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Crispy Bites: Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Tots. These Cauliflower Tots with Cottage Cheese offer a healthier and equally delicious alternative to traditional tater tots. Combining the mild flavor of cauliflower with the creamy richness of cottage cheese, Parmesan, and a blend of savory seasonings, they deliver a crispy, golden snack that’s packed with protein and flavor.
When I first made these, I was surprised at how well the cauliflower and cottage cheese blended together. The tots were crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and incredibly flavorful. They've become a favorite snack in our household.
Essential Ingredients
- Cauliflower: Provides the base for the tots, offering a mild flavor and a tender texture. Use fresh or frozen cauliflower, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked and drained.
- Cottage Cheese (4% Milkfat): Adds creaminess and a rich, tangy flavor, as well as a significant protein boost. Small-curd cottage cheese works best.
- Bread Crumbs (Regular or Panko): Provides a binder and adds a crispy texture to the tots. Panko breadcrumbs offer a lighter, airier crispness.
- Parmesan Cheese, Grated: Adds a sharp, salty flavor and enhances the overall savory profile. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste.
- Scallions, Chopped: Adds a mild onion flavor and a touch of freshness. Finely chop them for even distribution.
- Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: Adds savory depth and aromatic notes. Use quality powders for the best flavor.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning the tots, enhancing all the flavors. Freshly ground pepper adds a robust taste.
- Large Egg, Beaten: Binds the ingredients together, ensuring the tots hold their shape.
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Creating the Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Tots
- Oven and Pan Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Cauliflower Cooking:
- Steam or boil the cauliflower florets until they are tender. Drain them thoroughly and squeeze out as much moisture as possible using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
- Ingredient Mixing:
- In a large bowl, mash the cooked cauliflower until it is relatively smooth. Add the cottage cheese, beaten egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Additions Incorporation:
- Fold in the grated Parmesan cheese, chopped scallions, and bread crumbs. Mix gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Tot Shaping:
- Shape the mixture into approximately 24 small tots. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is space between each tot for even crisping.
- Baking Stage:
- Bake the tots for 10 minutes. Then, flip them and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Resting and Serving:
- Remove the tots from the oven and let them rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows them to firm up slightly. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
My family loves experimenting with different flavor variations. Adding dill and feta cheese creates a Mediterranean twist, while cumin, chili powder, and cilantro bring a Southwestern flair.
Variations
Create a Mediterranean version by adding dill and feta cheese. Add cumin, chili powder, and cilantro for a Southwestern flavor. Use Italian herbs and sun-dried tomatoes for an Italian twist.
Make-Ahead and Storage
The mixture can be prepared up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Shaped tots can also be refrigerated for later baking. Baked tots can be frozen and reheated in the oven for a quick snack.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can refrigerate the shaped tots before baking. Use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version. You can freeze baked tots and reheat them in the oven. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces. If the tots are falling apart, ensure the cauliflower is thoroughly dry and add more breadcrumbs as needed.
These Cauliflower Tots with Cottage Cheese are a delightful and healthy snack that’s sure to please. Their crispy exterior and flavorful interior make them a perfect addition to any meal or gathering.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I make these cauliflower tots ahead of time?
- Yes! You have two great make-ahead options: 1) Form the tots and refrigerate them uncooked for up to 24 hours before baking, or 2) Fully bake the tots, let them cool, and freeze them in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen tots, bake them at 400°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again.
- → Can I substitute the cottage cheese for something else?
- If you're not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese for a similar texture and protein content. For a dairy-free version, try using mashed white beans or silken tofu instead – though you may need to adjust the seasonings slightly as these options are milder in flavor than cottage cheese.
- → What are some good dipping sauces for these cauliflower tots?
- These tots pair wonderfully with a variety of dips! Try sriracha mayo, honey mustard, marinara sauce, Greek yogurt mixed with herbs, or a light ranch dressing. For a healthier option, make a dip with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and dill. Kids often enjoy ketchup or BBQ sauce with these as well.
- → How do I ensure my cauliflower tots are crispy and not soggy?
- The key to crispy tots is thoroughly draining the cauliflower after cooking it. After boiling or steaming, place the cauliflower in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture. You can also spread the mashed cauliflower on a baking sheet and place it in the oven at a low temperature for a few minutes to dry it out further before mixing with other ingredients.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
- Absolutely! Simply substitute the regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers. Almond meal or a mixture of ground flaxseed and nutritional yeast can also work as a gluten-free binding alternative. Just be sure to check that your parmesan cheese is also free from gluten-containing additives if you have a severe sensitivity.