Cottage cheese recipes aren’t exactly glamorous or exciting at first glance. However, what makes cottage cheese magical is that it can be adapted to so many different recipes and uses.
There are a lot of people who have never eaten cottage cheese unless they’ve had lasagna that has cottage cheese in the recipe. That’s unfortunate because cottage cheese is actually an excellent source of protein and it’s lower in calories and fat than other cheese. These recipes are perfect for trying cottage cheese.
Cottage cheese has long been a staple in many households, offering a versatile and nutritious option for incorporating more protein into one’s diet. Although commonly consumed as a standalone snack, the slightly tangy, creamy texture of cottage cheese makes it an excellent candidate for incorporation into a wide range of recipes. In this article, we will explore some delicious and unexpected ways to use cottage cheese in your culinary creations.
For those who are keen on healthier alternatives, cottage cheese can be a delightful substitute in various dishes. With its high protein content and low-fat composition, it provides an option for those aiming to make smarter choices in the kitchen. Interestingly, the mild flavor of cottage cheese also allows it to easily blend with other ingredients, creating delicious combinations in both sweet and savory recipes.
As we delve into these inventive cottage cheese recipes, it is important to remember that versatility is the key. From salad dressings to desserts, there are countless ways to incorporate this humble ingredient into your daily meals, offering a combination of taste, nutrition, and creativity in your cooking endeavors.
With cottage cheese, you can create sensational sides, marvelous main dishes like lasagna, and decadent desserts. Scroll on down to dive into these delicious cottage cheese recipes.
Source: Fromscratchfast.com
1. Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip
If you’ve ever gazed longingly at a bowl of dip beside a pile of fresh vegetables, you’re going to be so excited about this homemade cottage cheese dip.
You can use this creamy dip for chips, crackers, veggies, and more.
But is it creamy? You bet it is! The cottage cheese is put into a blender or food processor and pureed until it’s silky smooth.
The end result is a dip that’s as creamy as a decadent whipped topping, with a fraction of the calories.
Source: Weelicious.com
2. Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Busy health-conscious moms have been using cottage cheese to make pancakes for decades.
When did we stop doing that? Now more than ever, we have to work hard to get high-quality ingredients into the tummies of our family members.
If we can incorporate healthy high-protein options into our recipes, why not do it?
In this case, the pancakes are just as yummy as pancakes made with other ingredients. One way to sweeten them is to use agave or honey instead of sugar.
Source: Bestrecipebox.com
3. Baked Rotini
Sometimes we have dreams of a one-pot lasagna, and those recipes are out there.
However, this baked rotini also fills our needs and the rotini gives this dish a different kind of texture that is amazing.
We love that this can be made ahead of time and baked the next day. It also freezes well, and you can have dinner ready at least a month in advance.
With 16 ounces of cottage cheese and a whopping three cloves of garlic, this baked pasta packs a high-protein punch that is equally delicious.
Source: Kelbymaria.com
4. Whipped Cottage Cheese with Almond Butter and Banana
No matter what time of day it is, it’s always a good time to have foods that are traditional breakfast foods.
This delicious whipped recipe can be made in about five minutes and involves zero actual cooking, so it’s a win for nearly any cook.
All you do is whip the cottage cheese so that it becomes creamy and smooth. Then, top it off with your desired toppings.
Toppings can include almond butter or other nut butter, bananas, chia seeds, sliced nuts, granola, dried coconut flakes, and whatever else your heart desires.
Source: Oldhomefoods.com
5. Tomatoes and Cottage Cheese
You probably have made (and love!) stuffed bell peppers, but the truth is, any round veggie can technically be stuffed.
Stuffed tomatoes are not just pretty. They’re also incredibly delicious.
Even better? These cottage cheese stuffed tomatoes aren’t cooked.
They make wonderful appetizers or finger foods if the tomatoes are small enough.
However, we think they’re perfect for a nutritious, satisfying, low-fat lunch or brunch.
Be sure to use some cucumbers. Also, consider an herb-infused vinegar for a nice zing, along with the fresh snipped chives if you have them.
Source: Domestikatedlife.com
6. Mexican Cottage Cheese Dip
Everyone seems to love Tex-Mex food, and the famous seven-layer dip is an all-time crowd favorite.
One fun thing to do is to make individual little sips in small tasting food containers. It’s a bit of work to get all of these layered, but so worth it if you have time.
Alternatively, you can make this dip in one large glass container as it’s traditionally done.
Don’t feel like layering the ingredients? That’s OK! This dip is just as delicious if you mix all of the ingredients up together.
