These gluten-free Paleo Cauliflower Tater Tots are so crispy and crunchy you will never believe they’re made from veggies. Even your kids will love them!
Let’s talk about cauliflower tater tots! These little bites are a fun twist on the classic potato-based comfort food we all know and love. Using cauliflower instead of potatoes isn’t exactly a brand new idea, but these paleo cauliflower tater tots take it to a whole new level of deliciousness. They’re crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and packed with wholesome, low-carb ingredients that make snacking way more fun!
Tater tots were originally invented as a clever way to use up potato scraps back in the 1950s, and they quickly caught on as a popular snack food. With this recipe they’re getting a healthy makeover. By using cauliflower, almond flour, and a touch of tapioca starch, these tots manage to keep all the nostalgic flavor and texture while giving you a healthier snack or side option.
Are Paleo Cauliflower Tater Tots Healthy?
If you want a healthier take on the classic side dish, these cauliflower tater tots are a win. Instead of starchy potatoes, we’ve got cauliflower, which means fewer carbs and more fiber and vitamins. Meanwhile, the almond flour adds some healthy fats and plant-based protein, making these tots way more nutrient-dense than the originals.
Unlike the traditional tater tots that are deep-fried and full of simple carbs, this version is light but still super flavorful and crunchy. They’re perfect if you’re looking for a comfort food that fits into paleo, keto, or gluten-free lifestyles without sacrificing the taste you love.
A nutty twist…
Sure, cauliflower is doing some of the heavy lifting here, but the almond flour is what really makes these tots shine. It gives them a slightly nutty, subtly sweet flavor that pairs so well with the cauliflower. It makes these tots taste way more interesting than the classic potato ones.
The tapioca starch gives the tots that extra crispiness that you know is crucial to a tater tot. It helps create that golden-brown exterior that makes every bite satisfying. Sometimes it’s the little touches that make all the difference when you’re recreating a favorite comfort food.
How to make ahead and store
You can make these cauliflower tater tots ahead of time. Just store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, pop them in the oven at 350°F until they’re heated through and crispy again. You can also freeze any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let them cool completely before freezing. When you want to enjoy them, just bake them straight from frozen at 400°F until they’re crispy and hot.
Serving Suggestions
These paleo cauliflower tater tots are so versatile. They make a great snack or side dish with ketchup, of course, but you have to try some of these unique dipping sauces, like Easy Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce, this zingy Yum Yum Sauce, or a perennial family favorite, the Blooming Onion Sauce. These tots are also a perfect side for a juicy Avocado Burger or a flavorful Thai Veggie Burger With Curry.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups cauliflower, cut into bite-sized florets (290g)
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 3 tablespoons parsley, minced
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- Generous pinch of pepper
- 1 large egg white
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups almond meal
- 3 tablespoons tapioca starch
- 4 teaspoons coconut flour
- Olive oil spray
Instructions
- Heat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the cauliflower in a large food processor and process until broken down and "rice-like." Transfer to a large, microwave-safe bowl and cook for 3 minutes. Stir, then cook again for 2 more minutes.
- Add the onion, parsley, garlic, salt, and pepper into the bowl and stir well. Add the egg white and stir until well combined. Finally, stir in the olive oil.
- Add the almond meal, tapioca starch, and coconut flour to the bowl and stir until well mixed and the cauliflower mixture thickens.
- Pack the cauliflower into a 1 tablespoon measuring spoon and lightly hit it into your hand until the cauliflower comes out in a perfect "tot" shape. (You can also just roll them into 1 tablespoon-sized ovals.)
- Place the tots onto the prepared baking sheet.
- Spray the tops generously with olive oil spray and bake for 25 minutes. Flip all the tots over and spray generously with the spray again. Bake for an additional 9-10 minutes until golden brown and super crispy.
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