Baked Cottage Cheese Tomato Fritters

You know those moments when you’re craving something cozy…
but also kinda want to feel like you’re doing your body a favor?

That’s exactly how these fritters came to life.

I was sitting on the porch one afternoon, flipping through an old food magazine
the kind with pages stuck together from past kitchen disasters
and spotted this rustic cheese pancake from some tiny European village.

It looked golden, crumbly, and oddly poetic.
And I thought, “I could totally make a healthy version of that… with tomatoes!”

A few experiments (and cheese-covered spatulas) later,
these baked beauties made it into my weekly rotation.

They’re cheesy, herby, loaded with feel-good ingredients,
and honestly, they hit the spot every time.

Now they’re all yours too
so go ahead and enjoy the heck out of ’em. 🙌

Try my Broccoli Cheese Egg Muffins recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

→ Super Easy to Make – Just mix, scoop, and bake. No fancy steps, no frying mess.

→ High in Protein – Thanks to the cottage cheese and egg, these fritters will actually keep you full.

→ Great for Meal Prep – Make a batch and reheat them during the week. They hold up like champs.

→ Full of Flavor – Herby, cheesy, and just the right amount of tang from the sun-dried tomatoes.

→ Light But Satisfying – Paired with a fresh salad, it’s the kind of meal that hits the spot without weighing you down.

→ Perfect for “Use What You’ve Got” Days – The ingredients are flexible, so you can easily swap in what’s on hand.

Try my Korean Egg Rolls recipe.

What You’ll Need To Make

A Quick Look at the Star Ingredients

→ Cottage Cheese – This is the real MVP here. It’s creamy, packed with protein, and gives the fritters that soft, almost cheesy bite without needing any actual cheese. Plus, it’s super affordable and easy to keep in the fridge.

→ Sun-Dried Tomatoes – These little flavor bombs bring a tangy, savory punch that takes the fritters up a notch. I always keep a jar around for situations exactly like this.

→ Fresh Basil – A few ribbons of basil bring in that fresh, herby flavor that makes everything taste brighter. You can totally use dried if that’s what you’ve got.

→ Spelt Flour – I used spelt flour for a bit of a nutty flavor and a wholesome touch, but regular all-purpose flour works too. No stress.

→ Herbes de Provence – This blend of dried herbs adds that earthy, aromatic vibe without needing to measure out five different jars. Total time-saver.

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You’ll Need To Do

Time required: 30 mins

🧑‍🍳 Let’s Make Baked Cottage Cheese Tomato Fritters!

1| Fire up that oven! Preheat it to 410°F (210°C). While it’s heating up, let’s get mixing.

2| Grab a big bowl and toss in the cottage cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, crushed garlic, sliced green onions, fresh basil, the egg, herbes de Provence, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Give it a nice stirit should start looking pretty delicious already.

3| Now, stir in the spelt flour until everything’s well combined and sticking together. It’ll be a thick, scoopable batter.

4| Line a baking sheet with parchment paper (less mess = more joy), then scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture per fritter. Plop them down on the sheet with a little space in between.

5| Bake ‘em in the oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until they’re golden on top and nicely set. They should look lightly crispy around the edgesyum.

6| While they’re baking, toss together a quick salad: mixed greens and cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper and give it a good toss.

7| Time to dig in! Plate up those warm fritters with your fresh salad on the side and enjoy the cheesy, herby goodness.

Glycemic Index: 52 (moderate) Glycemic Load: 22 (moderate-high)

Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks

🔄 Recipe Swaps

1| No Spelt Flour? – Swap in regular all-purpose flour, whole wheat flour, or even oat flour if you want a gluten-free twist.

2| Can’t Do Dairy? – Use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative (they’re out there!) or soft crumbled tofu with a little lemon juice and salt mixed in for that tangy feel.

3| No Sun-Dried Tomatoes? – Try chopped roasted red peppers, olives, or even sautéed mushrooms for a different savory kick.

4|No Fresh Basil? – Sub with dried basil, Italian seasoning, or fresh parsleywhatever green goodness you’ve got.

✨ Fun Tweaks

1| Add Some Heat – Throw in a pinch of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a spicy version.

2| Make ’Em Mini – Use a teaspoon to make bite-sized fritters for snacking or party appssuper cute and addictive.

3| Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in a little grated parmesan or cheddar if you want them extra cheesy (no judgment here).

4| Boost the Veggies – Add shredded zucchini or carrots (just squeeze out the moisture first) for a veggie-packed variation.

5| Serve with a Dip – These go great with Greek yogurt, hummus, or even a garlicky aioli on the side.

Try my Crispy Carrot Cake Bites recipe.

Handy Tips for Perfect Fritters

1| Drain the Cottage Cheese if It’s Watery – Some brands are wetter than othersif yours is on the liquidy side, drain it a bit so your batter isn’t too loose.

2| Let the Mixture Sit for a Few Minutes – After mixing everything together, let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This helps the flour absorb moisture and makes the fritters easier to scoop.

3| Use a Cookie Scoop or Spoon for Even Sizes – This makes sure they cook evenly and look nice and tidy (bonus points if you’re meal prepping or plating up for guests).

4| Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet – Give each fritter some space to spread and crisp upif they’re too close, they’ll steam instead of bake.

5| Flip for Extra Crisp – Want a bit more browning? Flip them halfway through baking for a golden finish on both sides.

