These Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a fun and healthy twist on the classic tater tots! Packed with cheesy goodness and a light crunch, they’re perfect for snacking or as a side dish.
They’re super easy to make—just mix, shape, and bake. I love to dip mine in some ketchup or ranch dressing. Who knew healthy could taste so good? 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The base of this recipe is cauliflower. Make sure to finely chop or process it into small pieces for the best texture. If you can’t find cauliflower, broccoli can be a fun substitute.
Cottage Cheese: Low moisture cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein. You can swap it for ricotta cheese for a smoother texture. Greek yogurt also works, but it will change the flavor a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: I love adding cheddar for flavor, but feel free to skip it if you want a lighter option. Parmesan or a spicy cheese can be great alternatives too!
Breadcrumbs: These are essential for binding. Panko gives a nice crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If gluten-free, use crushed gluten-free crackers instead.
Spices: Onion powder adds nice flavor, while smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika works just fine. You can even add a pinch of cayenne for some heat!
How Do I Ensure My Cauliflower Tots Don’t Become Soggy?
One critical step is removing excess moisture from the cauliflower. After cooking, let it cool slightly, then use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out moisture. This keeps the tots crispy.
- Steam or microwave the cauliflower for 5-7 minutes until soft.
- Let it cool, then wrap in a towel and twist to remove water.
- Combine it with the other ingredients as directed.
Also, if your mixture feels too wet after mixing, just add a bit more breadcrumbs to help absorb the moisture and hold the shape better. Happy cooking!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Base Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 medium head), finely chopped or processed into rice-like pieces
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably low moisture)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for binding; use panko or regular)
- 1 large egg
Flavorings:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional for a slight smoky flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Cooking:
- Olive oil or cooking spray for frying or baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of prep time, with an additional 20-25 minutes for baking or about 8 minutes for pan-frying. It’s a quick and easy dish that’s perfect for a tasty snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven or Skillet:
Before you start mixing, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re going to bake the tots. If you prefer to pan-fry them, get your skillet ready by adding some olive oil over medium heat.
2. Cook the Cauliflower:
Take the cauliflower florets and steam or microwave them for about 5-7 minutes until they are soft, but not mushy. Once done, let them cool for a minute or two.
3. Remove Excess Moisture:
To keep your tots crispy, it’s important to get rid of as much moisture as possible. Take a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wrap the cooked cauliflower in it. Squeeze tightly to remove excess water.
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the squeezed cauliflower, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), breadcrumbs, egg, minced garlic, parsley, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix everything well until you have a sticky dough. If it feels too wet, simply add a little more breadcrumbs until you get the right consistency.
5. Shape the Tots:
With your hands, shape the mixture into small tot shapes, about 1-2 inches in size. They don’t have to be perfect—just make sure they are compact enough to hold together!
6. Cook the Tots:
For baking: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the tots on it. Lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Bake them for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
For pan-frying: Heat olive oil in your skillet and carefully place the tots in the oil. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until they are golden and crispy. Once done, let them drain on paper towels to remove any excess oil.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the tots warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. They go wonderfully with your favorite dipping sauces like ketchup, ranch, or even a spicy dip. Enjoy your crispy, cheesy, and flavorful Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess water before cooking to avoid soggy tots.
How to Make Tots Vegan?
If you want to make this recipe vegan, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like tofu or cashew cheese, and replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water, set aside to thicken).
Can I Bake These Tots Instead of Frying Them?
Absolutely! Baking is a healthier alternative. Just preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the formed tots on a lined baking sheet, lightly spray with olive oil, and bake for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway for even crispiness.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply pop them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through, or you can microwave them briefly.
