If you’re on the hunt for a snack that’s irresistibly crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, and surprisingly simple to make, you’re going to adore this Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe. These tasty little bites combine the mild creaminess of cottage cheese with the satisfying crunch of panko breadcrumbs to create a perfect comfort food that feels indulgent without any complicated fuss. Whether you’re craving a quick appetizer, a light side, or a kid-friendly treat, these tots hit all the right spots with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe lies in its simplicity. Just two straightforward pantry staples come together to craft tots that are both wholesome and delicious, making this a breeze to whip up anytime your snack cravings strike.
- 2 cups cottage cheese: This creamy base adds moisture, protein, and a subtle tang that gives the tots their signature smooth inside.
- 1 and 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs: Light and airy, these breadcrumbs soak up moisture and create that golden crispy exterior that makes every bite irresistible; swap for gluten-free breadcrumbs if you prefer.
How to Make Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), which ensures it’s hot enough to crisp the tots beautifully. While the oven warms up, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray—this simple prep keeps your tots from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and panko breadcrumbs, stirring well so everything binds together evenly. If the mixture feels too wet and doesn’t hold shape when pinched, just sprinkle in a little more breadcrumbs. The texture should be firm enough to form into neat little tots without falling apart.
Step 3: Shape the Tots
Using about a tablespoon of the mixture at a time, gently shape each tot with your hands into a small oval or cylinder—whatever shape makes you smile! Place each formed tot on your baking sheet, leaving a little space between them so they crisp evenly.
Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Halfway through the cooking time, flip each tot carefully to brown both sides evenly, resulting in that perfect golden crust.
Step 5: Cool and Enjoy
After baking, let the tots cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. This resting time helps them firm up a bit more and ensures you don’t burn your tongue when you dive in!
How to Serve Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little freshly chopped herbs like parsley, chives, or dill on top of the tots to brighten their look and add a subtle herbal freshness. A dusting of freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika can also amplify their flavor wonderfully.
Side Dishes
These tots pair beautifully with a tangy dipping sauce like a garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or a creamy ranch dressing to add a little extra indulgence. For a sunnier meal, serve them alongside a crisp green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn these tots into bite-sized appetizers by serving them with toothpicks at your next gathering. You might also tuck them into sliders with melted cheese and pickles for a fun twist, or layer them with scrambled eggs for a hearty brunch option.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They keep their texture well, making them perfect for a quick snack later on.
Freezing
To freeze, place the baked tots on a parchment-lined tray in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Frozen tots will keep nicely for up to 2 months and can be baked straight from frozen later.
Reheating
Reheat your tots in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until they’re warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the panko coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! Fat-free or low-fat cottage cheese will work just fine. The texture might be slightly less creamy, but the panko breadcrumbs help maintain a crispy exterior and good structure.
What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs? Can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Sure, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but panko offers a lighter, crunchier texture that makes these tots extra special. If using regular breadcrumbs, your tots may be a bit denser.
Can I add seasoning or other ingredients to the tots?
Definitely! While this Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe is fantastic as-is, you can customize with herbs, spices, or grated cheese to make it your own. Just remember to adjust the breadcrumb amount if the mixture becomes too wet.
Are these tots suitable for kids?
Yes, kids usually love these tots because they’re mild, soft inside, and crispy outside. They’re also a great way to sneak in some protein from cottage cheese without fuss.
Can I bake these tots in an air fryer?
Yes, baking in an air fryer is a great option for extra crispiness! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch closely the first time so they don’t overcook.
Final Thoughts
This Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe is proof that delicious snacks don’t always require a long list of ingredients or complicated steps. The ease, taste, and satisfying texture make these tots a staple I return to again and again. You’re going to love how effortlessly you can whip up something so crispy, creamy, and downright yummy—so go ahead and give this recipe a try, your taste buds will thank you!
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Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 30m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: Approximately 20-24 tots
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are an easy, healthy, and crispy snack made with just cottage cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Baked to golden perfection, they offer a protein-packed alternative to traditional tater tots with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 and 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs if needed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and panko breadcrumbs. Mix thoroughly until the mixture becomes firm enough to shape. If the mixture is too wet, gradually add more breadcrumbs until the correct consistency is reached.
- Form Tots: Scoop about 1 tablespoon of the mixture and shape it into a tot using your hands. Place each formed tot on the prepared baking sheet. Continue until all the mixture is used.
- Bake the Tots: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the tots for 25-30 minutes, turning them halfway through the baking time. Bake until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the tots from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving to enjoy the perfect crispy texture.
Notes
- You can use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- If the mixture seems too wet, add breadcrumbs gradually instead of all at once to avoid dryness.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs or spices like garlic powder, paprika, or chopped chives to the mixture.
- Make sure to flip the tots halfway through baking to ensure even crisping on all sides.
- Serve these tots as a healthy snack or a side dish with your favorite dipping sauce.
