10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (2024)

Lower in calories and fat but higher in protein than its dairy cousins, cottage cheese is a healthy swap for milk, butter, and mayo—and it's surprisingly delish on it's own.

"Cottage cheese is so versatile," says Kara Lydon, a registered dietician in New York City. "It can be used to improve the taste texture and nutrition profile of a lot of recipes." Plus, it's high in the amino acid leucine, which helps build muscle, so it's a great workout recovery snack, she adds.

With its almost too-good-to-be-true combo of health benefits and rich taste, cottage cheese is about to become your go-to for low-calorie breakfasts, sour cream substitutes, salad proteins, and more. Read on for five recipes from savvy foodies that will make you re-think cottage cheese. (Then try these 10 Savory Greek Yogurt Recipes.)

01of 05

Blueberry Maple Protein Shake

10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (1)

Smoothies and shakes are so simple and delicious swaps can make them even more nutritious. "I'll use cottage cheese as a great protein booster in smoothies," says Lydon. Sound questionable? This delicious blueberry maple protein shake from Minimalist Baker is sure to change your mind.

This shake recipe is vegetarian and gluten-free. To make it vegan, swap in a non-dairy yogurt or milk for the base and a non-dairy protein powder.

Ingredients

  • 1/2cupcottage cheese or low-fat yogurt(or a mix of the two)
  • 3tablespoonsvanilla protein powder
  • 1/2cupfrozen blueberries
  • 1/4 – 1/2teaspoonmaple extract
  • 1/4teaspoonvanilla extract
  • 2teaspoonsflaxseed meal
  • Sweetener of choice(to taste)
  • 10-15icecubes
  • 1/4cupwater

Instructions

  • Place all of your ingredients in ablenderand mix until well combined.
  • If it appears too runny, add more ice. If it's too thick, add more water. Add more sweetener or extract at the end if the flavor isn't strong enough for your taste.

Serving: 1 shake Calories: 230 Carbohydrate: 18g Protein: 27.5g Fat: 5g Fiber: 3g Sugars: 9g

02of 05

Toasted Coconut Breakfast Spread

10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (2)

When Greek yogurt starts to get a little old, try this toasted coconut breakfast spread from A Spicy Perspective. With only four ingredients (cottage cheese, honey, vanilla, and coconut) there's no excuse not to make this tropical tasting meal to jumpstart your day.

Ingredients

  • 16ounceslow-fat cottage cheese (such as Real California Milk)
  • 1tablespoonhoney
  • 2teaspoonsvanilla extract
  • 1cupshredded coconut

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F, and spread the coconut evenly over a baking sheet.
  • Place the baking sheet in the oven on the upper rack. Toast the coconut for 2-4 minutes. Do not take your eyes off the coconut, it can turn from white to black in a matter of seconds. Cool the coconut on the baking sheet.
  • While the coconut is cooling, place the cottage cheese, honey and vanilla extract in a food processor (or blender). Puree until smooth. Add the toasted coconut and pulse to combine.
  • Scoop the breakfast spread back into the cottage cheese container and refrigerate until ready to use.

Serving: about 1.5 tablespoons spread Calories: 43 Carbohydrates: 4g Protein: 3g Fat: 2g Fiber: 1g Sugars: 3g

03of 05

Blackberry Cottage Cheese Salad

10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (3)

Feta, goat cheese, and fresh Parmesan may be no-brainer salad toppings, but it's time to add cottage cheese to the list. This super fresh blackberry salad from Daisy tops off baby greens with blackberries, balsamic glaze, and cottage cheese (drooling yet?). The best part: You'll feel super indulgent while keeping it fresh.

Ingredients

  • 4 cups baby salad greens
  • 2 cups fresh blackberries
  • 4 tablespoons balsamic glaze
  • 2 cups Daisy Cottage Cheese
  • 4 tablespoons slivered almonds
  • 4 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries

Instructions

  • Place a layer of greens on 4 salad plates.
  • Top each evenly with the blackberries; drizzle with the glaze.
  • Top with a scoop of cottage cheese.
  • Sprinkle with the almonds and dried cranberries.

