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These crunchy Cottage Cheese Tots turn basic ingredients into a protein-packed snack that's both healthy and tasty. By mixing cauliflower with cottage cheese, we make super crispy bites that hit the spot while sneaking in extra veggies and protein.
Since my sister showed me this recipe, I've made it every week. My kids, who normally run from veggies, now beg for these tots - they even want to help make them.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Cottage cheese: Go for full-fat to get the best texture and taste
- Cauliflower: Look for fresh, solid heads with no brown marks
- Breadcrumbs: Both plain and seasoned types work great
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh for maximum flavor
- Eggs: Needed to hold everything together
- Scallions: Gives a mild oniony kick
- Seasonings: Tweak them how you like
Simple Cooking Guide
- Prepping Your Cauliflower:
- Break into tiny florets. Steam until soft but still firm. Drain completely in a strainer. Press with a clean towel. Cool it all the way.
- Making The Mix:
- Chop cauliflower in food processor. Throw in cottage cheese and mix well. Stir in other stuff. Feel if it's right. Taste and add more spices if needed.
- Shaping Your Tots:
- Grab mixture with a spoon. Form into little cylinders. Set on lined baking tray. Keep them apart. Fix shapes if they look wonky.
- Cooking Time:
- Heat oven to 425°F. Mist tots with cooking spray. Cook for 10 minutes. Flip them carefully. Keep cooking till they look golden.
- Getting Them Extra Crispy:
- Look for nice golden color. Check they're brown underneath. Try one to make sure. Let cool just a bit. Enjoy while they're hot.
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My family goes crazy for these tots with homemade ranch dip. The way they get crisp outside but stay soft inside reminds us of regular potato tots, but with extra nutrition that makes me feel better about what they're eating.
Keeping Them Fresh
These tots stay good in your fridge or freezer. I usually make twice as many, freeze half on a tray before putting them in freezer bags. They warm up great in the oven and stay just as crispy.
Plan Ahead Tricks
You can mix everything up a day early and keep it covered in your fridge. Just shape and bake right before you want to eat them for the crunchiest results. Having the mix ready makes dinners on busy nights so much easier.
Ways To Enjoy Them
We eat these tots as snacks and side dishes. They go great with grilled meat or fish, and work really well as party appetizers. My kids love finding them in their lunch boxes even at room temp.
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Smart Cooking Advice
- Get rid of every drop of water you can
- The food processor gives the best mix
- Keep them all the same size so they cook evenly
These Cottage Cheese Tots have changed how our family thinks about healthy snacking. The mix of protein-rich cottage cheese with veggies creates something really special that meets both our nutrition needs and our cravings for comfort food.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What does cottage cheese do?
- It boosts the protein while keeping the bites moist and well-held together.
- → Can I prep these in advance?
- Absolutely! Shape the bites and keep them in the fridge for up to a day, or freeze them for a few months.
- → Why cook the cauliflower first?
- Cooking softens it up, so it’s easier to mash and shape into bites.
- → Can these be gluten-free?
- Totally! Just swap breadcrumbs for gluten-free crumbs or crushed crackers.
- → What keeps them from falling apart?
- Drain the cauliflower well and don’t skip the egg—it helps hold everything together.