Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots

Byarlo Jack

If you love quick, healthy snacks that don’t require a long ingredient list, these Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots are about to become your new favorite. Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with protein, these tots are a lighter, high-protein twist on classic tater tots, made with just cottage cheese and potatoes. Perfect for snacking, lunchboxes, side dishes, or meal prep, these tots prove that delicious food doesn’t have to be complicated.

Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Tots

  • Only two simple ingredients
  • High in protein and naturally satisfying
  • Crispy without deep frying
  • Kid-friendly and adult-approved
  • Great for air fryer, oven, or pan cooking

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 cups grated potatoes (russet or Yukon gold work best)

Optional seasonings like salt, pepper, or garlic powder can be added, but the base recipe truly works with just two ingredients.

How These Two Ingredients Work

Cottage cheese adds protein, creaminess, and moisture, while potatoes provide structure and crispiness. When combined and cooked, the mixture holds together beautifully and forms golden, bite-sized tots with minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes

Peel and grate the potatoes. Using a clean kitchen towel, squeeze out as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy tots.

Step 2: Mix with Cottage Cheese

In a bowl, combine grated potatoes and cottage cheese. Mix until evenly incorporated.

Step 3: Shape the Tots

Scoop small portions and shape them into bite-sized tots or small cylinders using your hands.

Step 4: Cook the Tots

Air Fryer:
Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.

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Oven:
Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping once.

Pan-Fry:
Cook in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides.

Tips for Extra Crispy Tots

  • Drain potatoes thoroughly to remove excess moisture
  • Use full-fat cottage cheese for better texture
  • Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet
  • Flip halfway for even browning

Delicious Variations

  • Cheesy Tots: Add a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella
  • Garlic Tots: Mix in garlic powder or fresh minced garlic
  • Herb Tots: Add parsley, chives, or dill
  • Spicy Tots: Add chili flakes or paprika
  • Sweet Potato Version: Swap regular potatoes for sweet potatoes

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with ketchup, ranch, or yogurt dip
  • Pair with eggs for breakfast
  • Serve as a side with burgers or sandwiches
  • Add to lunchboxes as a high-protein snack

Storage & Make-Ahead Tips

  • Store cooked tots in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in the air fryer or oven to restore crispiness
  • Freeze uncooked tots for up to 1 month and cook directly from frozen

Conclusion

Two-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Tots prove that simple recipes can still be incredibly satisfying. With just cottage cheese and potatoes, you get crispy, golden tots that are high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly versatile. Whether you bake them, air-fry them, or pan-cook them, these tots deliver big comfort with minimal effort. They’re perfect as a healthy snack, kid-friendly side dish, or meal-prep staple, and they easily adapt to different flavors if you want to add herbs, spices, or cheese later.

Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)

Are cottage cheese tots actually crispy?
Yes, when the grated potatoes are well-drained and cooked at a high temperature, the tots become golden and crispy on the outside while staying soft inside.

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Do these tots taste like cottage cheese?
No, the cottage cheese flavor is very mild and blends into the potatoes. Most people won’t even realize cottage cheese is an ingredient.

What type of cottage cheese works best?
Full-fat cottage cheese gives the best texture and crispiness, but low-fat versions will still work with slightly softer results.

What potatoes should I use?
Russet potatoes are ideal because they’re starchy and crisp well. Yukon gold potatoes also work and give a slightly creamier texture.

Do I need to peel the potatoes?
Peeling is recommended for a smoother texture, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer extra fiber and a rustic look.

Why is draining the potatoes so important?
Excess moisture prevents crisping. Squeezing out as much liquid as possible ensures the tots hold together and brown properly.

Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, the air fryer is one of the best methods. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness.