25 Cottage Cheese Recipes (Sweet + Savory)
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These sweet and savory cottage cheese recipes will make you see this humble protein-packed ingredient in a whole new light! From hearty lasagnas to pancakes, smoothies, and pies, you’re going to find inspiring recipes that will change the way you use cottage cheese forever.
Love this? Check these 15 Best Cottage Cheese Snacks next!
My adventures with cottage cheese started innocently enough, with little dollops on crisp crackers, a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil, and a sprinkle of dried oregano.
And that combination of creaminess and curds had me hooked.
Although some people think of it as a boring ingredient, cottage cheese really has no limits in the kitchen. It’s packed with protein and is incredibly versatile, thanks to its bland flavor profile that works well with pretty much everything!
So, to inspire you to use this ingredient more often, I’ve put together an incredible list of cottage cheese recipes.
From quick and easy dinners to light lunches and sweet snacks, these nutritious dishes are irresistible and healthy.
What Kind of Cottage Cheese Can You Buy?
- Full-Fat: We’re talking rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious. Great for when you want a fuller flavor and texture.
- Low-Fat: Less fat, but still packed with tons of protein!
- Lactose-Free: For those with tummy troubles around lactose.
- Organic: With no added nasties, like hormones or antibiotics. It’s my go-to option.
Cottage Cheese Nutrition
- Protein-Packed: It’s an excellent source of protein (11-15 grams per 100 grams of cheese – depending on the brand).
- Low in Calories: Yup, you heard right. Low-cal but still satisfying!
- Rich in Micronutrients: It’s filled with calcium, phosphorus, and a bit of Vitamin B-12.
- Good Fats: Opt for the full-fat versions for some Omega-3s.
Sodium Alert: Cottage cheese can be high in salt, so look for brands that offer low-sodium
25 Best Cottage Cheese Recipes That Will Blow Your Mind
Cottage Cheese Toast
Yes, cottage cheese toast is an incredibly easy recipe that can save the day.
Whether you eat it for breakfast, a quick cold lunch, or a light no-cook dinner, there are plenty of toppings to choose from.
I’m a huge fan of crunchy slices of toast topped with salmon, avocado, or a quick, healthy tuna salad.
If you’d rather sweeten the deal for breakfast, berries, lemon, cinnamon, and chocolate chips are all fabulous toppings too!
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
This high-calorie smoothie is low in fat, loaded with protein, and will brighten up your morning breakfast.
The cottage cheese is the creamy star of the show that gives this shake a dessert-like flavor.
But the dash of almond butter, ripe bananas, frozen strawberries, and sweet Medjool dates are here for that demanding sweet tooth!
Cottage Cheese with Fruit
This cottage cheese recipe is a dream when you want a high-protein breakfast that's ready in minutes.
Just chop the fruit, drizzle with honey or maple syrup, and dunk in your spoon for a satisfying meal that’ll fill you for hours.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
These protein-packed cottage cheese pancakes are moist, fluffy, and slightly tangy.
They have a rich and creamy texture thanks to the cottage cheese, and the dash of cinnamon adds a touch of spice.
Drizzle maple syrup for sweetness, and add a handful of berries for fiber to create the ultimate cottage cheese breakfast!
Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
The first time I tried this cottage cheese lasagna, I was blown away by just how decadent it was.
The uber-savory meat sauce pairs with creamy cottage cheese and pecorino to create a base that rivals any bechamel.
And those layers of al dente pasta and tangy tomato sauce? They’re to die for!
Whipped Cottage Cheese
Switch out that plateful of hummus and replace it with light and fluffy whipped cottage cheese!
This protein-rich dip is salty enough to jazz up crudites, but you can easily top it with fruit and honey for dessert.
It's one of the best cottage cheese recipes for lazy lunches and last-minute snack attacks!
Cottage Cheese Fritters
I genuinely can’t get enough of these cottage cheese fritters as they’re oh-so-crunchy.
The fritters are tart and creamy, but it’s the protein content that makes them a must-try (around 21g per serving!).
Serve them with fresh pomegranate salsa and a spoonful of nutty lentils for an earthy kick!
Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese
If you want to relive a recent trip to the Big Apple, these glorious protein bagels are the way to go.
There’s no straining involved - you just need to give the dough time to rise for the perfect chewy result!
I love spreading them with a cream cheese and chive mix, but yeast extract or plain ol’ butter are just as tasty.
Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
These overnight oats are my go-to breakfast when I’m faced with a manic week and need meal prep.
They’re loaded with protein to kickstart the day, and you can switch the berries for nuts or chocolate.
For even more protein power, throw in a scoop of vanilla protein powder for a post-gym refuel!
Cottage Cheese Pasta
When I’m craving cheesy pasta but want to keep it healthy, I’ll lean on cottage cheese!
The mixture of parmesan and cottage cheese in this recipe keeps things rich and tangy, while the basil adds zingy freshness.
A generous serving of marinara sauce is all you need for a dish that’s loaded with plenty of flavor.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich
Fancy a change from a Caprese or avocado sandwich for lunch during the summertime?
This low-mayo alternative to a classic chicken salad sandwich can be just what you’ve been looking for.
Oh, and FYI - grapes, celery, almonds, and dried cranberries add plenty of crunch and juiciness to the mix!
Cottage Cheese Bread
Switch out a slice of fruit-filled banana bread with this soft, moist, and surprisingly crunchy cottage cheese bread!
