Introduction
Cauliflower Tater Tots with Cranberry Ketchup are the ultimate festive finger food—crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and bursting with savory holiday flavor. This guilt-free twist on a childhood favorite makes a delicious appetizer or side dish, with the zesty cranberry ketchup adding a vibrant and seasonal kick. Whether you’re hosting a holiday party or just want something snack-worthy and healthy, these tots are a crowd-pleaser.
Origin and Cultural Significance
Tater tots originated in the 1950s as a way to use leftover potato slivers from processing, quickly becoming an American comfort food classic. Our cauliflower version gives this nostalgic snack a modern, health-conscious update. The cranberry ketchup adds a festive nod to holiday traditions, where cranberries are a staple on the table. Together, these components offer a playful fusion of past and present—a familiar treat with a seasonal twist.
Unique Ingredients and Flavors
Cauliflower, the star of this dish, provides a mild, nutty base that crisps up beautifully when baked. Parmesan brings umami depth, while garlic and onion powders enhance the savory profile. The cranberry ketchup—a blend of tart cranberries and sweet ketchup—creates a zingy companion to the tots, elevating them from ordinary to extraordinary. It’s a snack that surprises and delights.
Cooking Techniques
Baking the tots ensures a healthier alternative to frying, without sacrificing crunch. The cauliflower is steamed, pulsed, and drained thoroughly to remove excess moisture—key for a crispy finish. Hand-shaping the tots allows for consistency in size and even baking. Meanwhile, the cranberry ketchup is simmered gently to marry the flavors into a sweet-tart condiment that feels like a celebration.
Cauliflower Tater Tots with Cranberry Ketchup
Description
These Cauliflower Tater Tots with Cranberry Ketchup are baked to golden perfection and paired with a festive, tangy-sweet dip. A wholesome yet playful holiday snack!
Ingredients for Cauliflower Tater Tots with Cranberry Ketchup
Tater Tot Ingredients:
Cranberry Ketchup Ingredients:
Optional for Garnish:
Instructions
Preparing the Cauliflower
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Steam or Microwave the Cauliflower
Cut cauliflower into florets and steam or microwave until fork-tender. Let it cool slightly, then pulse in a food processor until it resembles coarse crumbs.
Do not overprocess; avoid turning it into a puree. -
Drain and Dry the Cauliflower
Transfer pulsed cauliflower to a clean towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
Removing moisture is key to ensuring crispy tots.
Making the Tots
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Mix the Ingredients for Tots
In a large bowl, combine the cauliflower, Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
The mixture should hold together when pressed. -
Form the Tots
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape into small cylindrical tots using your hands. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Keep the size consistent for even cooking. -
Bake to Perfection
Preheat oven to 400°F. Bake for 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
Use a spatula carefully when flipping to avoid breaking them.
Making the Cranberry Ketchup
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Simmer the Sauce
In a small saucepan, combine cranberries, ketchup, maple syrup, and vinegar. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cranberries break down and sauce thickens.
Mash cranberries gently for smoother texture or leave slightly chunky if preferred. -
Cool the Ketchup
Let the cranberry ketchup rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes after cooking to cool slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
You can prepare this ahead of time and refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to a week.
Serving the Tots
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Garnish and Serve
Transfer freshly baked cauliflower tots to a serving platter. Place a small bowl of cranberry ketchup in the center for dipping, or serve it on the side in individual ramekins.
For a festive touch, garnish the platter with sprigs of rosemary or a few whole cranberries.
Note
- Make sure the cauliflower is not watery or the mixture won’t hold together.
- Use parchment paper to prevent sticking during baking.
- Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne for a spicy version.
- Swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option.
- Make ahead and freeze shaped tots—bake straight from frozen.
- Serve tots with toothpicks for easy party snacking.
- Double the cranberry ketchup recipe for a festive dip with other snacks.
- Great use for leftover holiday cranberry sauce too—just blend with ketchup!
