These Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a fun twist on classic tots! Made with creamy cottage cheese and cauliflower, they are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
Who knew veggies could taste so good? I love serving these with a dip for a tasty snack that feels naughty but is super nice. Perfect for kids and adults alike!
They’re easy to whip up, and I can sneak in some extra veggies without anyone noticing! Bake a batch, and watch them disappear at any gathering! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish, cauliflower adds bulk and a healthy twist. If you’re out of cauliflower, try broccoli as a fun alternative. Just remember to adjust cooking times, as broccoli cooks a bit faster!
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient helps bind the tots while giving them a creamy texture. You can switch it up with ricotta or Greek yogurt if you’re looking for something different and creamy!
Cheddar Cheese: I like to add shredded cheddar for extra cheesiness, but feel free to use any cheese you enjoy! Monterey Jack or mozzarella are also good choices if you want a milder flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs help hold the mixture together. If you want a gluten-free option, use crushed cornflakes or almond flour. Panko gives a nice crunch, while regular breadcrumbs work just fine too.
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley brightens up the flavor! You could substitute it with fresh basil or dill, depending on your taste. Dried herbs can also work; just use about a tablespoon since they’re more concentrated.
How Do You Get the Right Consistency for Tots?
Getting the correct texture of your tot mixture is key! After cooking your cauliflower, make sure to drain it well. Excess moisture can make your tots fall apart.
- Use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out any leftover water. This step is super important!
- Mash the cauliflower with cottage cheese until it’s well combined but still has some chunks for texture.
- Join in the breadcrumbs, eggs, and spices, mixing just until everything sticks together.
A tip from my kitchen: If the mixture feels too wet, add a bit more breadcrumbs gradually until you can shape it easily. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tots:
- 1 medium head of cauliflower, chopped into florets (about 4 cups)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra cheesiness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray for frying/baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and 25-30 minutes to bake, or about 6-8 minutes to fry. Overall, plan for about 40-50 minutes from start to finish. It’s a straightforward and fun way to make a delicious snack or side dish!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re going to bake them. If you prefer frying, grab your skillet and pour in some olive oil and heat it up on medium.
2. Cook the Cauliflower:
Next, steam or boil the chopped cauliflower florets until they’re very tender, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once they’re soft, drain the cauliflower well and let it cool a little.
3. Squeeze Out the Moisture:
To avoid soggy tots, transfer the cooked cauliflower to a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out as much moisture as you can—this step is super important for the perfect texture!
4. Mash the Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, add the squeezed cauliflower, cottage cheese, and cheddar cheese (if using). Mash everything together until it’s well mixed but still slightly chunky for a nice texture.
5. Combine All Ingredients:
Add the grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper to the bowl. Mix everything together well until it forms a firm mixture that you can shape into tots.
6. Shape the Tots:
Now, it’s time to get hands-on! Shape the mixture into little cylinders or ovals, about 1.5 inches in size. Make them whatever shape you like—fun and easy!
7. Baking Option:
If you’re baking, place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly brush or spray the tops with olive oil. Pop them in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, turning halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
8. Frying Option:
If you choose to fry, heat some olive oil in your skillet over medium heat. Fry the tots in batches, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy all around, which should take about 6-8 minutes.
9. Drain and Garnish:
If you fried the tots, remove them and let them drain on paper towels. This will get rid of any extra oil. Then, don’t forget to garnish with extra parsley for a fresh touch!
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your warm Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots with a yummy dipping sauce like ranch or a herbed yogurt dip. Enjoy the crispy, creamy deliciousness!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen cauliflower, just steam it directly from frozen until tender. Make sure to drain it well and squeeze out excess moisture just as you would with fresh cauliflower to maintain the right texture.
What Can I Use Instead of Cottage Cheese?
If you’d like a different flavor or texture, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt are great substitutes for cottage cheese. They’ll still give you that creamy richness while adding a unique taste to your tots!
How Do I Store Leftover Tots?
Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re warmed through and crispy again.
Can I Bake Instead of Frying?
Yes, baking is a fantastic option! Just follow the baking instructions provided, and you’ll get deliciously crispy tots without the added oil from frying. Baking also makes them a bit healthier!