Cottage cheese recipes: pancakes, flatbread, smoothies and more
Easy high-protein cottage cheese recipes: pancakes, flatbread, smoothies, dips, bowls and ice cream, with quantities and tips.
The short answer
A half cup of low-fat cottage cheese has about 12 to 14 grams of protein. Blend it for pancakes, smoothies, flatbread, dips and ice cream, or eat it in a bowl with fruit or vegetables.
- Check labels, because protein and sodium vary by brand.
Cottage cheese is a cheap, high-protein ingredient that works in sweet and savory recipes: pancakes, scrambled eggs, flatbread, bowls, dips, toast and smoothies. A half cup of low-fat cottage cheese has about 12 to 14 grams of protein, which makes it one of the easiest ways to raise the protein in a meal.
Cottage cheese breakfast ideas
- Bowl: cottage cheese with berries, a drizzle of honey, chopped nuts and cinnamon.
- Savory bowl: cottage cheese with cucumber, cherry tomatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper.
- Toast: on whole-grain toast with avocado, or with sliced peaches and mint.
- Scrambled eggs: stir two tablespoons into the eggs near the end for creamier, higher-protein eggs.
Cottage cheese pancakes
Makes about 8 small pancakes.
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Blend everything until smooth, rest for five minutes, then cook small rounds in a lightly oiled non-stick pan over medium heat for two to three minutes a side. Serve with berries and yogurt. For more protein breakfasts, see high-protein breakfast ideas and protein pancakes.
Cottage cheese smoothie
Blend 1/2 cup cottage cheese, 1 cup frozen berries, 1/2 banana, 1/2 cup milk and a few ice cubes until very smooth. The cottage cheese gives creaminess and about 12 to 14 grams of protein, and you barely taste it. For more, see protein smoothie recipes.
Cottage cheese flatbread
Blend 1 cup cottage cheese with 2 eggs, then stir in 1/2 teaspoon salt and a handful of herbs. Spread thinly on parchment and bake at 200 C (400 F) for about 15 to 20 minutes, until golden. Use as a wrap or pizza base.
Cottage cheese dip
Blend 1 cup cottage cheese with a squeeze of lemon, a small garlic clove, olive oil, salt and fresh herbs until smooth. Serve with vegetables or toasted pita.
Cottage cheese ice cream
Blend 1 cup cottage cheese with 1 to 2 tablespoons honey, a little vanilla and 1/2 cup berries. Freeze in a shallow container for two to three hours, and stir halfway through.
Tips
- Blend for creaminess. If you do not like the curds, blend them smooth.
- Choose low sodium if you are watching salt, because some brands are high.
- Check the label. Protein varies by brand and fat level.
- Store it in the fridge and use within the date on the container.
Cottage cheese is also on the shopping list in The Steady-Sugar Smoothie Edit, which has thirty recipes with the protein and fiber worked out, freezer packs and a two-week log. If you are eating less because of a GLP-1 medicine, see what to eat on a GLP-1.
Read next: Smoothie Bowl Recipes: Thick and High Protein · Breakfast Smoothie Recipes That Keep You Full · Gua Sha: Benefits, How to Use It and the Evidence
Questions people ask about this
What can I make with cottage cheese?
Pancakes, scrambled eggs, flatbread, smoothies, dips, bowls with fruit or vegetables, toast toppings and ice cream. Blending it makes it creamy.
Is cottage cheese high in protein?
Yes. A half cup of low-fat cottage cheese has about 12 to 14 grams of protein, though it varies by brand.
Can you put cottage cheese in a smoothie?
Yes. Blend about half a cup with fruit and milk for a creamy smoothie with extra protein. You barely taste it.
Is cottage cheese good for breakfast?
Yes. It is filling and easy to pair with fruit, nuts or vegetables, and it adds protein to pancakes and eggs.