Serving: 1 salad (recipe serves 4) Calories: 198 Carbohydrates: 22g Protein: 16g Fat: 6g Fiber: 5g Sugars: 16g

04of 05

Cottage Cheese Corn Bread

10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (4)

Cottage cheese is particularly awesome in baked goods. A simple swap for cream or butter, we love it as a sub in muffins, scones, or cakes. This quick cottage cheese corn bread from 24 Carrot Life will have you anteing up for more home-cooked meals every week.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup frozen corn kernels
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1 heaping cup low-fat cottage cheese
  • 3/4 cup skim milk
  • 2 medium eggs, whisked
  • 2 tablespoons honey, melted if very thick

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 baking dish.
  • Combine the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and set aside.
  • In a separate bowl, whisk the wet ingredients together until they are combined.
  • Add the wet ingredients into the dry and mix until just combined. Don't overmix. Pour the batter into your greased baking dish.
  • Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the edges are golden brown and a knife comes out clean.
  • Store in the fridge for up to a week, or in the freezer in an airtight container.
  • Optional: serve with a drizzle of honey and extra butter.

Serving size:1 square(recipes serves 9) Calories:172Carbohydrates: 24.2g Protein:7.7g Fat:4.5 gFiber:2.5 gSugars:6.2g

05of 05

White Pizza Quinoa Bake

10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (5)

Lightened-up mac 'n' cheese is child's play compared to a super classy (and healthy) quinoa bake. Try this triple cheese (cottage, mozzarella, and parmesan) white pizza quinoa bake from With Salt & Wit to totally kill it at your next supper soiree.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups uncooked quinoa
  • About 4 cups vegetable broth (to substitute for water in quinoa cooking)
  • 2 tablespoons Italian Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons tapioca starch (or flour)
  • 1 1/2 cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
  • 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
  • 1 cup shredded parmesan
  • 1 cup marinated or fresh mozzarella, chopped small
  • 4 cups cherry tomatoes, chopped
  • Chopped parsley or basil for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Cook the quinoa according to package instructions, substituting the water for vegetable broth. When quinoa is finished cooking, remove from heat, fluff with a fork and add Italian Seasoning and salt. Stir. Cover quinoa and set aside.
  • In a large sauté pan over medium heat, add butter and melt. Add flour and whisk until well combined. Whisk for 1-2 minutes until the mixture gets a slight blonde color to it and smells nutty.
  • In a blender, puree milk and cottage cheese until well blended and smooth.
  • Add milk mixture to skillet and whisk until fully incorporated.
  • Slowly whisk in 1/2 cup parmesan cheese and whisk until cheese is fully melted.
  • Remove from heat. Add tomatoes, quinoa and cherry tomatoes. Fold in marinated mozzarella. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle evenly with remaining 1/2 cup parmesan cheese.
  • Bake for 20 minutes. Let sit for 5 minutes then serve.

Servings: 8 servings per recipe Calories per serving: 339 Carbohydrates: 41g Protein: 17g Fat: 12g Fiber: 4g Sugars: 3g

5 Legit Reasons Cottage Cheese is Having a Moment, According to Dietitians

10 Recipes to Make You Rethink Cottage Cheese (2024)

FAQs

How do you make cottage cheese more interesting? ›

SAVORY
  1. Veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and avocado: pretty much whatever suits your fancy. And a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Seeds and nuts. Stir in your favorites together or separately.
  3. Grains. Quinoa, anyone?
  4. Salsa. You decide: mild, medium or hot! Or try hot sauce.
  5. Eggs. Plus salt and pepper.
  6. Crumbled bacon. Yum!

What happens to your body when you eat cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that plays a major role in tooth and bone health, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. It also helps you to regulate your blood pressure and might even play a role in preventing certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.

