Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

Cottage cheese has long been celebrated for its light, curdy texture, making it a versatile base in many cultures. Historically, European cooks turned dairy into simple breads and cakes, appreciating how the moisture could be harnessed for both sweet and savory dishes. This snack reflects that tradition, marrying the mellow flavor of cottage cheese with the rich melt of shredded cheese, creating a bite that feels both familiar and novel.

Why You'll Love It

- Only two ingredients, minimal prep
- High‑protein, low‑carb snack
- Golden crisp exterior, fluffy interior
- Versatile for dipping or serving alone

*Delicious and effortless, these tots are my new go‑to snack.*

Essential Ingredient Guide

Cottage cheese: Choose full‑fat for richer flavor; drain any excess liquid to keep tots firm.
Shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella): Provides the melt and browning; a sharp cheddar adds a tangy bite.
Optional: herbs (parsley, chives): Adds fresh aroma and a pop of color without extra steps.
Salt & pepper: Simple seasoning that accentuates the dairy’s natural taste.
Lemon zest: A touch of citrus brightens the flavor, especially if using milder cheese.
Honey (optional): A drizzle can balance salty notes for a sweet‑savory twist.

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Preparing Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

Complete Cooking Process

Ingredient Readiness:
Drain the cottage cheese, grate the shredded cheese, and have your seasoning ready.
Flavor Development:
Mix the cottage cheese and shredded cheese together; the heat of the oven will meld the flavors.
Texture Control:
Form small mounds, pressing gently to ensure they hold together without becoming dense.
Finishing Touches:
Sprinkle a pinch of salt and optional herbs just before baking for a fragrant finish.
Serving Timing:
Serve hot out of the oven; the outside stays crisp for about 20 minutes.

Pro Tips

Pat the cottage cheese dry with a clean towel to avoid soggy tots.
Use a hot baking sheet for an extra‑crisp crust.
Leave a tiny gap between each tot; crowding traps steam.
If you like a deeper color, finish with a quick broil for 1‑2 minutes.

Well, those little tricks make a world of difference. I remember the first batch was a bit soft in the middle, but after drying the cheese and using a pre‑heated tray, the contrast was perfect. So, give yourself a moment to prep the cheese right, and the result will be golden, airy, and satisfying every time.

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Cooking Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

The essence of the dish:

It's the simple chemistry of dairy turning into a light, airy bite; the cottage cheese provides moisture while the shredded cheese creates that golden crust.

A fun fact or historical angle:

During wartime rationing, cooks turned surplus cottage cheese into breads and pancakes, proving its versatility long before modern snack trends.

Flavor or sensory focus:

Expect a buttery, nutty aroma as the cheese browns, a crisp snap when you bite, followed by a creamy, slightly tangy center.

You Must Know

Dry the cheese well
Keep tots evenly sized
Use a hot sheet

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I freeze the tots?

Yes, place baked tots on a tray, freeze solid, then transfer to a bag; reheat in the oven for crispness.

→ What cheese works best?

Sharp cheddar or mozzarella provide good melt; feel free to blend for extra depth.

→ Do I need to add flour?

No flour is required; the cheese mixture binds itself when baked.

→ Can I add herbs?

Absolutely—fresh parsley, chives, or dill add brightness without extra steps.

→ Are these gluten‑free?

Yes, as long as you use gluten‑free seasonings.

→ How long do they stay crispy?

Best served within two hours; you can re‑crisp in a hot oven for a few minutes.

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Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Ready to Serve | Evlin Ardelo's Blog - Life, Style & Adventures

Chef's Tips

If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of grated parmesan to help bind.,For extra crunch, brush the tops lightly with melted butter before baking.,These tots pair beautifully with a simple garlic yogurt dip.

Nutrition Facts

per serving

210

Calories

18g

Protein

Carbs

12g

Fat

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 2g

Sodium: 350mg

Taste Profile

🍯 Sweet

Low

🧂 Salty

Medium

🌶️ Spicy

None

🍋 Sour

Low

🍖 Umami

Medium

A comforting, mildly salty cheese flavor with a hint of richness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't have an ingredient? Try these alternatives

Cottage cheese Greek yogurt (strained)

Provides similar moisture; drain well to avoid excess liquid.

Shredded cheddar cheese Shredded mozzarella

Milder flavor, melts even more smoothly.

Recipe Variations

Try these delicious twists on the original

Spicy Version

Add 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper and a dash of hot sauce to the mixture before baking.

Mediterranean Style

Mix in crumbled feta and chopped olives; serve with a drizzle of olive oil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Learn from others' mistakes for perfect results

Over‑mixing the cheese mixture, leading to dense tots.
Baking on a cold tray, which prevents a crisp crust.
Using overly wet cottage cheese, causing soggy results.

Meal Prep & Storage

Make Ahead Tips

You can blend the cottage cheese and cheddar, then refrigerate the mixture for up to 24 hours; shape and bake when ready.

Leftover Ideas

Reheat gently in a pre‑heated oven at 350°F for 5‑7 minutes to regain crispness.

Perfect Pairings

Serve this with...

A crisp cucumber salad with dill vinaigrette Cold glass of sparkling water with a splash of lemon Lightly buttered whole‑grain crackers

Cooking Timeline

0-5 min

Preheat oven, line baking sheet, and drain cottage cheese.

5-10 min

Combine cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings in a bowl.

10-15 min

Spoon mixture onto sheet, forming evenly spaced mounds.

15-35 min

Bake until golden, then cool briefly before serving.

Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

Whip up these quick two‑ingredient cottage cheese tots – crisp, cheesy bites perfect for any meal. They’re airy, golden, and ready in minutes.

Author: Lily_Harper

Timing

Prep Time

10 Minutes

Cook Time

20 Minutes

Total Time

30 Minutes

Recipe Details

Category: Snacks

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings Servings

Dietary: None

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

01 1 cup cottage cheese, well‑drained
02 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasoning

01 1/2 tsp salt
02 1/4 tsp black pepper
03 Optional: 1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Pat the cottage cheese dry with a clean kitchen towel, then place it in a mixing bowl.

Step 03

Add the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and optional herbs; mix until just combined.

Step 04

Spoon the mixture onto the prepared sheet, forming 1‑inch mounds, leaving space between each.

Step 05

Bake for 15‑20 minutes, until the tops are golden and a gentle crust forms.

Step 06

Remove from oven, let cool briefly, then serve hot with your favorite dip.

Notes & Tips

1 If the mixture feels too wet, add a tablespoon of grated parmesan to help bind.
2 For extra crunch, brush the tops lightly with melted butter before baking.
3 These tots pair beautifully with a simple garlic yogurt dip.

Tools You'll Need

Baking sheet
Parchment paper
Mixing bowl
Spatula
Kitchen towel

Must-Know Tips

Don't overcrowd the pan, cook in batches for even browning.
Let the cheese mixture rest for 5 minutes; it firms up slightly.
Taste as you go, adjust salt or pepper before baking.

Professional Secrets

Room temperature cheese ensures uniform melting.
A hot baking sheet creates an instant crust.
Finish with a quick broil for that extra golden edge.

Recipe by

Lily_Harper

From crispy bites to soft nibbles, I’m all about snack-time happiness made simple and delicious.

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