Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 cup (226g) 4% high protein cottage cheese
- 1 (12oz/340g) bag frozen cauliflower rice
- 1 cup (94g) grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Drain Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and let it drain for 5-10 minutes to remove excess liquid, ensuring a better texture for the tots.
- Cook Cauliflower Rice: Add the frozen cauliflower rice to a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Cook while stirring occasionally for about 7-10 minutes until fully defrosted and most moisture has evaporated. The cauliflower should be dry and lightly browned. Transfer it to a bowl and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Add the drained cottage cheese to a mini blender and blend until smooth and creamy, which helps in binding the ingredients together.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the blended cottage cheese, 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan, and cooled cauliflower rice until well combined.
- Shape Tots: Using a 1 tablespoon cookie scoop, portion out the mixture and form each into a tater tot shape. Place the tots on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1/2 to 1 inch apart. Repeat until all batter is used.
- Bake Part One: Bake the tots for 20 minutes until they start holding their shape and lightly brown on the surface.
- Add Parmesan Topping: Remove the tots from the oven and sprinkle approximately ½ teaspoon of the remaining Parmesan cheese on top of each tot. Not all remaining cheese needs to be used.
- Bake Part Two: Return the tots to the oven and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes until the tops are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and Serve: Let the tots cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce. For best texture, serve soon while still crispy. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer.
Notes
- Draining the cottage cheese is crucial to remove excess moisture and achieve the right tot consistency.
- Cooking the cauliflower rice until dry and lightly browned helps prevent sogginess in the tots.
- Using a small cookie scoop ensures uniform tot size and even baking.
- These tots are best enjoyed immediately but can be stored refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to experiment with seasonings or add herbs to the mixture for additional flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Carb
