Hey y'all! If you're looking for a snack that's crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and packed with protein, these Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are about to be your new obsession. Whether you're prepping a quick after-school snack, an easy party appetizer, or a healthy side for dinner, this recipe comes together in a snap with just a few minutes of work. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe
- Super simple – Only two affordable ingredients needed, no fuss!
- Packed with protein thanks to cottage cheese, making them a great guilt-free snack.
- Perfectly crispy and golden on the outside, soft and cheesy inside.
- Easily customizable with your favorite herbs, spices, or add-ins.
- Kid-friendly and ideal for meal prep or quick lunches.
Ingredients for Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, full-fat or low-fat)
- 1 ¼ cups instant mashed potato flakes
How to Make Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
Step 1: Prep the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with nonstick spray. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and instant mashed potatoes. Stir until well combined and a thick dough forms.
Step 2: Shape the Tots
Using a tablespoon or small cookie scoop, scoop out small portions of the mixture and use your hands to shape each into a classic "tot" cylinder. Place each tot onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them about 1 inch apart.
Step 3: Bake the Tots
Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, carefully flipping halfway through, until the tots are golden brown and crisp on all sides. Let cool slightly before serving for best texture.
Notes for Success with Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
- For extra crunch, lightly spray tots with olive oil spray before baking.
- If the mixture feels too wet, add an extra tablespoon of potato flakes at a time until rollable. Learn more about tot textures here.
- You can use a food processor for a smoother cottage cheese texture.
Variations: Make Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Your Own
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in ¼ cup shredded cheddar or parmesan for extra flavor.
- Herb & Garlic: Add 1 teaspoon garlic powder and 2 tablespoons chopped chives or parsley.
- Spicy Kick: Stir in ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne.
Equipment Needed for Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or nonstick spray
- Mixing bowl
- Tablespoon or small cookie scoop
- Spatula
Storage and Shelf Life for Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back that signature crispiness. Tots can also be frozen after baking for up to 2 months—reheat from frozen for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (205°C).
Serving Suggestions and Pairings for Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
- Serve hot with ketchup, ranch, or your favorite dipping sauce.
- Pair with grilled chicken or burgers for a protein-packed meal.
- Great alongside scrambled eggs for breakfast or brunch.
- For a healthy twist, enjoy them with Greek yogurt dip or salsa.
Pro Tips for Perfect Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots
- Use small curd cottage cheese for best texture and easy shaping.
- Don't overcrowd your baking sheet to ensure even browning—space is key!
- For best results, flip tots gently with a thin spatula halfway through baking. Read more about cottage cheese benefits.
Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots FAQ
- Can I use homemade mashed potatoes instead of potato flakes?
- For best results, stick to instant flakes—they absorb moisture perfectly and help tots hold together.
- Are Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots gluten-free?
- Yes, as long as your instant mashed potato flakes are certified gluten-free. Always double-check labels!
- Can I pan-fry these tots?
- Absolutely! Heat a little oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and crisp.
Ready to dig in? Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are about to become your new go-to snack! For more tips about healthy eating and snack swaps, check out this resource from EatRight.org.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, drained)
- 1 cup instant mashed potato flakes
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Olive oil spray for baking
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese and instant mashed potato flakes. Mix until a thick dough forms.
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3Add the Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
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4Scoop out tablespoon-sized portions of the mixture and shape them into small tot shapes. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
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5Lightly spray the tots with olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
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6Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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