Crispy 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots: Quick & Easy (Print Version)

Make crispy two-ingredient cottage cheese tots! This simple snack is a game-changer for quick bites, loaded with flavor and easy to whip up.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1 cup (225g) full-fat cottage cheese
02 - 1 cup (113g) shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella, monterey jack, etc.)

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 1 tsp garlic powder
04 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
05 - 1/2 tsp dried chives
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
07 - 1/4 tsp smoked paprika (optional, but highly recommended)

→ Optional Extras

08 - Pinch of red pepper flakes
09 - 1/2 tsp everything bagel seasoning
10 - Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

→ For Serving

11 - Ketchup, sriracha mayo, or ranch dressing

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that oven nice and hot! We're talking 400°F (200°C). While it's warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is key, trust me. I once tried to bake them directly on the sheet, and let's just say, scraping burnt cheese off a pan is not my idea of a fun afternoon. A little spray of cooking oil on the parchment doesn't hurt either, just for extra non-stick insurance. You want those Crispy Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots to lift right off!
02 - In a medium bowl, gently mix your cottage cheese and shredded cheese. This is where you can start to feel the texture change, getting all gooey and ready for flavor. Now, toss in your garlic powder, onion powder, dried chives, black pepper, and if you're feeling it, that smoked paprika. Stir it all until just combined. Don't overmix, we're not making a soufflé here! You want to see those distinct cheese bits. It smells so savory already!
03 - Now for shaping! Take about a tablespoon of the mixture and gently form it into a tot shape. They don't have to be perfect little cylinders, honestly. Mine usually look like rustic, slightly misshapen nuggets, and that's totally okay! Place them about an inch apart on your prepared baking sheet. This spacing is super important for getting those truly Crispy Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots. If they're too close, they'll steam each other. Oops, don't make my overcrowding mistake!
04 - Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven. Let them bake for about 15-20 minutes. You're looking for them to be set and starting to turn a lovely golden brown around the edges. This is the first stage of crisping, where they start to hold their shape. The kitchen will start to smell absolutely divine, like cheesy heaven, I swear! Keep an eye on them; ovens vary, and we don't want any burnt bits.
05 - Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Using a spatula, gently flip each cottage cheese tot over. This step is crucial for getting both sides wonderfully crispy. You might find some stick a little, but the parchment helps a ton. Back into the oven they go for another 10-15 minutes, or until they're deeply golden brown and seriously crunchy. You'll hear them sizzling, which is always a good sign! I always check one for crispness at this point, just to be sure.
06 - Once your Crispy Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are perfectly golden and look irresistible, take them out of the oven. Let them cool on the baking sheet for just a minute or two; they'll firm up a bit more as they cool. Then, transfer them to a serving plate. I love them with a side of sriracha mayo or just good ol' ketchup. That first bite, when you feel the crunch and then the soft, cheesy center? Pure bliss. Don't forget to admire your handiwork!

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcrowd the baking sheet; it prevents proper crisping. I learned this the hard way with soggy tots!
02 - Leftover tots are best reheated in an air fryer or oven to regain crispness. Microwaving makes them sad, trust me.
03 - Any shreddable cheese works! I've used pepper jack for a kick, and it was a fun twist.
04 - A little sprinkle of fresh chives and a side of sriracha mayo elevates these simple tots so much.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Baking sheet
02 - Parchment paper
03 - Mixing bowl
04 - Spatula

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 250
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 5g
Protein: 18g

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