It takes just 10 minutes of prep time (perfect for busy weeks!) and is made with pantry staples.
Plus, it’s sweet enough to satisfy those sugar cravings without being loaded with calories!
Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Muffins
These delicious muffins are packed with protein and fiber for a glorious grab-and-go breakfast.
I love the melted chocolate center, and a spoonful of peanut butter on top adds plenty of healthy fat.
And everything’s whipped up in a blender for minimal clean-up and hassle-free prep.
So easy!
Healthy Cheesecake with Cottage Cheese
Move over calorie-laden New York Cheesecake.
This high-protein cottage cheese contender is here to steal your dessert crown!
Using cottage cheese and Greek yogurt easily replicates the creaminess of typical cheesecakes.
And the buttery crust and tart blackcurrant jam are the perfect finishing touches!
Cottage Cheese Cookies
Next time you hear the call of the cookie jar, try these 80-calorie marvels!
The cottage cheese and oat flour make these bite-sized cookies incredibly high in protein and fiber.
And you use just enough almond extract and chocolate chips to get the classic cookie flavor without added sugar!
Cottage Cheese Frittata
I’m a huge fan of egg muffins and omelets.
But this veggie-filled frittata takes the cake with its amazing creamy texture.
The garlic creates a delicious savory base, and low-fat cottage cheese dials up the protein with a signature tang.
Plus, you can’t beat the herby flavor from the basil and the dose of vitamins and iron from the spinach!
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese is a total lifesaver when only comfort food will do (but you want a healthier version).
And this cottage cheese recipe is loaded with 24 grams of protein to keep you satisfied.
All you need is a sprinkle of orange cheddar, a touch of butter, and spices to dial the flavor factor up to 11.
Cottage Cheese Waffles
When I first tried these flourless waffles, I was skeptical.
But they taste just as good as regular waffles and are loaded with protein!
The cottage cheese makes them slightly tangy. So, you can pair them with crème fraiche or smoked salmon for a savory bite.
That’s right, it’s the perfect upscale brunch at home!
Protein Cookie Dough
This is one of my all-time favorite cottage cheese recipes, as it tastes sinful, but it’s surprisingly healthy.
It combines cottage cheese with maple syrup, almond butter, almond flour, and chocolate chips.
The result is a sweet, creamy, and slightly gritty cookie dough substitute that tastes as good as the real deal!
Crepe Rolls with Cottage Cheese
Recreate the glorious crepes of Paris with zingy cottage cheese, sweet maple syrup, and fresh berries!
The cottage cheese filling oozes out of the golden-brown crepe, and the sweetness from the maple syrup gives them a soft and light texture.
They’ll last up to 4 days in the fridge, or you can even freeze them for up to 3 months, making them perfect for breakfast meal prep.
Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
This is one of the cottage cheese recipes that promises to spice up game nights and garden parties!
The Greek yogurt and cottage cheese replace high-calorie ranch in this dip, and the hot sauce offers a spicy kick.
And honestly, I can’t get enough of the tender chicken that gives the entire recipe a huge protein boost!
Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
This savory breakfast bowl will go down in history as one of the easiest and most balanced cottage cheese recipes ever.
The soft poached eggs pair beautifully with the creamy cheese and savory salmon.
And the cubed cucumbers and bright spring onions give it a subtle crunch that’s just perfect.
Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese
Sometimes, I just want to whip up a quick, reliable, and uber-tasty recipe.
And this is it.
These scrambled eggs are dialed up with creamy cottage cheese and fresh parsley (plus, they’re ready in minutes!).
Serve them with a slice of whole wheat toast, berries, or veggies to keep energy levels balanced until lunchtime.
Baked Ravioli Casserole
“Holy Ravioli!” is the first thing that came to mind when I first tried these al-dente parcels of joy.
The marinara adds tons of flavor to the parmesan and cottage cheese casserole layers.
Plus, you can’t beat that iconic cheese pull from the melty mozzarella!
Trust me, this is one of the cottage cheese recipes that you’ll instantly be adding to your weekly rotation.
Frozen Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Pie
I’m not kidding when I say that cottage cheese desserts are my new obsession.
This peanut butter pie is so rich and perfectly balances salty and sweet flavors to satisfy every taste bud.
The crushed pretzel base is uber-crunchy, and I adore the texture hit from the itty-bitty chocolate chips.
Oh, and it’s all no-bake, which makes it a dream to prepare ahead for parties!
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25 Best Cottage Cheese Recipes!
Ingredients
- Cottage Cheese Toast
- Cottage Cheese Smoothie
- Cottage Cheese with Fruit
- Cottage Cheese Pancakes
- Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
- Whipped Cottage Cheese
- Cottage Cheese Fritters
- Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese
- Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
- Cottage Cheese Pasta
- Cottage Cheese Chicken Salad Sandwich
- Cottage Cheese Bread
- Cottage Cheese Chocolate Chip Muffins
- Healthy Cheesecake with Cottage Cheese
- Cottage Cheese Cookies
- Cottage Cheese Frittata
- Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese
- Cottage Cheese Waffles
- Protein Cookie Dough
- Crepe Rolls with Cottage Cheese
- Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip
- Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
- Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese
- Baked Ravioli Casserole
- Frozen Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese Pie
Instructions
- Select your favorite recipe from the list above.
- Pick all the ingredients you’ll need.
- Prep your favorite cottage cheese recipe in no time!