If you’re looking for a fun way to get more veggies and protein into your meals, these broccoli and cottage cheese tots are it. They’re crispy on the outside, soft and cheesy on the inside, and perfect for dipping. Think of them as grown-up tater tots with a healthy twist.
🧡 Why I Love This Recipe
This one came from trying to clean out my fridge one day — I had leftover steamed broccoli and a half tub of cottage cheese. I mixed them up with some pantry staples, baked them into little tots, and… instant obsession.
- You only need one bowl to mix it all up.
- They’re crispy without deep frying.
- Great for meal prep — they reheat like a dream.
- They pack in veggies and protein without tasting “healthy.”
- Perfect finger food or side dish.
⏱️ Time & Servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Servings: 4 (makes about 20 tots)
📊 Exact Macros (Per 5 tots serving)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 14g
- Fat: 7g
- Carbs: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Chopped broccoli adds fiber and structure to the batter, giving the tots a nice bite.
- Cottage cheese melts into the mix as it bakes, binding everything together and keeping it moist.
- The egg helps hold the tots’ shape, while breadcrumbs crisp up the outside.
📋 What You’ll Need
- 2 cups steamed broccoli, finely chopped
- ¾ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (regular or panko)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Cracked black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or olive oil for baking
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Mix the Ingredients
In a large bowl, mix together the chopped broccoli, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, egg, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until fully combined.
2. Form Into Tots
Scoop out a tablespoon of mixture at a time and shape it into a small tot or nugget shape using your hands.
3. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place the shaped tots on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spray or brush lightly with olive oil.
4. Bake Until Golden
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tots are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
5. Serve with Dipping Sauce
Let cool slightly and serve with your favorite dip like ranch, spicy mayo, or Greek yogurt mixed with lemon.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- A simple green salad or slaw
- Tomato soup or veggie soup
- Grilled chicken or turkey burgers
- Dipping sauces: ranch, tzatziki, or sriracha mayo
📆 Meal Plan Ideas
- Lunchbox: Pair with sliced veggies and hummus
- Snack Plate: Serve cold or warm with other finger foods
- Dinner Side: Goes great with grilled proteins
- Brunch Board: Include with eggs, toast, and avocado
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not chopping broccoli small enough: Big chunks fall apart. Use a knife or pulse in a food processor.
- Too much moisture: Be sure broccoli isn’t watery, or the tots won’t crisp.
- Skipping the oil: A little spray helps them crisp and brown nicely.
- Crowding the pan: Give each tot room to crisp up evenly.
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen broccoli?
Yes! Just steam and let it cool before chopping.
Can I air fry these?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for about 12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Can I freeze them?
Yep. Freeze after baking, then reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Can I use other cheeses?
Totally! Try mozzarella, parmesan, or even pepper jack for a kick.
💬 Wrap-Up
These Broccoli and Cottage Cheese Tots are one of those recipes that hit all the marks — easy, tasty, and secretly full of good stuff. I love making a batch on Sundays and snacking on them all week long.
Tried them? Let me know what you dipped them in or how you spiced them up — I always love hearing your spins on it!