Buffalo Cauliflower Tots
Gluten-free cauliflower tots that are a bit healthier because they're baked, and then tossed in buffalo hot sauce. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
Total time
50 min
Servings
6
Calories
168.9
Category
Appetizers & Snacks
Discover a healthier twist on a classic snack with these Buffalo Cauliflower Tots. Made from finely chopped cauliflower and a blend of spices, these tots are baked to golden perfection and tossed in tangy hot sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or game-day treat, they deliver all the flavor of traditional tots with a veggie-packed punch.
Ingredients
Makes 6 servings
- 1 olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion
- 2 cauliflower
- 1 cauliflower
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 salt
- 1/2 cayenne pepper
Method
Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease with cooking spray. Set aside.
If using whole cauliflower, remove the outer leaves and core. Cut into large chunks and add half to a food processor. Plus until finely chopped, and becomes almost like a paste. Transfer to a bowl, and continue chopping the rest of the cauliflower in the same way. If using just the stalks of cauliflower you've saved, chop up the stalks and proceed as directed.
Once all of the cauliflower has been chopped up, transfer it onto several layers of cheesecloth, bundle up and then squeeze all of the moisture out of it, as much as you possibly can. Transfer to a large bowl, and set aside.
Set a frying pan over medium-high heat with the oil. Once hot, add in the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Allow to cool and then add into the bowl with the cauliflower.
Add in the almond flour, egg whites, teaspoon hot sauce, salt, and cayenne pepper, stirring until well combined.
Using a small ice cream scoop, or a tablespoon measuring spoon, portion out a bit of the mixture onto your hands and shape into a tot, placing onto the prepared baking sheet. Spray them all with cooking spray and bake for 8 minutes. Flip over and continue cooking for another 8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Toss the cooked tots with hot sauce and transfer to a serving dish. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping.
Cook's notes
- Squeeze out as much moisture from the cauliflower as possible to ensure crispy tots.
- Use a small ice cream scoop for uniform tots that cook evenly.
- For extra crispiness, spray the tots generously with cooking spray before baking.
Easy swaps
- Instead of almond flour, use coconut flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a nut-free option
- Instead of cayenne pepper, use paprika or chili powder for milder heat
- Instead of ranch dressing, use blue cheese dressing or vegan ranch
Frequently asked
Can I use frozen cauliflower instead of fresh?
Yes, but thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before using to avoid sogginess.
Are these tots gluten-free?
Yes, as written with almond flour. Ensure all other ingredients (like hot sauce) are gluten-free certified.
Can I make these vegan?
Substitute the eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water per egg) and use vegan ranch or blue cheese dip.
