Cottage Cheese Recipes
136 high-protein recipes featuring cottage cheese
136 recipes found
Cottage Cheese: The Underrated Protein Powerhouse
Cottage Cheese Renaissance in Modern Cooking
Cottage cheese is experiencing a well-deserved revival among fitness-focused cooks. With 24-28 grams of protein per cup and a mild flavor that blends seamlessly into recipes, it's one of the most efficient protein sources available. Once relegated to diet plates of the 1980s, cottage cheese has been rediscovered as a versatile ingredient that can be transformed into everything from ice cream to alfredo sauce. Its high casein content provides slow-digesting protein, making it particularly valuable for overnight recipes and evening snacks.
The key to loving cottage cheese in recipes is understanding how to use it. Blended smooth, it becomes virtually undetectable while adding creaminess and protein to smoothies, dips, and baked goods. The curds can be embraced for texture in dishes like scrambled eggs, grain bowls, and toast toppings. Small curd varieties blend more smoothly; large curd works better when you want distinct texture. Low-fat versions work well in most recipes, though full-fat provides richer flavor in certain applications.
Cottage Cheese in Breakfast and Desserts
Cottage cheese pancakes represent perhaps the most popular application, producing fluffy, protein-rich cakes with minimal ingredients. Blended with eggs and oats (or just eggs for lower carb), cottage cheese creates a batter that yields surprisingly normal-tasting pancakes with 25+ grams of protein per serving. The same base works for waffles, crepes, and even protein muffins.
Blended cottage cheese transforms into "nice cream"—frozen desserts with ice cream's texture and fraction of the calories. Combined with frozen fruit and sweetener, it churns into soft-serve consistency straight from the food processor. Cottage cheese cheesecake, whether baked or no-bake, delivers the classic creamy tang with dramatically improved nutrition. For simple snacking, cottage cheese bowls topped with fruit, nuts, honey, or even savory additions like everything bagel seasoning provide satisfying, protein-packed options.
Savory Cottage Cheese Creations
Cottage cheese alfredo sauce has converted countless skeptics. Blended until smooth with garlic, parmesan, and pasta water, it creates a creamy sauce with 15+ grams of protein per serving instead of the butter-and-cream original's minimal protein content. The technique works for any creamy sauce—blend cottage cheese as your base, then season appropriately for the dish.
Scrambled eggs gain extra protein and creamier texture from cottage cheese stirred in during cooking. Dips and spreads benefit from cottage cheese's protein boost while maintaining crowd-pleasing creaminess. Lasagna and stuffed shells traditionally use ricotta, but cottage cheese—blended or with curds intact—provides more protein with similar flavor and texture. Even pizza gets the cottage cheese treatment, with blended cottage cheese creating high-protein "cheese" sauces for topping.