Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a tasty and healthy snack! Made with fluffy cauliflower and creamy cottage cheese, they’re baked to a golden crisp. Yum!
These little bites are a great way to sneak in some veggies. Plus, they’re super easy to make—I whip them up quickly when I need a treat that feels indulgent but isn’t! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of this dish! Fresh cauliflower works best, but frozen florets can work too. Just ensure they’re thawed and drained well to avoid excess moisture. I love using fresh for the best texture!
Cottage Cheese: This adds creaminess and protein. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can substitute with a plant-based ricotta or blended tofu. The texture will differ, but it will still bind well!
Shredded Cheese: Cheddar gives a nice flavor, but feel free to experiment! Mozzarella adds chewiness, or you can use a dairy-free cheese alternative if desired. I often mix a couple of varieties for added depth.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs are great, but you can swap them with whole wheat or gluten-free options based on your dietary preferences. For a crunchier texture, try panko breadcrumbs!
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, try basil or even green onions for a different flavor. Dried parsley can work too, though fresh is always best for that vibrant taste!
How Do I Handle Cauliflower Without Turning it to Mush?
Blanching or steaming the cauliflower properly is key! You want it tender but not overly soft. Here’s how to do it right:
- Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil and add the cauliflower florets.
- Cook for just 3-4 minutes, ensuring they’re still slightly firm.
- Quickly drain and cool the florets under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Once cooled, chop or grate until it resembles rice. This will help achieve the perfect texture in your tots!
Remember, it’s better to undercook slightly, as you can always cook them more later when frying. Trust me, this keeps your tots light and fluffy!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tots:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (finely chopped or grated)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (crumbled or well drained)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus some for garnish)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional: sour cream or a creamy dip for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 15-20 minutes to cook, so in total, you’re looking at about 30-35 minutes to enjoy delicious Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots. Perfect for a quick snack or a tasty appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanching the Cauliflower:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the cauliflower florets and let them blanch for about 3-4 minutes. You want them to be slightly tender but not mushy. Once done, drain the cauliflower and let it cool. Alternatively, you can steam it until just tender if you prefer.
2. Preparing the Cauliflower:
Once the cauliflower is cool, use a food processor or a grater to finely chop or grate it until it resembles rice. This texture is key to keep the tots together and ensure they cook evenly.
3. Mixing the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the grated cauliflower, crumbled cottage cheese, shredded cheese, breadcrumbs, chopped parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Give it a good mix to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Adding the Egg:
Crack the egg into the mixture and mix everything together until it holds together well. If it feels too wet, don’t worry! Just add a little more breadcrumbs until you get the right consistency to shape them.
5. Shaping the Tots:
Using your hands, shape the mixture into small tot-sized cylinders or rounds. Make sure they’re compact so they won’t fall apart while frying!
6. Coating with Breadcrumbs:
Lightly coat each tot with additional breadcrumbs. This will give your tots a crispy, delightful exterior when frying. Yum!
7. Frying the Tots:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, fry the tots in batches, cooking for about 3-4 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that golden brown and crispy exterior!
8. Draining and Serving:
Once cooked, remove the tots from the skillet and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy!
9. Garnishing:
Serve your yummy cauliflower tots warm, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Don’t forget to add some sour cream or a creamy dip on the side for an extra treat!
Enjoy your crispy, flavorful Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots as a perfect snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! Frozen cauliflower can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture after it’s thawed. This will help maintain the right texture for your tots.
How Can I Make these Tots Gluten-Free?
To make these cauliflower tots gluten-free, simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs. You can also use ground oats or almond flour for a different flavor and texture.
Can I Prepare the Mixture Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture in advance and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before shaping and frying. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or in an airtight container. This makes them a great option for meal prep!
How Do I Store Leftover Tots?
Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to regain their crispiness.
