Irresistibly Crispy Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites Recipe
Crispy, high-protein, and gluten-free Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites that make a perfect quick snack or appetizer. These bites combine creamy cottage cheese and mozzarella with almond flour and egg for a deliciously firm and cheesy treat with a golden, crispy exterior.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bites 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
For the Bites
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese – Drain well to keep your bites firm and avoid sogginess.
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese – Provides cheesy stretch and rich flavor; cheddar or provolone can be used as alternatives.
- 1 Large Egg – Acts as a binder; flax or chia egg can substitute for vegan versions but yields a softer texture.
- ¼ cup Almond Flour – Adds structure and crunch, gluten-free; swap with oat flour for a nut-free option.
- ½ tsp Garlic Powder (optional) – Adds subtle savory depth.
- Pinch of Salt & Pepper – To balance and enhance flavors.
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 370°F to ensure even, crispy cooking from the start.
- Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend drained cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated.
- Shape Bites: Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and gently form bite-sized mounds. Place them evenly spaced on a parchment-lined baking tray or air fryer basket to prevent crowding and ensure even cooking.
- Cook Until Golden: Bake for 18–20 minutes in the oven or air fry for 12–15 minutes until the bites have a golden, crispy exterior.
- Let Rest: Allow the bites to cool for 2–3 minutes to firm up and maintain the crispy outside with a gooey interior before serving.
Notes
- Brush tops with olive oil before baking for extra crunch and golden color.
- Drain cottage cheese thoroughly to prevent sogginess and achieve firm texture.
- Avoid overcrowding baking trays or air fryer baskets to promote even browning and crispiness.
- Substitute almond flour with oat flour for nut-free, softer bites.
- Use flax or chia egg for a vegan dairy-free version, but expect a slightly softer texture.
- Store cooked bites in an airtight container refrigerated up to 4 days; freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheat in oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness; avoid microwaving which causes sogginess.
Keywords: Cottage Cheese Bites, Mozzarella Snacks, High Protein Appetizer, Gluten Free Snacks, Crispy Cheese Bites, Healthy Snacks