Source: Dishingupbalance.com
7. Blueberry Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
Have you joined the overnight oats party? If not, what are you waiting for?
To make these delicious blueberry overnight oats, you layer the cottage cheese, milk, and oats into a jar or bowl and allow them to sit overnight in the fridge.
When you wake up, you can simply add whatever ingredients you like.
When blueberries are in season, these oats are such a treat. However, you can use whatever berries you like.
To add even more protein and goodness, consider pumpkin seeds. You can also sweeten it up a bit with honey or chia seed jam.
Source: Foodfaithfitness.com
8. Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
Are there people in the world who don’t love cheesecake? Maybe, but we’ve not met them yet.
This cheesecake is full of healthy protein and it’s grain-free and gluten-free.
The creaminess of this cottage cheese recipe is unbelievable. For the topping, you can use your choice of fruit jams to make it as sweet as you want. Alternatively, you can spread a thin layer of sour cream on top.
This cheesecake recipe also calls for reduced-fat cream cheese, so it’s not as high in fat as traditional cheesecake.
The lemon juice gives it a nice zing and we love that it uses coconut flour. You can also use lime juice to make it equally intense and interesting.
Source: Momsdish.com
9. Cottage and Cream Cheese Filled Crepes
Do you love the taste of cream cheese? If cheesecake is one of your favorite things, you will love these crepes that are filled with blended cottage cheese and cream cheese.
The thin, flaky crust is to die for and while these crepes are a great breakfast or brunch food, they’re decadent enough to serve for dessert.
Also, you can vary these crepes a bit. Consider adding some ham and cheese if you want something that will be a bit more substantial.
Source: Thenutritionadventure.com
10. Strawberry Cereal Parfait
The photo shows blueberries, but that makes this even better. What it means is that you can use any type of berry to make these delicious parfaits with cereal.
The cereal you use is any brand of shredded wheat, but it’s the other ingredients that make this recipe so special.
With frozen berries of your choice, plus chia seeds, cinnamon, a dash of your choice of milk, and shredded coconut flakes, this recipe is over-the-top delicious.
And it’s nutritious enough to be served for breakfast, even though it tastes like a dessert.
Source: Spicysouthernkitchen.com
11. Cheesy Baked Spinach Casserole
There are times when nothing but a soul-soothing casserole will do.
And for those times, this cheesy casserole made from spinach and cottage cheese is simply perfect.
This is a casserole that is very rich and with three cups of shredded cheddar cheese. It’s not one of our low-fat recipes.
However, it’s still full of tons of protein and that wondrous spinach. The two cloves of garlic make this cheesy and gooey casserole pop.
The recipe calls for hot sauce, but you can omit that if you like.
Source: Wellnessmama.com
12. Cottage Cheese Alfredo
Is it possible to make Alfredo sauce even more rich and creamy?
Believe it or not, cottage cheese Alfredo sauce may be even more delicious than regular Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream or milk!
The best part is that this Alfredo sauce has far fewer calories and also much less fat.
So what you get is a richer sauce for your pasta and chicken and a lot healthier for your body. You can’t go wrong with this!
For extra nutrition, serve it with whole-grain linguini.
Source: Eatingwell.com
13. Honey Walnut Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bowl
How do crunchy sunflower seeds, fresh raspberries, and honey sound to you?
It sounds pretty delish, right?
These wonderful little bowls are chock full of goodness. Also, they are naturally low-calorie, high-fiber, and gluten-free.
If you’re looking for high-protein vegetarian meal ideas, this one will hit the spot.
The honey makes this naturally sweet and the finely shredded lemon peel adds a delightful zing that’s unexpected.
You can whip these up in a jiffy and have breakfast or brunch on the table in no time at all. Substitute other berries as they come into season.
Source: Daisybrand.com
14. Apple and Cottage Cheese Muffins
Muffins are such a handy food. You can bake them the night before, then just grab them and run the next morning.
However, muffins aren’t just breakfast food. They’re also great for brunch and can serve as a handy bread side for other meals.
Even better, you can serve muffins as dessert if your family likes something that isn’t overly sweet.
This recipe uses cottage cheese, brown sugar, rolled oats, finely diced apple, and cinnamon, so it’s a delicious fall treat.
Source: Fromscratchfast.com
15. Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Eating healthily doesn’t mean sacrificing indulgences, and that’s exactly what this strawberry cottage cheese smoothie feels like. If you’ve missed a milk shake, this will soothe your spirit.
This cottage cheese recipe has only five ingredients, so it’s quick and easy to make from the stuff you have in the fridge.
