Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are bite-sized, cheesy delights made from healthy cauliflower and creamy cottage cheese. They’re a great way to enjoy some veggies without missing out on tasty snacks!
They’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside—perfect for dipping in your favorite sauce. I love to whip these up for movie nights; they disappear faster than popcorn! 🍿
Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: The star of the show! Fresh cauliflower is best for making these tots. If you can’t find fresh, frozen cauliflower florets work too—just ensure you thaw and drain them well.
Cottage Cheese: Low-fat cottage cheese keeps these tots moist and adds protein. If you’re dairy-free, try using a plant-based alternative like tofu or cashew cheese, but it might alter the texture a bit.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds richness. If you prefer, swap it with mozzarella for a milder flavor or use a vegan cheese to keep it dairy-free.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps bind the tots. Almond flour is a great gluten-free option, but you may need to adjust the quantity for the right consistency.
Seasonings: Feel free to customize the flavor! Add some Italian herbs like oregano or basil for an extra kick, or switch the garlic for onion powder if you like a milder taste.
How Do You Get the Perfect Texture for Cauliflower Tots?
Achieving a crispy exterior while keeping the inside fluffy is key! Here’s how:
- Steam the cauliflower until it’s just tender; overcooking makes it soggy.
- After steaming, drain and cool the cauliflower thoroughly. Excess moisture will prevent your tots from holding together.
- Pulsing in the food processor creates that ideal texture. Stop when you see a rice-like consistency—too fine, and they might be mushy!
- Form the mixture into tots firmly, but don’t overpack them; this helps achieve a crispy crust when frying.
With these tips, your Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots will be crispy and delicious every time! Enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Tots:
- 2 cups cauliflower florets (about half a medium head)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
- 1 large egg
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
For Frying:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total to make these tasty tots. It takes about 10 minutes for prep, 10 minutes for cooking, and a few minutes to cool before serving. Easy-peasy and so worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Cauliflower:
Start by steaming the cauliflower florets until they’re tender, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Once they’re cooked, drain them well and let them cool down a bit. This will make it easier to handle them later!
2. Process the Cauliflower:
Using a food processor, pulse the steamed cauliflower until you get a finely chopped texture, similar to rice. Make sure not to over-process it, or you’ll end up with mush! After that, transfer the cauliflower to a large mixing bowl.
3. Mix the Ingredients:
In the bowl with the cauliflower, add the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, flour, egg, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika if you’re using it. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The mixture needs to be sticky enough to hold its shape—if it feels too wet, sprinkle in a little more flour.
4. Shape the Tots:
Now it’s time to form your tots! With your hands, shape the mixture into small balls or oval shapes, about 1 to 1.5 inches each. Don’t worry if they’re not perfect; just try to keep them fairly uniform in size for even cooking.
5. Fry the Tots:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the tots in batches into the skillet, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Turn them occasionally to ensure they cook evenly.
6. Drain the Tots:
When they’re nice and crispy, transfer the cooked tots onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. This will help keep them from getting soggy.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, serve your warm Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots garnished with extra parsley and your choice of dipping sauce, like ranch dressing or garlic aioli. Enjoy this healthy and delicious snack or side!
Happy cooking!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen cauliflower! Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to remove any excess moisture before processing it into the “rice” texture.
How Can I Make These Tots Vegan?
To make these cauliflower tots vegan, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative like silken tofu or vegan cream cheese. Also, replace the egg with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) for binding.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes for crispiness, or microwave them if you prefer a quicker option—though they may be less crispy.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray for crispy edges and bake for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
