Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe

This Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe creates crispy, golden tots using just cottage cheese and almond flour for a low-carb, high-protein treat. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or side dish for quick meals or gatherings, these tots are a healthier twist on classic tater tots. I made these for a game night, and their cheesy crunch was a total hit! Ready in about 25 minutes, this recipe is effortless and satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe

This recipe is incredibly easy with only two ingredients, delivering a crispy exterior and creamy interior. It’s keto-friendly, gluten-free, and packed with protein. It’s versatile, great for dipping or seasoning. It’s a quick, guilt-free indulgence. Find more simple snack recipes here.

Health Benefits of Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

Cottage cheese provides high-quality protein for muscle health and satiety. Almond flour adds healthy fats and keeps carbs low, supporting keto diets. These tots are nutrient-dense and low in calories. Learn more about cottage cheese recipes at EatingWell.

Ingredients for Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

For the Tots:

• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
• 1/2 cup almond flour

For Serving (Optional):

• 1/4 cup ketchup or ranch dressing
• Chopped fresh chives

Substitutions: Use coconut flour (reduce to 1/4 cup) for nut-free option. Swap cottage cheese with ricotta for a milder flavor. Add 1/2 tsp garlic powder for extra flavor if desired.

Notes: Drain cottage cheese to remove excess liquid for firmer tots. Form small, uniform shapes for even cooking. Bake or air fry for crispiness without oil.

How to Make Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

Prep Mixture

Preheat oven to 400°F or air fryer to 375°F. Place cottage cheese in a fine mesh strainer to drain liquid. In a bowl, mix drained cottage cheese and almond flour until a thick dough forms. This creates the base.

Shape Tots

Scoop 1-tbsp portions and roll into small cylinders or balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. This ensures even cooking.

Cook Tots

Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy. Or air fry for 8-10 minutes, shaking halfway. This achieves the crunchy texture.

Serve

Transfer to a plate. Garnish with chives and serve with ketchup or ranch.

Preparation Tips

• Drain cottage cheese: Remove excess liquid for a firmer dough. This prevents sogginess. I drained mine well, and it was perfect.
• Shape small: Form 1-inch tots for quick, even cooking. This ensures crunch. I shaped mine small, and it was great.
• Use parchment: Line sheet to avoid sticking. This eases cleanup. I used parchment, and it was ideal.
• Flip carefully: Turn halfway for uniform browning. This enhances crispness. I flipped mine gently, and it was spot-on.
• Mix thoroughly: Combine ingredients well for cohesive tots. This binds better. I mixed mine fully, and it was delicious.
• Spray lightly: Mist air fryer basket to prevent sticking. This keeps tots intact. I sprayed mine, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Enjoy fresh for maximum crispiness. This boosts enjoyment. I served mine warm, and it was perfect.

Variations and Substitutions

• Add seasoning: Mix in 1/2 tsp paprika for smoky flavor. This adds depth. I tried paprika, and it was tasty.
• Nut-free: Use coconut flour, adjusting to less for proper texture. This suits allergies. I tried coconut, and it was great.
• Cheesy boost: Add 2 tbsp grated Parmesan to dough. This increases savoriness. I tried Parmesan, and it was exciting.
• Vegan version: Use dairy-free ricotta and adjust flour. This suits plant-based. I tried vegan, and it was vibrant.
• Herb twist: Add 1 tsp dried parsley to dough. This adds freshness. I tried parsley, and it was great.
• Spicy kick: Mix in 1/4 tsp cayenne for heat. This livens it up. I tried spicy, and it was delicious.
• Bacon bits: Fold in 2 tbsp bacon bits for smokiness. This adds crunch. I tried bacon, and it was fine.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store cooked tots in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to recrisp. Freeze formed tots for up to 1 month; bake or air fry from frozen, adding 2-3 minutes. Prep dough a day ahead; store covered in fridge. Cook fresh for best texture. Add garnishes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this snack.

1. Why are my tots soft?
   Drain cottage cheese fully and cook longer. I drained mine, and they crisped up.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep dough a day early; cook fresh for crunch. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why do they fall apart?
   Mix dough well and shape firmly. I pressed mine, and they held together.
4. Can I pan fry?
   Yes, fry in 1 tbsp oil for 2-3 minutes per side. I tried baking, but frying worked fine.
5. Why no eggs?
   Cottage cheese binds with almond flour; eggs make it too wet. I skipped eggs, and it was perfect.
6. Can I use other flours?
   Coconut or oat flour work; adjust amounts. I used almond, and it was light.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with ranch for creamy dipping. Pair with a salad for a light meal. Enjoy as a snack with sparkling water. I served mine with ketchup, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for snacks, appetizers, or sides.

Nutrition Info for Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

Per serving (1/4 of recipe, 4 servings):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Two Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots Recipe is a crispy, protein-packed snack that’s perfect for quick bites. Its simplicity and cheesy flavor make it a go-to. How do you like to customize your tots? Let us know in the comments!