These Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a tasty twist on the classic potato version. They’re made with healthy cauliflower and creamy cottage cheese, making them light and fluffy!
Every bite is packed with flavor, and they are super easy to make. I like to dip mine in a zesty sauce—perfect for a snack or as a side dish. You’ll enjoy munching on these crunchy, cheesy bites! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for texture. If it’s hard to find, frozen florets work too! Just steam them properly before using.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd is best for a smooth mix, but if you only have large curd, it’ll still work—just mash it a bit first!
Parmesan Cheese: If you’re out of Parmesan, try Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste or even nutritional yeast, if you want a dairy-free option.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives extra crunch, but regular breadcrumbs are fine too. If gluten-free is a need, use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Parsley: Fresh parsley adds a great flavor, but dried parsley or other fresh herbs like chives or basil can also work if that’s what you have on hand.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Texture for My Tots?
The key step here is to ensure your cauliflower is finely chopped, so your tots hold together well. Here’s how to get there:
- Steam or boil cauliflower until just tender, then drain well. You want it to be moist but not watery.
- Pulse in a food processor until finely chopped, but stop before it turns into a puree. This keeps the texture just right!
- When mixing, ensure everything is well incorporated. If the mixture feels too wet, add a little extra breadcrumb at a time until it binds well.
Lastly, whether you choose to bake or fry, don’t rush the cooking time. Let them crisp up nicely for the best results! Enjoy making your tots! 🌟
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tots:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crispiness)
- 1 large egg
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for frying or baking)
For Serving:
- Optional: Ranch or herb dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and another 20-25 minutes to cook if you’re baking or approximately 10-15 minutes for frying. So in total, you’re looking at around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. A quick, healthy, and delicious treat!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Method:
If you’re baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you prefer frying, heat a skillet with olive oil over medium heat while you prepare the rest.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they’re tender, which usually takes about 7-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain them well and let them cool slightly so they’re easier to handle.
3. Chop the Cauliflower:
In a food processor, pulse the cooled cauliflower florets until they are finely chopped but not pureed. You want a nice texture for your tots! When done, transfer the chopped cauliflower to a large mixing bowl.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
To the bowl with the cauliflower, add the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together until well combined. If the mixture feels too wet, you can add a little more breadcrumbs until it holds together nicely.
5. Shape the Tots:
Take small portions of the mixture and shape them into tot-sized cylinders or rounded rectangles, about 1-1.5 inches long. This will ensure they cook evenly.
6. Cook the Tots:
For Baking: Place the tots on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray or brush them with olive oil for crispiness. Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown.
For Frying: If you’re frying, heat enough oil in your skillet to cover the bottom. Fry the tots in batches, turning them to brown all sides until crispy, which should take about 3-4 minutes per side. After frying, drain them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
7. Garnish & Serve:
Once cooked, garnish your crispy tots with some chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch. Serve them warm with your choice of dipping sauce, like ranch or a delicious herb-infused yogurt dip.
Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and healthy Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots! They are perfect as a snack or side dish!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just be sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before cooking to maintain the right texture.
How Can I Make These Tots Vegan?
For a vegan version, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based cheese or silken tofu, the egg with a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tbsp water), and use vegan breadcrumbs. They will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the cauliflower mixture and shape the tots, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Just make sure to cover them well to prevent drying out.
What Should I Do If My Tots Fall Apart?
If your tots are falling apart, it usually means the mixture is too wet. Simply add more breadcrumbs gradually until the mixture holds together better. Make sure to mix thoroughly before shaping again!