Looking for a quick and tasty snack? These Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are your answer! With just cottage cheese and grated potatoes, you can whip up crispy delights that everyone will love. Add some easy seasonings, fry them up, and watch them disappear. Ready to impress your taste buds? Let’s dive into the simple steps to make these delicious bites and elevate your snacking game!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthier Option: These crispy cottage cheese tots are a delicious alternative to traditional potato tots, packed with protein and lower in carbs.
- Quick and Easy: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, these tots can be whipped up in no time, making them perfect for a snack or side dish.
- Customizable: Add your favorite herbs and spices to the mixture for a personalized twist, or try different dipping sauces to complement the flavor.
- Kid-Friendly: These cheesy, crispy bites are a hit with kids, making them a fun and tasty way to sneak in some cottage cheese.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup grated potatoes
Cottage cheese is the star of this dish. It gives a creamy texture and adds protein. Grated potatoes bring a nice crunch and help bind everything together. You can use fresh potatoes or thawed frozen ones. Both work well!
Optional Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Seasonings make a big difference. Garlic powder adds a warm flavor. Onion powder complements that nicely. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper can enhance the taste. Feel free to adjust these to your liking!
Oil for Frying
Oil is key for frying. It helps the tots become golden and crispy. Use a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil. Just enough oil to coat the skillet is perfect. This ensures even cooking and prevents sticking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mixing the Ingredients
First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add 2 cups of cottage cheese and 1 cup of grated potatoes. You can use frozen shredded potatoes, just make sure to thaw them first. Next, sprinkle in 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder. Add salt and pepper to taste. Now, mix everything well. You want the cheese and potatoes to blend smoothly. This step is key for flavor.
Preparing the Skillet
Now it's time to cook! Preheat your non-stick skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up for a few minutes. Once it's hot, add oil to coat the bottom. This helps the tots fry evenly and stay crispy. Use just enough oil to cover the surface.
Forming and Frying the Tots
With your mixture ready, shape it into small balls. Use your hands or a spoon for this. Make sure they are compact. If they are loose, they may fall apart while cooking. Carefully place the balls in the hot skillet. Don't overcrowd the pan; this can make them soggy. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color and a crispy texture. Once they are done, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat this with any leftover mixture. Enjoy your crispy delight!
Tips & Tricks
Ensuring the Tots Hold Their Shape
To keep your cottage cheese tots from falling apart, compact the mixture well. After mixing, use your hands to press the mixture tightly into balls. This helps them stay firm while frying. If they feel too loose, add a bit more grated potato. This extra starch will help bind everything together.
Achieving Maximum Crispiness
For crispy tots, cook them for the right amount of time. Fry each side for 3-4 minutes until golden brown. Keep an eye on them! If they brown too fast, lower the heat a bit. You want them crispy, not burnt. Fry in small batches. This way, the oil stays hot and helps the tots get nice and crunchy.
Serving Suggestions
These tots pair well with many dips. Try them with ranch dressing or a tangy salsa. You can also serve them with a side of fresh veggies. They add crunch and freshness to your plate. Enjoy them as a snack or a fun side dish!
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh cottage cheese and freshly grated potatoes will yield the best flavor and texture for your tots.
- Adjust Seasoning: Don't hesitate to adjust the salt, garlic, and onion powder to suit your taste preferences – a little extra seasoning can make a big difference!
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the tots. If it's too cool, they will absorb excess oil and become soggy.
- Experiment with Add-ins: Feel free to add herbs, cheese, or cooked vegetables to the mixture for additional flavor and nutrition!
Variations
Healthier Alternatives
You can make cottage cheese tots even healthier. One great option is to use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. Sweet potatoes add a nice sweetness and extra nutrients. They also keep the tots moist inside.
Another healthy choice is to bake instead of fry. If you bake, preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread the tots on a baking sheet and lightly coat them with oil. Bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method cuts down on oil and keeps the flavor.
Flavor Customizations
Customizing flavors is fun! You can add herbs or spices to change the taste. Try adding fresh parsley or chives for a burst of flavor. You could also use paprika or cumin for a spicy kick.
Experimenting with cheeses is another way to mix things up. You can blend different cheeses into the mixture. Cheddar cheese gives a sharp flavor. Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds creaminess.
Serving Sizes
Adjusting serving sizes is easy. If you have a big group, just double the recipe. Each batch serves about four people. For smaller gatherings, you can make half.
You can also create mini tots for fun appetizers. Just make smaller balls from the mixture. They cook the same way, but you may need to reduce the cooking time slightly.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To keep your cottage cheese tots fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work great. Make sure they are completely cool before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your tots and keep them crispy, use an oven or air fryer. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the tots on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10 minutes. In an air fryer, set it to 350°F for about 5-7 minutes. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy.
Shelf Life
In the refrigerator, these tots last about three days. If you freeze them, they can last up to two months. Always label your containers with the date. This way, you will know when to use them by.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese?
Yes, you can use different cheeses. Some great options include shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or even feta. Each cheese brings its own flavor and texture. If you want a stronger taste, try a sharp cheese. For a creamier texture, choose a mild cheese. Mixing cheeses can also create unique flavors in your tots.
Can these be frozen for later use?
Absolutely! You can freeze your cottage cheese tots. After frying, let them cool completely. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. This method helps keep them from sticking together. To reheat, bake them straight from the freezer until crispy.
What can I serve with cottage cheese tots?
These tots pair well with many dips. Try sour cream, ranch dressing, or a spicy salsa. Ketchup is a classic choice too! You can also serve them as a side dish with chicken or fish. They make a great snack for game day or a fun appetizer for parties.
You can easily make tasty cottage cheese tots with simple steps. We used cottage cheese and grated potatoes for the base. Season them with garlic and onion powder for more flavor. Fry them until golden and enjoy.
Remember, you can tweak this recipe with different cheeses or spices. Store leftovers in the fridge and reheat to keep them crispy. Feel free to share your own twists! Your cottage cheese tots can be a hit at any meal.
