Crispy Cottage Cheese Parmesan Rings are a delicious and unique appetizer that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the rich flavors of Parmesan and mozzarella, all baked to golden perfection.
Author:Lorenzo Bonucci
Prep Time:20 minutes
Cook Time:22 minutes
Total Time:42 minutes
Yield:4 servings 1x
Category:Appetizer
Method:Baking, Air Frying
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
1 cup cottage cheese (small curd, drained if very watery)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 large eggs
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for coating)
Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, flour, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and parsley. Mix until well combined. Refrigerate for 15–20 minutes to firm up the mixture.
Scoop about 2 tablespoons of the mixture for each ring and form into small rings or thick donut shapes. Combine the panko and Parmesan for the coating and gently coat each ring on all sides.
Arrange the rings on the prepared baking sheet and lightly spray or brush with olive oil. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely.
For the air fryer method, preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C), spray the basket lightly with cooking spray, and cook the rings for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crisp and golden.
Serve warm with marinara sauce, garlic aioli, ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
Notes
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze after baking for up to 2 months.
Reheat by baking at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes or air frying for 4–5 minutes until crispy.
Drain excess liquid from the cottage cheese to help the rings hold their shape.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a crispier crust than pre-shredded cheese.
If the mixture feels too soft, add 1–2 tablespoons of extra breadcrumbs.
For extra flavor, mix in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped chives, green onions, or crumbled cooked bacon.