These 14 healthy cottage cheese recipes are easy to make that are high in protein and are super good for you.
Cottage Cheese Recipes
Cottage cheese is an underrated ingredient. Most people don’t realize how delicious it is or how many ways you can use it in recipes. You can eat it plain, make cottage cheese eggs, cottage cheese dip for veggies and pita wedges, or serve it with sweet or savory toppings. Whipped cottage cheese can replace cream cheese or ricotta on cottage cheese toast. Or add some to your avocado toast for a high protein breakfast. Or you can use it as an ingredient to make sweet breakfasts or savory lunches. The opportunities are endless! And best of all, it’s an incredibly healthy ingredient.
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and these simple recipes are sure to keep you satisfied. Here are 14 of my favorite healthy cottage cheese recipes to get you started. Each recipe is packed with flavor and good-for-you nutrients.
What is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a scrumptious and super affordable dairy product. It’s technically a type of fresh cheese, with a creamy texture more similar to yogurt or sour cream. The process of making cottage cheese is simple. Like with most cheeses, acid is added to milk. This separates the milk solids, which are called curds, from the liquids, which are called whey. The curds are then cut into small pieces, rinsed, and lightly salted. This results in a moist, slightly lumpy texture that’s fairly similar to tapioca.
What Does it Taste Like?
Cottage cheese tastes a lot like cream, but it has a hint of sourness and saltiness. It’s really rich and tastes a lot like a mild cheese. If you’re a fan of other dairy products, the odds are good that you’ll be a fan of cottage cheese, too.
Is it Good For You?
It’s more than just good for you … it’s great for you. One of the main reasons that I eat so much cottage cheese is because it’s chock full of important nutrients and minerals, including calcium and B vitamins. Plus, it also is full of protein. And best of all? Cottage cheese is really low in calories. Would you believe me if I said that one cup of low-fat cottage cheese has a whopping 26 grams of protein with only 91 calories? Because it does!
Is Cottage Cheese Healthier than Yogurt?
I love cottage cheese and yogurt because they’re both so good for you. You can’t go wrong with either of these ingredients. The health benefits are pretty similar, but cottage cheese more protein than Greek yogurt.
Is Cottage Cheese Healthier than Regular Cheese?
Is certainly is. Cottage cheese is significantly healthier than regular cheese because it has so much less fat. In fact, full-fat cottage cheese only contains about 4% fat, compared to 30% for cheddar cheese. That’s not a fair fight!
Is Cottage Cheese Good for Weight Loss?
It’s great for weight loss. When friends tell me they’re trying to lose weight, I always suggest that they try eating cottage cheese. One of the best things you can do for weight loss is to eat a diet that’s high in protein while being low in calories. Cottage cheese is perfect for that goal.
Quick Healthy Snack Ideas
- Whipped Cottage Cheese + Peanut Butter Powder + Apple Slices
- Cottage Cheese + Fresh Fruit + Granola
- Cottage Cheese + Diced Pears + Maple Syrup + Pecans
14 More Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Make
Some of these recipes are sweet, some of them are savory, and they’re all delicious!
16. Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
Most people think of topping cottage cheese with fruit. But it’s excellent when mixed with vegetables and other savory ingredients. This dish is filled with cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green onions. A sprinkle of pistachios adds crunch and takes this recipe to the next level.
18. Burst Tomato Cottage Cheese Caprese Bowl
A caprese salad is one of my favorite lunches. But this recipe makes caprese salad a lot healthier, by replacing the mozzarella cheese with cottage cheese. The tomatoes are cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a rich, sweet flavor. The flavors are dynamic!
22. Berry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
This dish is like your favorite parfait, but with cottage cheese! The cottage cheese is placed in a bowl and topped with fresh berries, slivered almonds, and a drizzle of honey. It’s about as simple of a breakfast recipe as you could make. But it’s so healthy and delicious.
23. High Protein Oat Waffles
This is one of my favorite waffle recipes, and it has so much flavor and protein. The cottage cheese helps keep these gluten-free waffles tender and moist, while also adding a tart flavor. Top them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a perfect breakfast.
24. Pineapple Chia with Cottage Cheese
This chia seed pudding is a great meal to start your day with. Chia seeds are soaked in pineapple juice overnight until they’re soft and sweet. Then they’re topped with cottage cheese and fresh pineapple. It’s refreshing, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.
25. Peach Pie Cottage Cheese Bowls
Peaches are one of my favorite foods to eat with cottage cheese. The sweet fruit and the creamy, sour dairy just go so well together. This recipe takes peaches to the next level by cooking them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Some pistachios are added for crunch, with a little bit of honey for extra sweetness. It’s fantastic!
26. Cottage Cheese Egg and Sausage Frittata
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a breakfast with more protein than this one. The base of this frittata is eggs, chicken sausage, and cottage cheese. That’s three ingredients that are super high in protein! Spinach adds a fresh veggie to the dish, while parmesan cheese makes the flavors pop.
27. Roasted Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Not everybody is a big fan of the texture of cottage cheese. This is a great recipe if you don’t like the lumps in cottage cheese. It’s blended with roasted strawberries, milk, chia seeds, and ice until smooth. The flavor of the roasted strawberries is so rich and sweet. You’ll love this smoothie!
28. High Protein Bread
You probably wouldn’t think to put cottage cheese in bread. But it helps make these gluten-free dinner rolls moist and extra healthy. These 5-ingredient rolls are super easy to make, but they have so much flavor.
Need More High Protein Recipes?
All of these recipes are high in protein thanks to cottage cheese. If you’re looking for more easy high protein meals, be sure to check out my recipe finder. You can find tons of healthy recipes there.
