Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a tasty and healthy twist on regular tots! Made with fluffy cauliflower and creamy cottage cheese, they’re crispy on the outside and soft inside.
These little bites are perfect for snacking or as a side dish. Seriously, who can resist a crispy tot? I love pairing them with some dipping sauce for extra fun—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: This is the star ingredient, giving the tots their veggie base. Fresh cauliflower is best, but you could use frozen if needed. Just be sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid excess moisture!
Cottage Cheese: I love using small curd cottage cheese for a creamier texture. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a dairy-free ricotta or tofu as a substitute for similar texture and moisture.
Cheddar Cheese: While optional, I recommend adding shredded cheddar for a cheesy flavor. You could use mozzarella for a milder taste or nutritional yeast for a vegan cheese flavor.
Breadcrumbs: Panko gives a lighter, crispier crunch, but regular breadcrumbs work too. If you’re gluten-free, opt for gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
Fresh Parsley: Adding parsley brightens the dish. If you don’t have it, feel free to swap it with chopped green onions or omit it altogether.
How Do You Make Sure the Tots Hold Together?
Getting the right consistency is key for successful tots. Here’s how to ensure they don’t fall apart:
- Make sure the cauliflower is well-drained after cooking—excess water can make the mixture too mushy.
- When ricing the cauliflower, pulsing it briefly in a food processor is ideal. Stop processing as soon as it resembles rice.
- Add enough breadcrumbs to help bind the mixture. If you find it too wet, gradually add more until you achieve a shapeable consistency.
Finally, if the mixture feels too wet, try placing it in the fridge for 20-30 minutes; this can help them hold together better when cooking!
Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 medium head cauliflower, cut into florets
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd or regular)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for added flavor)
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- 2 large eggs
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for flavor)
- Olive oil or cooking spray, for frying or baking
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes approximately 10 minutes to prepare and about 20-25 minutes to cook if baking, or about 15 minutes total for frying. Just a little bit of time for a delicious, crispy snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Cooking Surface:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you prefer to bake the tots. Alternatively, get a skillet ready with some olive oil if you want to fry them instead.
2. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they become very tender—this usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, make sure to drain it well and let it cool down a little. We want it to be cool enough to handle but still warm to help bind the ingredients.
3. Rice the Cauliflower:
Once cooled, take the cauliflower florets and pulse them in a food processor just a few times, until they are riced and have a similar texture to small grains. Be careful not to over-process; we still want some texture!
4. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large bowl, add the riced cauliflower, cottage cheese, cheddar cheese (if using), minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Add Eggs and Breadcrumbs:
In a small bowl, beat the eggs lightly and then add them to the cauliflower mixture along with the breadcrumbs. Mix until everything is well combined. The mixture should be sticky enough to hold its shape. If it’s too wet, breadcrumbs can be added gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
6. Shape the Tots:
With your hands, shape the mixture into small tot-sized cylinders or balls, roughly 1 to 1.5 inches in size. This is where the fun begins!
7. Cooking the Tots:
For baking, arrange the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray or lightly brush them with olive oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. For frying, heat a few tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tots in batches, turning often, until they are golden brown and cooked through, roughly 4-5 minutes per batch.
8. Drain and Garnish:
If you fried the tots, be sure to drain them on paper towels to remove any excess oil. Sprinkle some extra chopped fresh parsley on top to make them look beautiful and bright.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve these yummy cauliflower tots warm with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, sour cream, or garlic aioli. Enjoy every crispy bite!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw it completely and drain any excess moisture before ricing it in the food processor. This will help ensure your tots hold together well.
Can I Make These Tots Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prep the mixture, shape the tots, and refrigerate them for up to a day before cooking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftover Tots?
Store any leftover cauliflower tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat them in the oven or air fryer to retain their crispiness.
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Tots?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with other mix-ins like cooked spinach, grated carrots, or even spices like Italian herbs for added flavor. Just remember to maintain the right balance of wet and dry ingredients!