and makes cleanup effortless. You’ll be amazed at how simple these Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are to pull together!
Step 2: Steam the Cauliflower
Cut the cauliflower into even florets for quick, foolproof steaming or boiling. You want each piece to be fork-tender, which takes only about 8 to 10 minutes. This step softens the texture, so your tots come out tender on the inside.
Step 3: Drain and Chop
After cooking, let the cauliflower cool briefly, then drain away all the water. Use a food processor and pulse the florets until finely chopped — think of the texture of rice, not a smooth purée. Now, wrap the blended cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This is the trick to avoiding soggy tots!
Step 4: Mix It Up
In a large bowl, combine your chopped cauliflower, roasted (or minced) garlic, parmesan, panko, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and onion powder. Mix thoroughly — your hands are the best tool to make sure everything is well combined and evenly incorporated in your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots mixture.
Step 5: Shape the Tots
Use a tablespoon to scoop out the mixture and roll it into small tot shapes, placing each one onto your prepared baking sheet. This is a great step for getting kids involved! Once all the tots are formed, give the tops a gentle spray with olive oil to help them crisp while they bake.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the tray into your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping each tot halfway through so you get that crisp, golden brown finish all around. Let the tots cool just a few minutes before serving — the aroma alone will bring everyone running to the kitchen!
How to Serve Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley over the top not only looks vibrant but also adds a fresh contrast. If you’re feeling a little extra indulgent, dust a little more grated parmesan on hot tots just out of the oven — the cheese will melt slightly, adding savory appeal to every bite.
Side Dishes
These tots go with just about anything! Try them alongside grilled chicken, veggie burgers, or toss a batch onto a big salad for crunchy contrast. Classic pairings like marinara or ranch make perfect dipping companions and are always a crowd-pleaser.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, pile Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots high in a colorful bowl with toothpicks or small skewers. If you want to impress, serve them on a platter with multiple dips in little bowls — think spicy sriracha mayo or creamy avocado dip. You can even thread tots onto mini skewers with cherry tomatoes or mozzarella balls for a fun, appetizer-style twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots will keep happily in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. They make a quick snack, lunchbox addition, or last-minute side whenever you want.
Freezing
To stock up for future cravings, freeze the baked (and fully cooled) tots on a baking tray until solid, then stash them in a freezer bag or container. They hold up wonderfully for up to two months, meaning you’re never far from veggie-packed munching.
Reheating
The best way to reheat Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots is to pop them in a 400°F oven for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they’re hot and crisp once again. The air fryer also does a magical job of bringing back their original bite in just a few minutes.
FAQs
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just thaw the frozen florets completely and be extra sure to squeeze out all moisture after cooking — this keeps your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots firm and not mushy.
What’s the difference between roasted garlic and raw garlic in this recipe?
Roasted garlic brings a mellow, sweet depth that blends seamlessly into each tot, while raw garlic offers a sharper punch. Both work, but roasted transforms the flavor to something truly special!
Can I make these dairy-free?
Yes, you can easily swap the parmesan for your favorite dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. The flavor will shift slightly but your Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots will turn out just as delicious!
How do I make them gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of regular panko. The crisp texture and classic tot bite will still shine, so everyone at the table can dig in.
What other dips go well with these tots?
Get adventurous — from classic ketchup and honey mustard to tangy tzatziki or barbecue sauce, these tots are made for dipping! Roasted garlic aioli is another amazing choice.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a snack that’s crunchy, cheesy, and secretly packed with vegetables, give Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots a try! They’re a true crowd-pleaser and a fun way to level up weeknight meals or party spreads. Once you taste them, don’t be surprised if you’re making them on repeat.
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Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 24 tots 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Roasted Garlic Cauliflower Tots are a flavorful and healthy alternative to traditional tater tots. Packed with roasted garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley, these crispy bites are perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 medium head cauliflower (cut into florets)
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cloves roasted garlic (or 1 raw clove finely minced)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup finely chopped parsley
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with olive oil spray.
- Prepare cauliflower: Steam or boil cauliflower florets until fork-tender. Drain and let cool. Pulse in a food processor and remove excess moisture.
- Mix ingredients: Combine chopped cauliflower with garlic, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, parsley, egg, salt, pepper, and onion powder.
- Form tots: Shape mixture into tots and place on baking sheet. Spray tops with olive oil.
- Bake: Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through cooking.
- Serve: Let cool before serving.
Notes
- Great served with marinara, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- To make them gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tots
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
