Here is a simple and tasty snack you can make in minutes.
INTRODUCTION
This easy recipe makes crunchy, bite-sized tots with just two main items. These tots cook in the oven and need little work. They are great for kids, for a snack, or for a light side. If you like easy cheese bites, you may also enjoy a savory fried snack like cheese stuffed fried olives, which share the same idea of a small, crispy treat. The recipe is low fuss and uses common pantry items. You can make a batch and eat them hot from the oven.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
You will love this recipe because it is fast and simple. You only need two ingredients and a few tools. The tots bake in one pan and do not need frying oil. They turn golden and crisp on the outside and stay soft inside. The taste is mild, so the tots go well with many dips or sauces. You can make them for a quick snack, for school lunches, or as a side at dinner. They are also easy to change with extra herbs or spices if you like. For a warm, cheesy pasta side, try pairing with a rich bowl like cheeseburger soup to add variety and comfort to your meal.
HOW TO MAKE Two Ingredients Cottage Cheese Tots
This section gives a clear picture of how the mix turns into tots. Drain the cottage cheese well so the batter is not too wet. Use a spoon to mix the curds and cornstarch until the batter looks smooth and holds together. Roll small balls that are about one inch wide. Space them on the tray so air can move and make each tot crisp. The oven cooks them evenly at 400°F (200°C) and browns the outside. Check them after 20 minutes and bake a few minutes more if you want more color. These tots are best warm and just out of the oven.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- Mixing bowl for the cottage cheese and cornstarch.
- Spoon or small spatula to stir.
- Baking sheet to cook the tots.
- Parchment paper to stop sticking and for easy clean up.
- Measuring cup to get the right amounts.
A simple oven and a baking sheet are all you need. If you like, use a small cookie scoop or your hands to shape the tots. For crispier tots, use a wire rack on top of the sheet so air flows all around each tot. You can also cook them in an air fryer if you want a quicker, very crispy result and even less oil.
Ingredients You’ll Need :
1 cup full-fat cottage cheese, drained well, 1/2 cup cornstarch
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS :
Preheat u0026 Prep: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine Ingredients: Mix drained cottage cheese and cornstarch in a bowl until a smooth, slightly thick mixture forms.
Shape the Tots: Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls (about 1 inch in diameter).
Bake: Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
HOW TO SERVE Two Ingredients Cottage Cheese Tots
Serve the tots warm for the best texture. You can place them on a small plate with a dipping sauce in the center. They go well with simple dips like ketchup, ranch, or a mild salsa. For a bright flavor, try lemony yogurt dip or a light mustard sauce. If you serve them at a party, put them on a tray and keep a small bowl of dip for guests. They make a good finger food for kids and adults alike. For a cozy, full meal, set them next to soup or salad to add a crunchy side. If you want a full comfort plate, serve the tots with a baked pasta dish like classic baked mac & cheese for a nice mix of textures.
STORAGE & FREEZING : Two Ingredients Cottage Cheese Tots
Store cooled tots in an airtight box in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place them in a hot oven at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes. This returns their crunch better than a microwave. For longer storage, lay the tots on a tray and freeze until hard, then move them into a sealed bag. Frozen tots last up to three months. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until hot and crisp. If you keep them well packed, they will keep their shape and taste.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
- Serve with fresh veggie sticks like cucumber, carrot, or bell pepper for a light plate. For a sweet and tangy mix, add a cranberry dip or cream cheese side such as cranberry cream cheese crescent bites at your next tea or snack break.
- Make a snack tray by adding olives, cherry tomatoes, and small cheese cubes.
- Add a green salad with a light vinaigrette to make a fuller meal.
- Use the tots as a crunchy topping on warm soup or chili for a fun contrast.
These ideas help you use the tots in many simple and tasty ways.
VARIATIONS
You can change the mix with a few small steps:
- Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the batter for more flavor.
- Fold in a small amount of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives.
- Mix in a little shredded cheddar for a richer taste, then bake as usual.
- Make a spicy batch by adding a dash of cayenne or paprika.
- For a gluten-free or keto option, try using almond flour instead of cornstarch and watch baking time as texture can change.
If you want to try a fried option, think about a crunchy olive or fried cheese snack like cheese stuffed fried olives for a different shape but similar idea of a small, stuffed bite.
FAQs
Q: Can I use low-fat or nonfat cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Low-fat works but the tots may be drier and a bit less rich. Drain well before mixing.
Q: Can I make these without cornstarch?
A: The cornstarch helps bind and crisp the tots. You can try using flour or almond flour, but results will vary.
Q: Will the tots hold their shape?
A: Yes. If the cottage cheese is well drained and you mix until slightly thick, the tots will hold shape during baking.
Q: Can I air fry these instead of baking?
A: Yes. Air fry at 375°F for about 10 to 12 minutes. Check for browning and crispness.
Q: How large should each tot be?
A: Make them about 1 inch in diameter for even baking and easy snacking.
Q: Can I add cheese to the mixture?
A: Yes, add a small amount of grated cheese to the mix for more taste. Keep the dry and wet balance right so they still bake well.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Two Ingredients Cottage Cheese Tots
You can form the tots and place them on a tray lined with parchment. Cover the tray and put it in the fridge for up to one day. Bake fresh when you need them. For longer make-ahead, freeze the shaped tots on a tray until solid, then move to a bag. Bake from frozen or thaw in the fridge and bake as usual. If you plan to bake from frozen, add a few minutes to the bake time to reach a crisp, warm center.
Notes on timing: make the batter a few hours ahead, keep in the fridge, and shape before baking. This helps if you want to serve them hot at a set time. Use a small scoop or rounded spoon for even size so baking time is the same for all pieces.
Tips on flavor: a little salt and pepper brightens the taste. Fresh herbs add color and a fresh note. If you serve for kids, keep flavors mild. For adults, add a pinch of spice or garlic.
Enjoy these tots as a quick snack or a small side. They are simple, crunchy, and mild. Use dips you like and try small changes to make the recipe your own.
Two Ingredients Cottage Cheese Tots
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the drained cottage cheese and cornstarch until a smooth, slightly thick mixture forms.
- Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.