You can use the berries of your choice, and the banana adds all of its own set of vitamins and nutrients.
One thing that makes this super easy is that you can use frozen strawberries.
The vanilla adds pure delight, and you can sweeten it with a bit of honey if you want.
Source: Babaganosh.com
16. Whipped Cottage Cheese Dessert Cups
One of the best things about this recipe for cottage cheese dessert cups is its versatility.
This recipe uses mangos and how delightful is that? However, you can use any fruit that will blend to a smooth consistency.
The cottage cheese is whipped until it reaches a smooth, rich texture, then the fruit is slowly mixed in (you will have already blended it separately).
To serve this, consider topping it with some whipped topping and even some more fruit on top.
Source: Familyfreshmeals.com
17. Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad
Tuna salad is about as humble as can be. In fact, tuna salad doesn’t even pretend to be glamorous.
For most people, tuna salad means bland and boring, albeit tasty and handy in a sandwich.
However, there’s no law that says you can’t liven up your tuna salad recipe a bit, is there?
This recipe has garlic powder and dill, along with some lemon juice to give it a tangy taste. Add a little black pepper for seasoning.
Here’s an idea: consider adding some black olives, corn, and halved cherry tomatoes to this salad to make it even more bountiful.
Source: Theseamanmom.com
18. Cottage Cheese Parfaits
With a little Greek yogurt and non-fat cottage cheese, you can create a dessert that’s fit for a queen.
These gorgeous little parfaits make use of a little bit of natural vanilla extract and lemon juice, along with hearty whole wheat cereal and fresh berries.
Feel free to get as creative as your heart desires when you’re making these.
Throw in some different types of berries when they’re in season, and even chop up a kiwi to make them even more filling and interesting.
Source: Showmetheyummy.com
19. Stuffed Shells
Are you looking for interesting vegetarian meal ideas? If so, check out these tasty stuffed shells.
Stuffed shells are a quick and easy weeknight meal idea, and the cottage cheese serves up tons of wonderful protein.
To make your evening even easier, you can assemble this dish the night before and put it in the fridge.
Then, when you get home the next day, pop it in the oven. You can even freeze the assembled meal for up to a month.
With three types of cheese, this dish is creamy and ready to please.
Source: Budgetbytes.com
20. Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
There are lots of recipes and ideas for cottage cheese breakfast bowls online, but we love this recipe that offers six different ways to enjoy your high-protein breakfast.
These options give you a nutritious low-carb breakfast that can be whipped up in about the same amount of time it would take you to pour a bowl of cereal and milk.
Another great benefit of these bowls is that you can use up stuff you have in your fridge or pantry.
And hey, these breakfast bowls can work for lunch or brunch, too.
Source: Mymontanakitchen.com
21. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
If you think ice cream is out of your life because you’re living a healthier lifestyle, you’re in for a treat (and a surprise!).
You can make a yummy iced treat with just blended cottage cheese and fresh fruit. However, you can also make this delicious chocolate “ice cream” that is low-carb and sugar-free.
As it is, the recipe calls for half and half, along with heavy whipping cream, but you can use a fat-free half and half to reduce calories.
The vegetable glycerin is optional, but it helps make it easier to scoop.
Source: Skinnytaste.com
22. Protein Waffles
Waffles don’t have to be breakfast candy.
You can serve waffles with fruit and a tiny bit of honey if you want to opt out of the delicious but high-sugar syrups.
But these waffles aren’t just delicious. They’re also super high in protein thanks to this healthy cottage cheese recipe.
In fact, when you add up the protein, a serving of these yummy waffles gives you up to 20 grams of protein.
These waffles also make use of oats, so they’ve got lots of carbs, but they’re good carbs.
Source: Abountifulkitchen.com
23. Savory Cottage Cheese Bowls
Something that makes several of these cottage cheese recipes so awesome is that they’re quick and easy to make.
There’s just something so comforting about a bowl. You could take this same meal and put it on a plate and it just has a whole different attitude, doesn’t it?
To make this bowl, we’re going to suggest you add a couple of ingredients to it to send it over the top.
Prepare the recipe as written, but add some chopped colorful bell pepper and diced pistachios. Yum.
Source: Daisybrand.com
24. Chocolate Mousse
For some people, chocolate is what satisfies them. For chocoholics, this delicious creamy chocolate moose is a true lifesaver.
This decadent dessert has only three ingredients: cottage cheese, semisweet chocolate, and water.
How easy is that?
This recipe does require a tiny bit of cooking, just to melt the chocolate. Then, you puree your cottage cheese in a food processor until it’s creamy and smooth.