6| Reheat Like a Pro – Pop leftovers in the air fryer or oven to bring back that crispy outside. The microwave works too, but they’ll be softer.

Try my Multi Seed Bread recipe.

Budget-Friendly Tips

1| Go for Store-Brand Cottage Cheese – Most generic or store-brand versions taste just as good and cost way less. You don’t need anything fancy here.

2| Use Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh – If fresh basil isn’t in the budget (or your fridge), dried basil or even Italian seasoning will still bring great flavor.

3| Buy Sun-Dried Tomatoes in Bulk or from the Salad Bar – They’re cheaper by weight, and you don’t need a whole jar for this recipe. Check the deli section!

4| Swap Spelt Flour with What You’ve Got – All-purpose flour or even whole wheat flour works just fineno need to buy spelt if it’s not already in your pantry.

5| Make a Bigger Batch– Doubling the recipe doesn’t cost much more, and you’ll have extra fritters for the weekhello, budget-friendly meal prep!

6| Use What’s on Hand for the Salad – Mixed greens are great, but any lettuce or leafy greens you already have will do the trick. Same with tomatoesno cherry? Use chopped regular ones!

Diet-Friendly Variations

You can tweak this recipe to make Keto, Low Carb, and Paleo versions. Here’s how to do it:

🥑 Keto Version

To make these fritters Keto-friendly, you’ll need to make a few simple swaps:

→ Flour: Replace the spelt flour with almond flour or coconut flour. Almond flour is low in carbs and will keep the fritters soft while keeping them Keto-approved.

→ Sweeteners: Skip the balsamic vinegar (which has some sugar) or use a very small amount. If you need a tangy vinegar, try apple cider vinegar instead.

→ Optional: You can also add a little shredded cheddar or mozzarella for extra flavor and fat, which is great for Keto diets!

🥗 Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb variation, you don’t have to change much, but here’s what to adjust:

→ Flour: Swap the spelt flour with almond flour or ground flaxseed. Both are low in carbs and still give a great texture to the fritters.

→ Sweeteners: Use balsamic vinegar sparingly, as it does contain some sugar. You can substitute with a vinegar like red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar, which have fewer carbs.

🍖 Paleo Version

To make this recipe Paleo-friendly, you’ll need to go a little further:

→ Flour: Replace the spelt flour with almond flour or cassava flour (cassava flour is great for a lighter, fluffier texture).

→ Dairy: Use dairy-free cottage cheese or substitute it with almond-based cheese or cashew cheese for a creamy texture.

→ Eggs: Keep the eggsthey’re fine on the Paleo diet.

→ Sweeteners: Stick to apple cider vinegar instead of balsamic for a cleaner, sugar-free vinegar option.

For a fun twist, you can also add in some chopped zucchini or sweet potato for added nutrition and flavor!

Serving Ideas

1| With a Simple Side Salad – Serve the fritters with a fresh, crunchy side saladthink mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. You can even throw in some avocado slices for extra creaminess!

2| Dip It Good – Pair these fritters with a zesty dip like tzatziki, garlicky yogurt dip, or hummus. A bit of creamy goodness always makes them more fun to eat!

3| Top with Sautéed Greens – Wilted spinach or kale on top gives an extra veggie boost while adding a lovely flavor contrast to the fritters.

4| As a Snack with Veggies – Slice the fritters into bite-sized pieces and serve them with an assortment of sliced cucumbers, carrots, and bell peppers for dipping.

5| With a Protein Kick – Serve these fritters as a side dish to grilled chicken, fish, or even a juicy steak. It’s the perfect pairing for a protein-packed meal.

6| Topped with Poached Eggs – For a brunch-worthy meal, top your fritters with a poached egg or two. The yolk oozing over the fritters is next-level delicious.

7| In a Wrap – Wrap the fritters in a whole grain or gluten-free wrap with a little lettuce, tomato, and your favorite dressing for a quick and easy lunch.

8| With Roasted Vegetables – Pair the fritters with some roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or sweet potatoes. It adds more texture and makes the meal even more filling.

Try my 3-Ingredient Pecan Cookies recipe.

Storage & Reheating Tips

🧊 Storage Tips

→ Cool Before Storing – Let the fritters cool completely before storing them. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which could make them soggy.

→ Use an Airtight Container – Store the fritters in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They’ll last in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.

→ Freezing for Later – These fritters freeze really well! Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for up to 1–2 months.

🔥 Reheating Tips

→ In the Oven – To keep them crispy, reheat the fritters in the oven. Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 5–7 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy again.

→ Air Fryer – If you have an air fryer, this is the perfect tool to reheat them without losing that crispy texture. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and heat for 3–4 minutes.

→ Stovetop – Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a little oil or butter. Pop the fritters in and cook for about 2-3 minutes per side until they’re golden and warm.

→ Microwave (Quick Option) – If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too! Just pop the fritters on a microwave-safe plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Microwave for 30-45 secondsjust know they won’t be as crispy this way.

Try my Superfood Oatmeal Protein Cookies recipe.

Final Thoughts

And there you have itcrispy little fritters with a fresh salad on the side, all ready in about 30 minutes. Not bad for something that looks this fancy, right? These are perfect for meal prep or just a cozy lunch when you’re craving something different. If you give them a try, let me know how they turn outor what wild twist you added. I’m always down to hear how folks make it their own. Catch ya in the next recipe!

Recipe Card