These Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots are a fun and healthy twist on the classic tater tot! Made with fluffy cauliflower and creamy cottage cheese, they are crispy on the outside and soft inside.
Perfect as a snack or a side dish, these tots are super easy to make. I love dipping them in ketchup or ranch! Who knew eating veggies could be so tasty and fun? 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cauliflower: Fresh cauliflower is key for texture. If you’re short on time, frozen cauliflower can work too—just make sure to drain it well after cooking to remove excess moisture.
Cottage Cheese: I really enjoy using ricotta as a substitute for a creamier texture. If you need a dairy-free option, try silken tofu blended until smooth.
Cheeses: Mozzarella adds stretchiness while Parmesan brings a salty depth. You can swap these with other cheeses, like cheddar or feta! Just remember, different cheeses may alter the flavor slightly.
Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives a crunchier finish! For gluten-free, try almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs. My go-to is Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs a punch, but garlic powder can be an alternative in a pinch. Use 1/4 teaspoon instead of cloves if you’d like a milder taste.
How do I make sure my cauliflower tots are crispy?
Achieving crispy tots is all about moisture control and frying technique. Blanch the cauliflower first, then drain and pat it dry thoroughly. The less moisture, the crunchier the texture will be!
- Make sure your oil is hot before adding the tots—this creates a good sear.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet; fry in batches so each tot gets even heat and room to crisp up.
- Coating them lightly in breadcrumbs before frying adds an extra layer of crunch!
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)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (plus extra for coating)
- 2 eggs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika (optional)
- Olive oil or vegetable oil for frying
How Much Time Will You Need?
The total time for preparing these delicious Cottage Cheese Cauliflower Tots is about 30 minutes. You’ll spend about 10 minutes on prep work and cooking, and then 10-15 minutes frying and garnishing them. These tasty bites are quick and easy to make!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Blanch the Cauliflower:
Start by bringing a pot of water to boil. Once it’s bubbling, carefully add the cauliflower florets and blanch them for about 3-4 minutes, which makes them tender. After that, drain the cauliflower well and pat them dry with a kitchen towel to remove as much moisture as you can.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked and dried cauliflower, crumbled cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, grated Parmesan, breadcrumbs, eggs, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, black pepper, and paprika (if you’re using it). Mix everything together well until all the ingredients are nicely blended. It should form a cohesive mixture.
3. Shape the Tots:
Now comes the fun part! Using your hands, take a scoop of the mixture and shape it into small tot-sized cylinders or bite-sized nugget shapes. Just make sure they are uniform in size for even cooking!
4. Coat the Tots:
For an extra crispy exterior, lightly coat each tot in additional breadcrumbs. This step is optional but really enhances the crunch. Set them aside on a plate while you heat the oil.
5. Fry the Tots:
In a large skillet, heat about 1/4 inch of oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot (you can check by dropping a breadcrumb in—it should sizzle), carefully add the tots in batches. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side, turning occasionally, until they are golden brown and crisp.
6. Drain and Serve:
Once fried, remove the tots from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them nice and crispy!
7. Garnish and Enjoy:
Finish them off by garnishing with some extra chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve warm, alongside your favorite dipping sauce, like a herbed yogurt dip, ranch dressing, or garlic aioli. Enjoy your delicious crispy cauliflower tots as a snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Frozen Cauliflower in This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw the cauliflower completely and drain it well to remove any excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This helps maintain the right texture.
What Can I Substitute for Cottage Cheese?
If you’re looking for a different flavor or texture, ricotta cheese is a great substitute! For a dairy-free option, blended silken tofu works well too. Just adjust the quantity to maintain a similar consistency.
How Do I Store Leftover Tots?
Store any leftover cauliflower tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until they’re heated through and crispy again.
Can I Bake These Instead of Frying?
Absolutely! For a healthier version, you can bake the tots. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the tots on a lined baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
