3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

Crispy on the outside and tender inside, these 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots are a delightful snack or side dish. With just three ingredients—cauliflower, cottage cheese, and Parmesan—these tots are perfect for meal prep or as a kid-friendly treat. They offer a satisfying crunch that pairs well with your favorite dipping sauce. Whether for a casual gathering or a weeknight dinner, these tasty bites are sure to please everyone.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With only three ingredients and simple steps, these tots come together quickly for any occasion.
• High in Protein: Packed with cottage cheese and Parmesan, these tots are a great source of protein, making them filling and nutritious.
• Versatile: Enjoy them as a snack, appetizer, or side dish. They pair well with various dips and meals.
• Low Carb & Keto-Friendly: Ideal for those following low-carb diets without sacrificing flavor or texture.
• Kid-Approved: The crispy texture and cheesy flavor make these tots irresistible to children.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools for an efficient cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking tray
• Parchment paper
• Fine-mesh strainer
• Nonstick skillet
• Mini blender
• Mixing bowl
• Cookie scoop

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking tray: Provides an even surface for baking, ensuring all sides of the tots cook uniformly.
• Fine-mesh strainer: Helps remove excess liquid from the cottage cheese for a better texture in the final product.
• Mini blender: Creates a smooth blend of cottage cheese, which is essential for the creaminess of the tots.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make your delicious 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots:

For the Tots

• 1 cup (226g) 4% high protein cottage cheese
• 1 (12oz/340g) bag frozen cauliflower rice
• 1 cup (94g) grated parmesan cheese (divided)

How to Make 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Drain the Cottage Cheese

Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Let it drain for 5-10 minutes to remove excess liquid.

Step 3: Prepare the Cauliflower Rice

Add the frozen cauliflower rice to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat.
* Cook while stirring occasionally until fully defrosted and most moisture has evaporated, about 7–10 minutes.
* The cauliflower should look dry and lightly browned. Transfer it to a bowl and let it cool for 5–10 minutes.

Step 4: Blend the Cottage Cheese

Meanwhile, add the drained cottage cheese to a mini blender.
* Blend until completely smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
* The blended cottage cheese
* 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan
* The cooled cauliflower rice

Stir until well combined. Use a 1 tbsp cookie scoop to shape the mixture into tater tot shapes. Place them onto your prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 to 1 inch apart.

Step 6: Bake the Tots

Bake for 20 minutes then remove from the oven.
* The tots should hold their shape and start to lightly brown on the surface.
* Sprinkle about ½ tsp of remaining Parmesan cheese onto each tot’s surface. Return them to the oven.

Step 7: Final Bake

Cook for another 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

Let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce. For best results, consume soon after baking while they are still crispy. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge or freezer.

Enjoy your homemade 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots!

How to Serve 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

These delicious 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots are versatile and can be served in various ways. They make a fantastic snack or side dish that pairs well with different dips and toppings.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Creamy Avocado Dip: A smooth avocado dip adds healthy fats and a fresh flavor.
• Sour Cream: Classic and simple, sour cream complements the tots perfectly.
• Spicy Salsa: For a kick, serve with your favorite salsa for a zesty contrast.
• Ranch Dressing: This herby dressing enhances the cheesy flavor of the tots.

Add a Salad

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the tots.
• Caesar Salad: The crunch of romaine and tangy dressing pairs deliciously with the crispy texture.

Serve as a Side

• Grilled Chicken: Serve alongside grilled chicken for a complete meal that’s low in carbs.
• Veggie Stir-Fry: Pair with stir-fried vegetables for added nutrition and color.

How to Perfect 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

For the best results when making your 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots, follow these handy tips.

• Bold Drain the Cottage Cheese Well: Properly draining removes excess moisture, ensuring crispy tots.
• Bold Use Fresh Cauliflower Rice: If possible, use fresh cauliflower rice for enhanced flavor and texture.
• Bold Uniform Size Matters: Make tots uniform in size for even baking; this helps them cook evenly.
• Bold Don’t Skip Preheating: Always preheat your oven to ensure proper cooking and crispiness.
• Bold Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add herbs or spices to customize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

These side dishes complement your 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots beautifully. Enjoy them together for a nutritious meal.

1. Garlic Roasted Broccoli: Crispy broccoli tossed in garlic adds a flavorful crunch.
2. Zucchini Noodles: Light and refreshing, these noodles are a great low-carb option.
3. Cauliflower Mash: Creamy mashed cauliflower offers a comforting alternative to traditional mashed potatoes.
4. Stuffed Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers stuffed with quinoa or rice provide an eye-catching presentation.
5. Cucumber Salad: A cool cucumber salad with herbs is refreshing alongside warm tots.
6. Baked Sweet Potato Fries: These offer a sweet contrast to the savory flavors of the cottage cheese tots.
7. Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy sprouts add depth and are packed with nutrients.
8. Quinoa Salad: A hearty quinoa salad mixed with veggies makes for a filling side.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots, avoiding common pitfalls can ensure a better outcome.

• Not draining the cottage cheese: Failing to drain the cottage cheese can lead to watery tots. Always let it sit in a fine-mesh strainer to remove excess liquid.
• Overcooking the cauliflower: Cooking the cauliflower too long can make it mushy. Aim for a lightly browned and dry texture before mixing it with other ingredients.
• Skipping the cooling step: Mixing hot cauliflower with cottage cheese can result in a tricky batter. Allow the cauliflower to cool for at least 5 minutes before combining.
• Improper spacing on the baking tray: Crowding the tots can cause them to steam instead of crisping up. Make sure they are spaced about 1/2 to 1 inch apart on the baking sheet.
• Not using parchment paper: Placing tots directly on the baking tray can lead to sticking. Use parchment paper for easy cleanup and perfect browning.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store uneaten tots in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

• Place cooled tots in a single layer on a baking sheet.
• Once frozen, transfer them into a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.

Reheating 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on high for about 1-2 minutes. Note that they may not retain their crispiness.
• Stovetop: Heat in a nonstick skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until warmed and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots.

Can I use other cheeses besides Parmesan?

Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or cheddar, but adjust the amount as needed based on moisture content.

What if I don’t have frozen cauliflower rice?

You can grate fresh cauliflower or steam and then rice it yourself. Just ensure it is thoroughly dried before mixing.

How do I make these dairy-free?

To make these tots dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.

Are these keto-friendly?

Absolutely! These 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots are low in carbs and high in protein, making them great for keto diets.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe yields approximately 26 tater tots, perfect for snacking or sharing!

Final Thoughts

These 3 Ingredient Keto Cottage Cheese Tots are not only delicious but also versatile, making them an excellent addition to any meal. You can customize them by adding herbs or spices according to your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!