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These crunchy Cottage Cheese Tots turn basic ingredients into a protein-packed bite that's tasty and good for you. By mixing cauliflower with cottage cheese, we've made super crunchy snacks that hit the spot while sneaking veggies and protein into your day.
Since my sister passed this idea to me, I've made these tots every week. My kids, who usually push veggies aside, now beg for these tots and even want to help make them.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Cottage cheese: Go for full-fat to get the best taste and texture
- Cauliflower: Pick fresh ones without any brown marks
- Breadcrumbs: Either plain or flavored will do the job
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it yourself for extra flavor
- Eggs: These hold everything together
- Scallions: Gives a light oniony kick
- Seasonings: Add whatever flavors you like
Simple Cooking Instructions
- Cauliflower Preparation:
- Break into tiny florets. Steam till soft but firm. Drain well in strainer. Dry with clean towel. Cool it down completely.
- Mixture Creation:
- Chop cauliflower in food processor. Throw in cottage cheese and mix. Stir in other stuff. Feel how thick it is. Taste and add more spices if needed.
- Tot Formation:
- Use a tablespoon to grab mixture. Roll into little cylinders. Set on paper-lined tray. Keep them apart. Fix shapes if they look weird.
- Baking Process:
- Heat oven to 425°F. Give tots a light oil spray. Cook for 10 minutes. Flip them carefully. Bake till they turn golden.
- Final Crisping:
- Look for a nice brown color. Check they're brown underneath too. Try one to make sure they're done. Let them cool a bit. Eat while they're hot.
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We really go nuts for these tots with some homemade ranch dip. They get so crunchy outside but stay soft inside, just like regular potato tots but way better for you, which makes me happy to serve them.
Keeping Them Fresh
These tots stay good in your fridge or freezer. I usually cook twice as much, freeze half on a tray, then dump them in freezer bags. When you warm them up in the oven, they get crispy again just like fresh ones.
Do-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 so they're super crunchy. Having the mix ready makes dinner so much quicker on busy nights.
Ways To Serve
We eat these as snacks and sides in our house. They go great with grilled chicken or fish, and friends love them as party food. My kids even take them cold in their lunch boxes and don't mind at all.
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Smart Cooking Advice
- Dry the mixture as much as you can
- Blend it well for the right feel
- Cut them the same size so they cook evenly
These Cottage Cheese Tots have changed how we think about healthy snacks at home. Mixing protein-rich cottage cheese with veggies creates something really special that fills us up while tasting like comfort food we crave.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Why put cottage cheese in the mix?
- It adds a protein boost and keeps the bites soft inside.
- → Can I prep them in advance?
- Totally! Chill the shaped bites for up to a day or freeze them for months before baking.
- → Why steam the cauliflower first?
- Steaming softens it, making it easier to mash and shape.
- → Are these gluten-free?
- They can be! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers instead.
- → How do I stop them from falling apart?
- Make sure the cauliflower isn’t too wet and don’t skip the egg—it keeps things together.