If you’ve turned your back on cottage cheese in the past, it’s time to reconsider and give it another try! Thanks to TikTok, this versatile, nutritious, and surprisingly delicious ingredient is trending across social media as the latest protein-rich food. Its creamy texture and mild flavor make it an ideal addition to a wide range of dishes, from breakfast to dinner, and even desserts. And in addition to its high-quality protein, cottage cheese is low in carbohydrates and rich in essential nutrients. It makes a delicious high-protein ice cream alternative (trust us!) and even tastes delicious as the base for cookie dough. Not convinced? Don’t just take our word for it — try it yourself!
Ahead are nine healthy cottage cheese recipes that will satisfy both your sweet and savory tooth. From low-sugar pancakes and ice cream to savory toast and creamy dips, here’s how to enjoy this trending superfood.
The Benefits of Cottage Cheese
Nutritional Benefits:
Low-fat organic cottage cheese contains the following nutritional benefits per a ½ cup (4 oz.) serving:
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 2.5 grams
- Total Carbohydrates: 3 grams
- Protein: 14 grams
- Calcium: 160 mg
- Potassium: 189 mg
Health Benefits:
Low in carbs and fat and rich in protein, cottage cheese may help to:
- Aid weight loss, as a low-calorie, protein-rich food
- Increase satiety and feelings of fullness
- Support energy production due to its B vitamin content
- Help build lean muscle mass
- Support gut health and aid digestion due to its probiotics
- Support bone health and protect against osteoporosis
How to Enjoy Cottage Cheese
- Enjoy it with fruit (such as berries, pineapple, banana, or peaches), cinnamon, and an optional drizzle of honey
- Stir it into your favorite pancake or baked goods recipe in place of milk
- Add it to pasta dishes (such as lasagna) in place of ricotta cheese
- Use it as a substitute for mozzarella cheese in your scrambled eggs or omelet
- Add it to fruit smoothies for a protein-packed addition
- Enjoy it plain with a side of nuts or seeds for a protein-rich snack
- Stir it into dips or spreads like guacamole, pesto, or salsa
- Blend it into a healthy ice cream
- Serve it on toast or sweet potato toast with avocado and greens or honey and cinnamon
- Use it as a healthy swap for mayo, cream cheese, or sour cream
9 Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes That Are Surprisingly Delicious
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Taking the internet by storm, this viral cottage cheese healthy ice cream is a must-have! All you need are three simple ingredients for the base recipe. Then, modify with your favorite mix-ins for endless flavor variations!
Serves: 2-3
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- ¼ cup maple syrup, raw honey, or sweetener of your choice
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
Optional add-ins:
- Berry cheesecake: 1 cup berries + ¼ cup graham crackers
- Protein-packed berries & cream: 1 scoop protein powder of choice + ⅓ cup berries
- Chocolate chip cookie dough: 2 tbsp nut butter + 2-3 tbsp chocolate chips
- Double Chocolate: 1-2 tbsp cocoa or cacao powder + 2 tbsp chocolate chips
Directions:
Step #1: Add cottage cheese, sweetener of choice, and vanilla extract to a food processor or high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Option to add any additional add-ins of choice.
Step #2: Add the mixture back to the empty cottage cheese container. Freeze for 3-4 hours, or until hard. Once frozen, remove from the freezer. Thaw for a few minutes, until scoopable. Option to stir in any additional toppings.
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Raw Cookie Dough
Packed with protein and made with nutrient-rich ingredients, this easy-prep raw cookie dough will satisfy all your sweet cravings without the guilt!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¾ cup almond flour
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or sweetener of choice
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- ⅓ cup protein powder, vanilla or flavor of choice
- ⅓ cup chocolate chips
Directions:
Step #1: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, vanilla, and sweetener. Blend until smooth and creamy.
Step #2: Transfer mixture to a bowl, then stir in remaining ingredients, aside from chocolate chips. Once a dough mixture is achieved, taste test and adjust ingredients as desired. Fold in chocolate chips and stir to combine. Enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Dip
Similar to the above cookie dough recipe, but made with a thinner, creamier consistency to serve as a spread or dip! Enjoy this dessert-like dip with fruit, crackers, or plain by the spoonful!
Ingredients:
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- ½ tbsp coconut flour
- 1-2 tsp maple syrup or raw honey
- 1-2 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ -1 tbsp drippy peanut, cashew, or almond butter, optional
Directions:
Step #1: In a medium mixing bowl, combine all the above ingredients. Stir until smooth and creamy. Add any additional ingredients of choice, such as fresh berries, cacao powder, crushed graham crackers, or chocolate chips.
