14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

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These 14 healthy cottage cheese recipes are easy to make that are high in protein and are super good for you.

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (1)

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (2)

Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese is an underrated ingredient. Most people don’t realize how delicious it is or how many ways you can use it in recipes. You can eat it plain, make cottage cheese eggs, cottage cheese dip for veggies and pita wedges, or serve it with sweet or savory toppings. Whipped cottage cheese can replace cream cheese or ricotta on cottage cheese toast. Or add some to your avocado toast for a high protein breakfast. Or you can use it as an ingredient to make sweet breakfasts or savory lunches. The opportunities are endless!And best of all, it’s an incredibly healthy ingredient.

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and these simple recipes are sure to keep you satisfied. Here are 14 of my favorite healthy cottage cheese recipes to get you started. Each recipe is packed with flavor and good-for-you nutrients.

What is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a scrumptious and super affordable dairy product. It’s technically a type of fresh cheese, with a creamy texture more similar to yogurt or sour cream. The process of making cottage cheese is simple. Like with most cheeses, acid is added to milk. This separates the milk solids, which are called curds, from the liquids, which are called whey. The curds are then cut into small pieces, rinsed, and lightly salted. This results in a moist, slightly lumpy texture that’s fairly similar to tapioca.

What Does it Taste Like?

Cottage cheese tastes a lot like cream, but it has a hint of sourness and saltiness. It’s really rich and tastes a lot like a mild cheese. If you’re a fan of other dairy products, the odds are good that you’ll be a fan of cottage cheese, too.

Is it Good For You?

It’s more than just good for you … it’s great for you. One of the main reasons that I eat so much cottage cheese is because it’s chock full of important nutrients and minerals, including calcium and B vitamins. Plus, it also is full of protein. And best of all? Cottage cheese is really low in calories. Would you believe me if I said that one cup of low-fat cottage cheese has a whopping 26 grams of protein with only 91 calories? Because it does!

Is Cottage Cheese Healthier than Yogurt?

I love cottage cheese and yogurt because they’re both so good for you. You can’t go wrong with either of these ingredients. The health benefits are pretty similar, but cottage cheese more protein than Greek yogurt.

Is Cottage Cheese Healthier than Regular Cheese?

Is certainly is. Cottage cheese is significantly healthier than regular cheese because it has so much less fat. In fact, full-fat cottage cheese only contains about 4% fat, compared to 30% for cheddar cheese. That’s not a fair fight!

Is Cottage Cheese Good for Weight Loss?

It’s great for weight loss. When friends tell me they’re trying to lose weight, I always suggest that they try eating cottage cheese. One of the best things you can do for weight loss is to eat a diet that’s high in protein while being low in calories. Cottage cheese is perfect for that goal.

Quick Healthy Snack Ideas

  • Whipped Cottage Cheese + Peanut Butter Powder + Apple Slices
  • Cottage Cheese + Fresh Fruit + Granola
  • Cottage Cheese + Diced Pears + Maple Syrup + Pecans

14 More Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Make

Some of these recipes are sweet, some of them are savory, and they’re all delicious!

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (3)

Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese

These easy, delicious, high-protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups are vegetarian and perfect weeknight dinners.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (4)

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl

Most people think of topping cottage cheese with fruit. But it’s excellent when mixed with vegetables and other savory ingredients. This dish is filled with cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green onions. A sprinkle of pistachios adds crunch and takes this recipe to the next level.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (5)

High Protein Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese

Scrambled eggs are already a healthy breakfast. But they become a lot more healthy when you mix them with cottage cheese. Adding cottage cheese gives your scrambled eggs an extra hit of protein, while also making them creamier and more flavorful.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (6)

Burst Tomato Cottage Cheese Caprese Bowl

A caprese salad is one of my favorite lunches. But this recipe makes caprese salad a lot healthier, by replacing the mozzarella cheese with cottage cheese. The tomatoes are cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a rich, sweet flavor. The flavors are dynamic!

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (7)

Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

Whip up a batch of these quick and easy High Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese for breakfast or lunch in less than 30 minutes – they come out perfect!

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Egg White Muffins with Turkey Bacon, Cottage Cheese, and Veggies

Meal prep these delicious, high-protein Egg White Muffins with turkey bacon, cottage cheese, and veggies for a quick breakfast on the go!

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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip withZa’atar

High Protein Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip with Za'atar is a delicious and healthy snack that's easy to make and perfect for any time of day. A great way to get those veggies in!

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Berry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

This dish is like your favorite parfait, but with cottage cheese! The cottage cheese is placed in a bowl and topped with fresh berries, slivered almonds, and a drizzle of honey. It’s about as simple of a breakfast recipe as you could make. But it’s so healthy and delicious.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (11)

High Protein Oat Waffles

This is one of my favorite waffle recipes, and it has so much flavor and protein. The cottage cheese helps keep these gluten-free waffles tender and moist, while also adding a tart flavor. Top them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a perfect breakfast.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (12)

Pineapple Chia with Cottage Cheese

This chia seed pudding is a great meal to start your day with. Chia seeds are soaked in pineapple juice overnight until they’re soft and sweet. Then they’re topped with cottage cheese and fresh pineapple. It’s refreshing, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.

