Dinner

Quick & Easy Cauliflower Tots with Cottage Cheese Recipe

ByRita Bennet November 11, 2025November 11, 2025

Introduction

These Quick & Easy Cauliflower Tots are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional tater tots. Made with cottage cheese and parmesan, they come out crispy on the outside and tender inside, perfect as a snack or side dish.

A white plate holds about twenty small, round fritters with a rough surface and a golden brown color. Each fritter is irregular in shape, showing a crunchy, toasted outer layer of varying shades of golden yellow and light brown, with some areas darker from frying. The fritters are closely arranged, some touching, on a smooth white plate placed on a white marbled tabletop. There is no garnish or sauce visible, and the lighting highlights the texture and color of the crispy crust. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 head cauliflower (steamed until tender and mashed well)
1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for best results)

1 egg
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

1/2 cup bread crumbs (Panko bread crumbs for a crispier tot)
1/4 cup chopped green onions

1/2 tsp salt (fine sea salt is recommended)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp black pepper (freshly ground for best flavor)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Steam or boil cauliflower florets until tender, about 5-7 minutes. Drain well and let cool slightly.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, mash the cooled cauliflower until smooth. Add cottage cheese, egg, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.

Step 3: Gradually add bread crumbs to the mixture until it holds together but is not too dry. Scoop small portions and shape into uniform tots for even baking.
Step 4: Place the tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
Step 5: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, use Panko bread crumbs instead of regular ones.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick of spice.
Try mixing in some finely chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

Make these tots gluten-free by substituting bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives or crushed nuts.

Storage

Store leftover cauliflower tots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 8-10 minutes to maintain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

A white plate filled with about fifteen small, round, golden-brown cauliflower bites, each with a crunchy textured outside that shows some bits of more white cauliflower inside. The bites are sprinkled with small green parsley leaves scattered evenly on and around them. Behind the bites, near the center of the plate, there is a round silver metal cup filled with creamy white dipping sauce with a smooth, swirled surface. In the background, slightly out of focus, there is a large white cauliflower head and some green leafy herbs. The plate is set on a wooden board on top of a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these tots ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the cauliflower mixture and form the tots a day in advance. Keep them covered in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.

Can I freeze cauliflower tots?

Absolutely. Place the formed tots on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.