Whipped Cottage Cheese Pudding Cups
Made with 3 simple ingredients, this high-protein dessert recipe will be a family favorite. Customize as desired with your favorite healthy add-ins, like berries, granola, or cacao nibs!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2-3 tsp raw honey or maple syrup
Directions:
Step #1: Combine all ingredients in a high-speed blender or food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test, adjusting any ingredients as desired.
Step #2: Transfer to a bowl, then cover and chill in the fridge until cool and firm. Divide into two servings, then serve with toppings or add-ins of choice!
Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
Turn pancakes into a healthy protein-packed meal, no protein powder required! Made with simple, wholesome ingredients such as oats, eggs, banana, and cottage cheese. Serve with Greek yogurt, berries, and an optional maple syrup drizzle!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 2-3 tbsp unsweetened almond milk, as needed to blend
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
- Oil spray, as needed to coat pan
Directions:
Step #1: In a high-speed blender or food processor, pulse the oats into a fine powder. Add the remaining banana, cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, cinnamon, baking powder, and 2 tbsp of almond milk. Blend until smooth and creamy, adding 1-2 additional tablespoons of almond milk as needed to blend. The batter should be thick but thin enough to pour (a typical pancake batter consistency).
Step #2: Coat a frying pan with oil and heat on medium. Add ¼ cup batter at a time onto the pan, and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through. Repeat with the remaining batter.
Step #3: Serve warm with optional toppings of choice, such as fresh berries, Greek yogurt, or maple syrup.
Fluffy Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs
2-ingredient fluffy scrambled eggs that are packed with protein and can be whipped up in minutes. Serve with mashed avocado, toast of choice, or any additional toppings!
Ingredients:
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp cooking oil or oil spray, to coat
Directions:
Step #1: In a small mixing bowl, scramble eggs. Then, stir in cottage cheese and any seasoning of choice.
Step #2: Coat a frying pan with oil and heat on medium heat. Next, add scrambled eggs to the heated pan. Continuously stir until cooked through and fluffy. Serve with toppings of choice!
RELATED: Here’s Why You Shouldn’t Avoid The Egg Yolk
Creamy Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip
A high-protein alternative to hummus, guac, ranch, or your favorite dips! Serve with crackers, and raw veggies, or use as a creamy topping on salads, grilled protein, or roasted veggies.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- Handful fresh chopped dill, optional
- Sea salt and black pepper, to taste
Directions:
Step #1: In a food processor or high-speed blender, combine all ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy. Taste test, adjusting ingredients as needed.
Step #2: Once desired taste and consistency are achieved, transfer to a serving bowl. Chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes before serving. Serve chilled, and enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Cake Batter Cookies
Grab a box of your favorite healthy cake batter mix (like Simple Mills) and make these 3-ingredient high-protein cake batter cookies!
Ingredients:
- 1 box vanilla cake mix of choice (such as Simple Mills)
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
Directions:
Step #1: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Step #2: In a large mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients. Mix until a smooth dough-like mixture is achieved. Chill in the fridge for 30-60 minutes.
Step #3: Once the dough is chilled and firm, scoop into cookie-size balls and place evenly on lined baking sheet. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the edges are golden and the middle is cooked. Remove from oven and let cool for 1-2 minutes before transferring to cooling rack. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!
Blended Cottage Cheese & Overnight Oats
Whipped cottage cheese + overnight oats blended into one delicious high-protein recipe! Double or triple this recipe as desired for an easy-prep make-ahead meal.
Serves: 2
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup rolled oats
- ½ cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 2 tbsp nut butter of choice, such as almond or cashew butter
- 2 tbsp raw honey or maple syrup, or to taste
- ½ tbsp vanilla extract
Directions:
Step #1: In a high-speed blender or food processor, combine all the above ingredients. Blend until smooth and creamy, then evenly divide among two mason jars. Add in any additional toppings or flavor add-ins, such as berries, cacao nibs, or chopped nuts.
Step #2: Cover and refrigerate overnight. Remove from fridge when ready to enjoy, and top with any toppings such as yogurt, nut butter, or fresh fruit.
Cottage Cheese is Making a (Delicious) Comeback!
If you’ve shied away from cottage cheese, it’s time to welcome this protein-packed ingredient onto your plate! Not only is cottage cheese nutritious, but thanks to its mild, versatile taste and texture, it’s easy to customize and can be enjoyed both sweet and savory. From cottage cheese ice cream and cookies to protein-packed pancakes and creamy vegetable dips, the possibilities are endless. Plus, you can even prep recipes like cottage cheese overnight oats in advance, making it perfect for busy days. So, if you’re looking to add more protein to your plate in a simple and delicious way, give these delicious recipes a try!
