Why are my patties dense instead of fluffy?

You may not have mixed thoroughly or added too little soda. Soda must be evenly distributed for a uniform rise.

Without soda, they become dense like flatbreads. Increase the egg or add baking powder if you skip it.

Why do my patties spread during baking?

The dough might be too wet. Add a bit more grated cheese to firm it up, and chill the shaped patties before baking.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, but patties will be drier. Add 1–2 tablespoons of sour cream or milk for moisture.

Cheese patty

Name: Cheese patty
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2 порции
Cuisine: International
Ingredients: Semi-hard cheese — 200 g; Cottage cheese — 200 g; Chicken egg — 55 g; Salt — 2 g; Spice — 2 g; Baking Soda — 2 g

45min

461g

Nutrition per 100g

These little cheese patties are a revelation for those who love baked goods but want to avoid flour. A tender cottage cheese base with savory cheese, perfectly baked inside and golden on the outside. They take minutes to prepare and are so airy they disappear while still warm. Perfect as a snack, breakfast, or soup accompaniment – try them and you'll fall in love!

BreakfastFats & OilsCheeseBakedSnack

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

From ingredients

6 products

Base

Semi-hard cheese200 g

Binder

Spices

Leavening

SIMPLE PROCESS

Step by step recipe

The secret to these patties lies in the right ingredient balance. The mix of cottage cheese and semi-hard cheese creates an ideal texture: soft yet elastic, with no need for flour. Baking soda adds fluffiness – use just half a teaspoon. Mix thoroughly until smooth, and when shaping, wet your hands slightly to prevent sticking. Bake until golden but avoid overbaking.

Step 1

Grate Cheese and Cottage Cheese

Grate 200 g (7 oz) semi-hard cheese finely. Mash 200 g (7 oz) cottage cheese with a fork to a smooth paste.

Step 2

Add the Egg

Add 1 large egg (55 g / about 2 oz) to the cheese-cottage cheese mixture and mix well.

Step 3

Add Salt, Spices, and Soda

Stir in 2 g (½ tsp) salt, 2 g (½ tsp) of your favorite spices (paprika or black pepper), and ½ teaspoon of baking soda (2 g). Mix until uniform.

Step 4

Knead the Dough

Mix thoroughly with a spoon or your hands until the dough is smooth and elastic. If sticky, wet your hands slightly with water.

Step 5

Shape the Patties

Divide the dough into 8–10 portions, roll each into a ball, and flatten slightly. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment, leaving space between them.

Step 6

Bake Until Golden

Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F). Bake for 15–20 minutes until golden brown. Let cool on the pan for 5 minutes before serving.

CHEF'S TIP

Choose the Right Cheese and Cottage Cheese

Semi-hard cheese like Gouda or Dutch works best, and cottage cheese should be medium-fat (5–9%). If wet, drain in a sieve for 10–15 minutes.

Grate Cheese and Cottage Cheese Finely

The finer the shreds, the smoother the dough. Mash cottage cheese with a fork to remove lumps.

Don't Substitute Soda Without Adjusting

Baking soda reacts with the cottage cheese's acidity to create rise. If using baking powder, use 1 teaspoon, but texture will be slightly denser.

Let the Dough Rest Before Baking

After mixing, let it sit for 10–15 minutes – the soda activates, making patties fluffier.

SUBSTITUTIONS

Add your taste

Replace Semi-Hard Cheese with Suluguni or Mozzarella These give a stretchier texture and milder flavor. Keep the same 200 g (about 7 oz).
Add Herbs or Garlic Mix in chopped dill or minced garlic for extra aroma.
Make a Sweet Version Skip salt and spices, add 1–2 tablespoons of sugar and vanilla – you'll get cottage cheese fritters.
Use Goat Cheese Instead of Cottage Cheese Goat cheese adds tang, but the dough becomes denser – add an extra egg for binding.

HOW TO STORE

How to Store Cheese Patties

Cool patties at room temperature, then store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–40 seconds or in the oven at 160°C (325°F) for 5–7 minutes. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a bag – store for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge or microwave.

GOOD TO KNOW