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These crunchy Cottage Cheese Tots turn basic items into a protein-packed bite that's nutritious and tasty. Mixing cauliflower with cottage cheese creates super crunchy treats that hit the spot while sneaking in veggies and protein.
My sister showed me this recipe and now we make it every week. My kids usually run from veggies, but they actually ask for these tots now - they even want to help make them!
Smart Ingredients Guide
- Cottage cheese: Go for full-fat to get the best results
- Cauliflower: Pick fresh, solid heads with no brown marks
- Breadcrumbs: Either plain or seasoned will do the job
- Parmesan cheese: Grate it fresh for stronger flavor
- Eggs: They hold everything together
- Scallions: Gives a light oniony kick
- Seasonings: Add whatever flavors you like
Easy Cooking Instructions
- Cauliflower Preparation:
- Chop into tiny florets. Steam till soft but still firm. Drain well in a strainer. Press with a clean towel. Cool it down completely.
- Mixture Creation:
- Blitz cauliflower in food processor. Toss in cottage cheese and mix. Stir in other stuff. Feel if it's right. Taste and add more spices if needed.
- Tot Formation:
- Grab mixture with a spoon. Roll into little cylinders. Set on a lined tray. Keep them apart. Fix the shape if they look funny.
- Baking Process:
- Heat oven to 425°F. Mist tots with a bit of oil. Cook for 10 minutes. Gently turn them over. Keep baking till they look golden.
- Final Crisping:
- Look for a nice brown color. Check they're brown underneath too. Break one open to make sure it's done. Let them sit a minute. Eat while they're hot.
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We can't get enough of these tots with our homemade ranch dip. They get so crunchy outside while staying soft inside, just like regular potato tots but way healthier, which makes me feel great about giving them to the kids.
Keeping Them Fresh
These tots stay good in your fridge or freezer. I often cook twice as much, freeze half on a tray before putting them in freezer bags. They warm up great in the oven and still stay crunchy outside.
Plan Ahead Tricks
You can mix everything up to a day early and keep it covered in your fridge. Just shape and bake right before you want to eat them for maximum crunch. Having the mix ready makes dinner so much quicker on busy nights.
Ways To Enjoy
We munch on these as snacks and side dishes. They go great with grilled meat or fish, and everyone loves them at parties. My kids happily eat them cold in their lunchboxes too.
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Pro Cooking Advice
- Make uniform sizes for even cooking
- Use a food processor for best texture
- Squeeze out every bit of moisture possible
These Cottage Cheese Tots have changed how our family snacks. The mix of protein-rich cottage cheese with veggies creates something really special that fills us up and satisfies our comfort food cravings.
Common Questions
- → What's special about using cottage cheese?
- The cottage cheese packs in protein and holds everything together while keeping the inside nice and moist.
- → Can I prep these earlier?
- You bet - shape them and keep in the fridge up to a day before cooking, or pop them in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- → Why do I need to steam the cauliflower?
- Steaming softens it up so you can mash it properly and shape it into those cute little tots.
- → Are there gluten-free options?
- Absolutely - just swap in some gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
- → How do I stop them from crumbling?
- Make sure you drain that cauliflower really well and don't forget the egg - it's what keeps everything stuck together.