Get ready to revolutionize your snack game with these irresistible Old Bay Cauli Tots – the crispy, cheesy, low-carb alternative that will make you forget all about traditional potato tots! Imagine biting into a golden, crunchy exterior that gives way to a tender, flavorful interior bursting with zesty Old Bay seasoning and melted cheddar cheese. These cauliflower tots are not just a healthier option, they're a taste sensation that will have everyone begging for more – whether you're looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a game-day snack, or a creative way to get more vegetables into your diet.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 head cauliflower, riced
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup almond flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tbsp Old Bay seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Start by preparing the cauliflower. Remove the leaves and stem from the head of cauliflower, then chop it into smaller florets. Place the florets in a food processor and pulse until they resemble rice grains. If you don’t have a food processor, you can also use a box grater to rice the cauliflower by hand.
- Transfer the riced cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Gather the edges and twist to form a pouch, then squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial to ensure your cauli tots are crispy and not soggy.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower, shredded cheddar cheese, almond flour, egg, Old Bay seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly until all the ingredients are well incorporated and form a dough-like consistency.
- Using your hands, scoop out a small amount of the mixture and shape it into a tot or small cylinder. Repeat this process until all the mixture is shaped into tots and placed on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each tot for even cooking.
- Once all the cauli tots are shaped, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 20 minutes, or until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside. You can flip them halfway through cooking for even browning.
- After baking, remove the cauli tots from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. They can be enjoyed on their own or served with your favorite dipping sauce.
- Serve the Old Bay Cauli Tots warm as a delicious appetizer or snack, and enjoy the flavorful blend of spices and cheese!
Tips
- Moisture is the Enemy: The key to crispy cauli tots is removing as much liquid from the cauliflower as possible. Use a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out every last drop of moisture.
- Don't Skip the Seasoning: Old Bay is the secret weapon here, but feel free to experiment with other spice blends to customize your tots.
- Size Matters: Keep your tots uniform in size to ensure even cooking. Use a small ice cream scoop or tablespoon to help create consistent shapes.
- Crispy Finish Hack: For extra crispiness, spray the tots lightly with cooking spray before baking or brush with a little olive oil.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prepare the mixture and shape the tots in advance, then refrigerate until you're ready to bake. This makes them perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
- Dipping Sauce Suggestions: Serve with ranch, sriracha mayo, or a light garlic aioli to complement the Old Bay seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 390kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 23g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 215mg