What is the cottage cheese diet on TikTok? ›

The mustard and cottage diet has gone viral on TikTok with more than 380m views on the #veggieswithmustard hashtag. It includes meals made up of mustard, cottage cheese, raw veggies, and sausage. The diet is high in calcium, protein, and fiber and may lead to weight loss.

What are the pros and cons of eating cottage cheese? ›

The nutrients in cottage cheese may help support weight loss, muscle growth, and bone health. However, because of its high sodium content, people watching their salt intake should stick with low-sodium varieties. U.S Department of Agriculture.

How to make cottage cheese more like ricotta? ›

Drain the cottage cheese with a cheesecloth, then place it into a blender with cream cheese and blend until it's a texture similar to ricotta cheese. The most ideal substitute, however, would be homemade ricotta.

What spices to put on cottage cheese? ›

Ingredients
  • 2 cups 1% cottage cheese.
  • 1 tablespoon minced chives.
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder.
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt.
  • 1/8 teaspoon celery seed.
  • 1/8 teaspoon pepper.
Sep 24, 2022

When should you not eat cottage cheese? ›

Although it is good for you, cottage cheese is high in sodium. It isn't great for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or congestive heart failure.

What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›

The 30-30-30 rule is simple. It involves eating 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes after you wake up, which is then followed by 30 minutes of exercise. You can eat whatever else you want with your breakfast, but the 30 grams of protein is key.

Will I lose weight if I eat cottage cheese every day? ›

Aids in weight loss

Low in fat: Full-fat cottage cheese contains less fat than some other cheeses (4% fat versus 30% fat in cheddar), and its high protein makes it an excellent low-fat option. Provides calcium: Studies show that increasing calcium can help you lose weight when combined with a calorie-restricted diet.

What do you mix with cottage cheese? ›

The cheese's texture lends itself well to simple toppings, like a drizzle of olive oil, but textural pops like crunchy chips and juicy tomatoes work well as a fun change if you feel like you're stuck in a CC rut. Other mix-in ideas from our readers included crumbled bacon, Kalamata olives, and salsa.

Why does cottage cheese burn belly fat? ›

What is in cottage cheese that burns fat? Cottage cheese itself does not burn fat. But it is high in protein, with 25 grams per one cup serving. Fat is burned through exercise and moving your body.

What is the 3 day cottage cheese diet plan? ›

It's simply an eating plan where you eat only cottage cheese at each meal for at least three days. Some people also eat fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation. Alcohol, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened beverages are usually avoided.

Is 2 cups of cottage cheese a day too much? ›

I would consider limiting cottage cheese intake to 1 cup per day to allow for nutrient variety,” Voelkers advises. Before purchasing, she says to compare food labels as some cottage cheese can be higher in sodium than others, and the low-fat varieties may sneak in sugar.

Is cottage cheese good for arthritis? ›

Milk, yoghurt, and cottage cheese are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which enhance bone health. Vitamin D is essential, as it aids calcium absorption.

What is healthier than cottage cheese? ›

Greek yogurt has a slight edge in calcium—a mineral most people need more of. A cup of Greek yogurt has 282 milligrams of calcium, while a cup of cottage cheese has 227 mg.

What is the most popular way to eat cottage cheese? ›

How to Eat Cottage Cheese
  1. By itself. If you like the flavor, you can (and many people do!) ...
  2. Topped with fruit. One of the most common ways to eat cottage cheese is by topping it with fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi.
  3. Topped with salt and pepper. ...
  4. Mixed with honey. ...
  5. With a salad.
May 5, 2023

What's healthier, Greek yogurt or cottage cheese? ›

So far, these two high-protein snacks are neck in neck when considering protein, calcium and calories. But one clear distinction steers the choice: Cottage cheese can be loaded with sodium. Just 1 cup of cottage cheese can deliver 8 to 9 times the sodium found in Greek yogurt.

What happens when you blend cottage cheese? ›

Blending cottage cheese completely transforms the original, curd-based product into a creamy, smooth texture that can be used so many different ways.

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