Name: Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 2 eggs; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (for breading); 2 eggs, beaten (for breading); 1 cup breadcrumbs; Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

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I made these Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats to offer a fun and savory twist on bite-sized snacks. With a creamy center and a golden, crunchy shell, these little morsels are ideal for parties, appetizers, or even as a side. They come together quickly with basic ingredients and can be fried or baked depending on how crispy I want them.

Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these treats balance a soft, cheesy interior with a crunchy breadcrumb coating. They’re simple to make, easy to customize with herbs or spices, and great for dipping. Whether I fry them for extra crisp or bake them for a lighter version, they always come out delicious. Plus, they freeze and reheat beautifully, which makes them perfect for prepping ahead.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
‑ 1 cup cottage cheese
‑ 2 eggs
‑ ¼ cup all-purpose flour (plus more if needed)
‑ ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
‑ ½ teaspoon garlic powder
‑ ½ teaspoon onion powder
‑ Salt and pepper, to taste
‑ ½ cup all-purpose flour (for breading)
‑ 2 eggs, beaten (for breading)
‑ 1 cup breadcrumbs
‑ Oil for frying (canola or vegetable)

directions

I start by mixing the cottage cheese, eggs, ¼ cup flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
If the mixture is too wet, I add a bit more flour until it’s thick enough to scoop.
I scoop the mixture into small balls or patties and place them on a parchment-lined tray.
I refrigerate them for 20 minutes so they firm up.
Meanwhile, I set up a breading station with a plate of flour, a bowl of beaten eggs, and a plate of breadcrumbs.
I roll each chilled ball in flour, dip it in egg, and coat it with breadcrumbs.
I heat oil in a deep skillet over medium heat and fry the treats until golden on all sides, about 2–3 minutes per side.
I transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
I serve them hot with my favorite dipping sauces.

Servings and timing

Makes about 20 bite-sized pieces
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

variations

I like to switch it up in these ways:
‑ Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill to the cheese mixture.
‑ Mix in shredded mozzarella or cheddar for extra cheesiness.
‑ Use seasoned breadcrumbs or panko for different crunch.
‑ Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
‑ Make them larger for a side dish, or smaller for party appetizers.

storage/reheating

I store leftover treats in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, I freeze them after frying by flash freezing them on a tray, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, I bake them in the oven or pop them in the air fryer until hot and crispy—about 10 minutes at 375°F. I avoid microwaving as it softens the crust.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead of frying?

Yes, I often bake them at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. They still come out golden and crisp, though slightly less than frying.

What kind of cottage cheese works best?

I use full-fat cottage cheese for the best texture and flavor. Small curd works well and blends easily with the other ingredients.

Can I make them gluten-free?

Yes, I substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. I like using almond flour and gluten-free panko for good crunch.

How do I keep them from falling apart while frying?

I chill the formed balls before breading and frying. That helps them hold their shape and not fall apart in the oil.

What dips go well with these?

I love serving them with marinara, ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo. They also taste great with tzatziki or garlic aioli.

Can I air fry these instead of deep frying?

Yes, I air fry them at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping once. I spray them lightly with oil to help crisp the outside.

Are they good cold?

They taste best hot and crispy, but I’ve enjoyed them cold as a quick snack. If I have time, I reheat for the best texture.

What kind of breadcrumbs should I use?

Regular or seasoned breadcrumbs work fine. For more crunch, I use panko. For extra flavor, I mix in Parmesan and herbs.

Can I make the mixture ahead of time?

Yes, I prepare the mixture and refrigerate it up to a day in advance. I just shape, bread, and cook when ready to serve.

Conclusion

These Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats are a satisfying mix of soft cheese filling and crunchy coating that I love making for guests or snacking. They’re easy, quick, and totally customizable. Whether I fry or bake them, serve them hot or freeze for later, they’re always a hit on the table.

Alice