Have you jumped on the cottage cheese bandwagon yet? I certainly have but, honestly, I’ve been on the bandwagon for years. As a kid, I have vivid memories of my dad snacking on a bowl of cottage cheese topped with apple butter and it became a favorite snack of mine decades ago. While I’ve been buying cottage cheese at the grocery store for years, I’m thrilled to see it gain popularity recently and love how people are finding new ways to use it in everything from whipped cottage cheese bowls to sweet treats like smoothies and even cottage cheese ice cream.
While one of my favorite ways to eat cottage cheese is also one of the simplest — I like it on its own topped with fresh berries and cinnamon — there are endless ways to incorporate cottage cheese into your diet. If you’ve ever been on the fence about cottage cheese or maybe don’t love the texture of cottage cheese curds but want to try it in a way that changes its texture into something more smooth and palatable for you, hopefully today’s blog post will help you find a new way to try cottage cheese. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a filling meal, or a sweet treat, cottage cheese has got you covered!
What Is Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a dairy product made from milk curds, which form when an acid curdles milk and cream. Cottage cheese begins as milk and then enzymes or live, active cultures are added in order to convert the milk into sugars, or lactic acid. The lactic acid separates the curds from the whey. The solid curds are then sliced into bite-sized pieces and packaged, which is why you can find large and small curd cottage cheese.
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese
PROTEIN. This is why cottage cheese is currently getting a lot of hype these days but it’s also an excellent source of calcium. And two percent cottage cheese is also rich in phosphorous, potassium, and selenium. As a result, including it in a well-balanced diet can help:
- Support bone health
- Control blood sugar levels
- Improve gut health
- Promote muscle development
10+ Healthy Ways to Eat Cottage Cheese
Cottage Cheese Zucchini Breakfast Casserole
A nutrient-packed breakfast, this casserole features a base of cottage cheese and eggs. As a result, it’s rich, fluffy, and deliciously creamy in texture. The ingredients combine in minutes and bake in about an hour for a crowd-pleasing option that can easily double as meal prep. For anyone on the fence about cottage cheese, this is the recipe for you as you won’t even realize it’s made with cottage cheese!
Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
You’ve probably had overnight oats, but have you ever had them with cottage cheese? It’s a complete game-changer on busy mornings! Plus, it eliminates the need for protein powder if you’re hoping to make your oats a little more satisfying. Just combine all the ingredients a day in advance, and you’ll have a creamy, nutrient-dense breakfast ready to grab and go. (Tip: You can also whip the cottage cheese you’ll be using the the overnight oats ahead of time if you’d like a creamier texture.)
High-Protein Eggs with Cottage Cheese
I’ve been putting cottage cheese in my eggs for years! It makes them extra fluffy just like your favorite diner’s eggs and adds lots of protein. In fact, one serving provides 17 grams of protein! Don’t worry about your eggs having a lumpy texture, either. As long as you whisk the ingredients together, your eggs will turn out smooth and delicious.
Banana Bread Protein Pancakes
These cottage cheese-filled pancakes bring a new meaning to protein pancakes. Made without protein powder, they’re packed with protein and come together with just five real food ingredients for a family-friendly breakfast you can feel good about. This is one our boys love so if you’re hoping to find a cottage cheese recipe to serve to the whole family, I’d start here!
The Best Make Ahead Lasagna
Admittedly, this recipe doesn’t call for cottage cheese as it’s written. However, if you’ve been around awhile you might already know that I love to substitute the ricotta cheese for cottage cheese. You don’t even notice a difference in the taste or texture, but it adds a solid source of protein to make the dish extra filling!
Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
I love when I can turn my favorite comfort foods into healthy options, and this high-protein cottage cheese recipe does just that! With a whopping 23 grams of protein per serving, it’s rich, cheesy, and completely addicting. Serve it alongside your favorite main courses, or transform it into a meal on its own. Either way, even picky eaters will be eager to dig in.
High Protein Oat Bran
This homemade oat bran recipe makes the original version even better by amping up the protein with the addition of cottage cheese. Made with five simple ingredients, it’s subtly sweet, creamy, and the perfect base for all your favorite toppings! Think the texture and flavor of Cream of Wheat but a million times more satisfying!
Whipped Spicy Cottage Cheese Dip
If you’re looking for a quick afternoon snack or gameday appetizer this is the recipe for you. Cottage cheese forms the base of this garlicky, savory, spicy dip, creating a luscious consistency. Then, we add a drizzle of olive oil on top and finish with garlic and chives. Pair it with your favorite chips and veggies for dipping, and you won’t have any leftovers!
Banana Cheesecake Smoothie
This recipe is an oldie but a goodie. It came together by accident. I tossed a few ingredients I had on hand into a blender, and they ended up tasting like banana cheesecake. Who can be mad at that? Especially when it’s ultra creamy and loaded with protein! I call that a win.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
You guys know how picky I am about ice cream and I’m not going to lie to you and say cottage cheese ice cream tastes like the real deal. It doesn’t but I found that when I stopped thinking about it as “cottage cheese ice cream” and more as a cold and creamy protein treat, I liked it a lot more. It’s also a versatile recipe you can change depending on your flavor cravings.
More Delicious Ways to Use Cottage Cheese
Now that we’ve covered some of my favorite cottage cheese recipes, let’s talk about even more ways to to eat cottage cheese. I wouldn’t exactly consider the ideas below recipes, but they’re super delicious and easy to whip up!
Whipped Savory Cottage Cheese Bowls
These bowls have my heart! I love them for a satiating lunch option that keeps me full until dinner! My favorite combination is to top whipped cottage cheese with seared chicken thighs, roasted carrots, sweet chili sauce and cilantro. I swear I could eat that particular combination for lunch every single day.
Cottage Cheese Toast
My friend Anne inspired me to try this one! Start with your favorite toasted bread and then add a layer of cottage cheese. Enjoy it as is, or add more toppings like smoked salmon, tomatoes with flaky sea salt, avocado and egg or even banana slices with cinnamon and honey.
Sweet Cottage Cheese Bowls
Sweet cottage cheese bowls are kind of like Greek yogurt bowls but with a slightly creamier texture. Start with a bowl of cottage cheese. (You may first whip it in a blender or food processor if you’d like.) Then add fresh fruit or any sweet toppings you like best such as jam, chocolate chips (!!!), honey, chopped nuts, or coconut flakes.
Condiments and Dips
Cottage cheese works as an excellent substitute for sour cream and Greek yogurt in all your dips and spreads. You can even just mix it with seasonings like Ranch seasoning or buffalo seasoning for a protein rich dip that’s quick to make and loaded with flavor.
Question of the Day
Are you a fan of cottage cheese? What are some of your favorite ways to enjoy cottage cheese?