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Peach Pie Cottage Cheese Bowls

Peaches are one of my favorite foods to eat with cottage cheese. The sweet fruit and the creamy, sour dairy just go so well together. This recipe takes peaches to the next level by cooking them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Some pistachios are added for crunch, with a little bit of honey for extra sweetness. It’s fantastic!

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (14)

Cottage Cheese Egg and Sausage Frittata

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a breakfast with more protein than this one. The base of this frittata is eggs, chicken sausage, and cottage cheese. That’s three ingredients that are super high in protein! Spinach adds a fresh veggie to the dish, while parmesan cheese makes the flavors pop.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (15)

Roasted Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Not everybody is a big fan of the texture of cottage cheese. This is a great recipe if you don’t like the lumps in cottage cheese. It’s blended with roasted strawberries, milk, chia seeds, and ice until smooth. The flavor of the roasted strawberries is so rich and sweet. You’ll love this smoothie!

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High Protein Bread

You probably wouldn’t think to put cottage cheese in bread. But it helps make these gluten-free dinner rolls moist and extra healthy. These 5-ingredient rolls are super easy to make, but they have so much flavor.

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Need More High Protein Recipes?

All of these recipes are high in protein thanks to cottage cheese. If you’re looking for more easy high protein meals, be sure to check out my recipe finder. You can find tons of healthy recipes there.

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

FAQs

Will I lose weight if I eat cottage cheese everyday? ›

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 foods are high in protein like cottage cheese? ›

Lean animal proteins include white-fleshed fish, skinless poultry, and cuts of red meat such as loin and round. Low fat dairy products, like cottage cheese, yogurt, and milk are also good sources of protein. Plant proteins like beans, tofu, and powdered peanut butter offer ample protein too.

What can you add to cottage cheese to make it taste better? ›

A: Peaches and a drizzle of honey! Or try adding some chocolate protein powder, mini chocolate chips, and some bananas. Cottage cheese as a snack is so tasty!

Will eating cottage cheese help you lose weight? ›

A Quick Review. Cottage cheese is a nutritious food that is fairly low in calories yet high in protein, selenium, some B vitamins, and phosphorus. The nutrients in cottage cheese may help support weight loss, muscle growth, and bone health.

Can you lose weight just eating cottage cheese? ›

If you're trying to fit into your favorite little black dress by the weekend, the cottage cheese diet may help you lose a few fast pounds. It's not healthy for the long term, though. If you want to try the diet, do it for the shortest amount of time possible and eat low-sodium varieties of cottage cheese.

What pairs well with cottage cheese? ›

When you combine it with veggies, nuts or fruit, you get a satisfying yet healthy twist to an old favorite.
  • Avocados with Cilantro & Tomatoes. ...
  • Bananas & Pecans. ...
  • Beets & Baby Romaine. ...
  • Blackberries & Walnuts. ...
  • Blueberries & Almonds. ...
  • Figs with Pistachios & Cardamom. ...
  • Granny Smith Apples & Cinnamon. ...
  • Grapefruit with Mint & Honey.
Dec 22, 2014

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 cottage cheese is healthiest? ›

Fat-free, 1% and 2% fat cottage cheese have less saturated fat and fewer calories than the 4% fat variety, which includes cream. Lower fat varieties also generally have slightly more protein.

What's healthier eggs or cottage cheese? ›

In terms of macronutrient ratios, cottage cheese is higher in protein, lower in carbohydrates, and lower in fat per calorie than egg.

What's the best cottage cheese for weight loss? ›

Best: Friendship Dairies 1% Low-Fat Whipped Cottage Cheese

The Friendship brand of cottage cheese is a great bet, according to registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus, specifically the 1%, low-fat whipped version, which contains 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 19 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving.

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

One of the most common ways to eat cottage cheese is by topping it with fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi. Topped with salt and pepper. If you're a cottage cheese purist, a bit of salt and pepper is all you need to add a savory touch. Mixed with honey.

What to mix with cottage cheese before bed? ›

A serving of cottage cheese offers nutrients, calcium, and protein. It's easily digestible and can be eaten on its own or with sliced bananas, blueberries, or other fruits mixed in. These factors make it a go-to snack to be eaten anytime of day and one of the best foods for sleeping.

Why put pepper on cottage cheese? ›

Use of black pepper was effective in controlling the growth of microorganisms in cottage cheese.

How much cottage cheese should you eat to lose weight? ›

If you're on a calorie deficit for weight loss, be sure to track your calorie intake from each 100-gram serving of cottage cheese on top of other foods you eat within the day. For example, a person limiting themselves to 1,500 calories per day may get their 200-300 calories from two to three servings of cottage cheese.

Is cottage cheese good for losing belly fat? ›

When talking of what foods help burn belly fat, cottage cheese is one that has weight loss properties. Cottage cheese is rich in protein which can improve metabolism and prevent weight gain. It is also low in calories while being packed with calcium, vitamins B, selenium, and phosphorus.

How much weight can you lose on cottage cheese diet? ›

If your maintenance calories is 2000 per day and you eat 1500 calories of cottage cheese then you will be in a 500 calorie deficit per day which would result in a loss of 1 pound of fat per week.

Does eating cottage cheese before bed burn belly fat? ›

Eating cottage cheese before bed triggers your metabolism and helps you burn calories even when you are sleeping. However, cottage cheese is high in fat, so you should eat it in moderation.

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