These Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a fun twist on traditional tots! They’re made with cauliflower and packed with protein from cottage cheese, making them a tasty and healthy snack.
These little bites are perfect for dipping and make a great side dish too. I love them with ketchup—who doesn’t? Plus, they’re super easy to whip up for a quick bite anytime! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient. Make sure it’s steamed well but not overcooked. If cauliflower isn’t available, broccoli can be a tasty substitute for a similar texture.
Cottage Cheese: Using small curd cottage cheese gives a nice creaminess. If you prefer, ricotta cheese can also work, giving it a slightly different flavor. For a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth.
Cheddar Cheese: It adds great flavor and helps bind the tots. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can give a cheesy flavor without using cheese. You can also try vegan cheese options.
Breadcrumbs: They help to hold everything together. Gluten-free breadcrumbs are a perfect swap if you are on a gluten-free diet. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a crunchy texture.
How Do You Get the Tots to Bind Properly?
The binding agent is crucial for holding the tots together. Make sure your cauliflower is thoroughly dried after steaming. Excess moisture can lead to a mixture that’s too wet. If it feels loose, a little extra breadcrumbs can help firm it up.
- After mixing, test the mixture by forming a small ball. If it falls apart, add more breadcrumbs.
- Using an egg helps bind it all together, but for a vegan version, flaxseed meal mixed with water works as a great substitute.
When frying, don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches for even cooking. This ensures they turn golden and crispy all around. Enjoy these flavorful bites!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets, steamed and finely chopped or riced
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd preferred)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional for extra flavor)
- 1/3 cup breadcrumbs (more if needed for binding)
- 1 large egg
Flavor Enhancers:
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Cooking:
- Olive oil or cooking oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 30 minutes in total—10 minutes for prep and about 20 minutes for cooking. With easy steps and delicious end results, you’ll have a fantastic snack ready to enjoy in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Start by steaming the cauliflower florets until they’re tender, typically about 5-7 minutes. After steaming, drain them thoroughly and pat dry with a kitchen towel to remove any extra moisture. Once dried, finely chop or pulse the cauliflower in a food processor until it resembles rice.
2. Mix All Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the riced cauliflower with cottage cheese, shredded cheddar (if using), breadcrumbs, the egg, minced garlic, chopped onion, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix everything together well until the mixture holds together nicely. If the mix feels too wet, just sprinkle in a bit more breadcrumbs until it binds well.
3. Shape the Tots:
With clean hands, take a small amount of the mixture and shape it into tot-sized cylindrical pieces or little oval shapes. Aim for uniform sizes for even cooking!
4. Cook the Tots:
In a skillet, heat a generous amount of oil over medium heat. Once hot, fry the tots in batches to avoid overcrowding. Turn them occasionally, and cook until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides—this should take about 3-4 minutes per side.
5. Drain Excess Oil:
When golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to carefully transfer the cooked tots to a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess oil.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
These tots are best served warm. Garnish them with some chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and don’t forget your favorite dipping sauce—ranch, sour cream, or ketchup work wonderfully!
Enjoy your delicious and nutritious Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower Instead of Fresh?
Absolutely! If using frozen cauliflower, make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before ricing. This will help maintain the right texture for the tots.
How Can I Make These Tots Vegan?
To make these tots vegan, simply replace the cottage cheese with blended silken tofu and use a flaxseed meal mixture (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) instead of the egg for binding.
Can I Bake the Tots Instead of Frying Them?
Yes, you can bake the tots! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the shaped tots on a lined baking sheet, and lightly spray them with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.