That’s when the magic happens because you slowly pour your melted chocolate into the blending cottage cheese.
Source: Punchfork.com
25. Cottage Cheese Salad with Za’atar
Za’atar is a special Middle Eastern artisan spice blend that includes thyme, roasted sesame seeds, oregano, sumac, and marjoram.
Made popular in Lebanon, Za’atar sits on many Middle Eastern tables right alongside salt and pepper. It’s that popular.
And for good reason. You can use Za’atar on both sweet and savory dishes, and it’s especially delicious with vegetables.
This elegant salad has fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, sliced olives, and sliced green onions.
When combined with a little olive oil and Za’atar, it’s an otherworldly creation.
Source: Pinchandswirl.com
26. Cottage Cheese Lasagna
If there’s one cottage cheese recipe most of us have enjoyed, it’s lasagna.
A lot of cooks use ricotta cheese in lasagna. However, back in the day, it wasn’t always easy to find ricotta cheese, especially in smaller towns with limited market options.
Because of this, cottage cheese turned out to be an excellent replacement. Who could tell the difference?
Cottage cheese has less fat and calories than ricotta cheese, but it’s no less creamy and delicious in lasagna.
Lasagna has tons of ingredients, and it takes a while to make it, but it’s well worth the effort and time.
Source: Foodiecrush
27. Cottage Cheese Sandwich
One of the things people love about summertime is garden-fresh red tomatoes and cucumbers.
Few things are as satisfying as a delicious pimento cheese and tomato sandwich with a side of sliced cucumbers.
What if we told you that you could have all of the goodness of that sandwich with none of the fat that comes from pimento cheese?
That’s right, you can serve cottage cheese on a sandwich just as you would pimento cheese.
And no need to put the cucumbers on the side. Layer them right onto the sandwich and pile on some sliced avocado for good measure.
Source: Closetcooking.com
28. Savory Cottage Cheese Muffins
If you want a muffin that feels like a three-course meal, you’re going to fall in love with these savory muffins that have eggs, cheddar cheese, and ham.
Do you have some leftover ham in the fridge or freezer? Maybe you had more than enough after Thanksgiving and need a good use for it.
These muffins are perfect for using up those leftovers.
If you’re living a gluten-free lifestyle, you can even use gluten-free flour to make these little golden wonders. Also, you can toss in some veggies and use different types of cheese or meat.
Source: Foodiecrush.com
29. Avocado Toast with Cottage Cheese and Tomatoes
If you’re one of the many who turn to avocado toast when you need a quick meal or snack, you’re going to swoon over this tasty snack.
When you pair cottage cheese with tomatoes and avocado, piling all of this onto a piece of whole wheat bread makes it a fully balanced meal.
We love the idea of using fresh basil leaves to make this basically a Caprese salad on toast.
As if this isn’t enough nutrition in itself, the flaxseed oil takes this quick meal idea to a whole new level.
Source: Theschmidtywife.com
30. Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
Do you want to make the fluffiest scrambled eggs you’ve ever eaten? Then cottage cheese is your friend.
This is another great way to get some extra protein onto your table, and scrambled eggs are great not just for breakfast.
Consider serving scrambled egg for brunch or even dinner on a busy evening.
The secret to making perfect scrambled eggs is to add the right amount of moisture as you’re beating your eggs.
You can even use non-fat creamy cottage cheese, but if you use a higher fat version, your eggs will be even creamier.
Source: Tasty.co
31. High-Protein Gingerbread Pancakes
Who says gingerbread is just for the holidays? Also, who says pancakes are too decadent to be considered healthy?
With these high-protein gingerbread cottage cheese pancakes, you can feed your family a special treat without all of the guilt.
Now, to be clear, these pancakes can be as sweet as you want them to be.
Once you drizzle them with maple syrup and top them with whipped cream, you still have a sweet treat if that’s what you’re going for.
However, with eggs, cottage cheese, and chia seeds, you’ve got a super high-protein breakfast when you make these recipes using cottage cheese.
30+ Cottage Cheese Recipes (+Whipped Cottage Cheese Dip)
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 diced garlic clove
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- 1 Tbsp. chopped dill
- 1/2 tsp. oregano
- 3 Tbsp. low-fat milk
- 2 Tbsp. chopped green onions
- Black pepper and sea salt to taste
Instructions
- Chop the garlic.
- Add all of the ingredients to a food processor and blend until smooth.
Notes
Organize all the required ingredients.
Enjoy the food.
Nutrition
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