20+ Cottage Cheese Recipes
Updated Nov 13, 2025
Cottage cheese is a versatile, high-protein ingredient ideal for any meal. Here are 20+ of my top trending recipes that are a must-try!
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I know cottage cheese recipes have totally blown up over the past year, but I’ve been using cottage cheese in recipes forever. I love how it adds protein and creaminess without making things heavy, and it works in so many dishes. I use it in breakfast, dessert, and even pasta recipes. So, I decided to put together this list of over 20 cottage cheese recipes, which includes my go-tos: pancakes, smoothies, whipped cottage cheese, baked goods, and a few savory favorites.
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23 of My Best Cottage Cheese Recipes
Below, I’ve broken the cottage cheese recipes into categories: Breakfast, Pasta Dinners, Desserts, and “random” cottage cheese recipes like cottage cheese egg salad and cottage cheese Alfredo.
7 Cottage Cheese Breakfast Recipes
I make more cottage cheese breakfast recipes than any other type on this list. At least twice a week, I make breakfast with something from the selection below. The cottage cheese, scrambled eggs, and the egg white bites are probably my faves.
Cottage Cheese Eggs
This scrambled eggs with cottage cheese recipe has 17g of protein per serving (2 eggs) and is really like making regular scrambled eggs with just an add-in. You really can’t tell that there is cottage cheese in it.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Cottage cheese pancakes are super fluffy and soft. The cottage cheese adds protein and keeps the pancake from drying out! It’s one of my kids’ favorite cottage cheese breakfast recipes.
Cottage Cheese Toast – 4 Ways
These cottage cheese toast recipes pair cucumbers with pesto, tomatoes with za’atar, smoked salmon with dill, and avocado with sesame!
Cottage Cheese Egg White Bites
This cottage cheese breakfast recipe is a play on Starbucks egg white bites with red bell pepper. With spinach, and of course, cottage cheese, for a protein-packed breakfast.
Cottage Cheese Bowl
If you’re looking for ideas for cottage cheese bowls, try these sweet and savory options for an easy, high-protein snack that’s loaded with delicious fresh toppings!
Sweet Potato Toast
Swap cottage cheese toast for cottage cheese sweet potato toast made in your toaster! Top the cottage cheese with smoked salmon and everything bagel seasoning, or fresh fruit!
Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Super creamy cottage cheese smoothie made with whole milk cottage cheese, 2% milk, frozen fruit and honey. Upwards of 14+ grams of protein!
5 Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipes
When it comes to cottage cheese dinner recipes, pasta is really my personal go-to. Pasta is also a great way to sneak cottage cheese into dinner for someone who claims not to be a fan since it gets blended in sauces.
Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta
This high-protein (17g) cottage cheese tomato pasta sauce only requires 6 ingredients, a high-speed blender, and your favorite pasta!
Alfredo Pasta
5-ingredient Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is so creamy and easy to make! It’s great as a vegetarian cottage cheese dinner recipe, or pair it with Pan Seared Chicken Breasts.
Spaghetti Squash Alfredo
This creamy Spaghetti Squash Alfredo is made with light cottage cheese sauce for a tasty twist on a classic dish that’s as easy to love as it is to make!
Mac and Cottage Cheese
This easy stovetop macaroni and cottage cheese uses elbow macaroni noodles, whole milk cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar! With 35g of protein per serving!
Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
You’ve probably tried cottage cheese in everything, but this lasagna with cottage cheese is a must! Swapping ricotta for cottage cheese adds a creamy layer between meat sauce and pasta.
5 Cottage Cheese Desserts & Baked Goods
Okay, I get that the idea of using cottage cheese in dessert recipes seems a little weird, but it works so well! I highly recommend trying the cottage cheese chocolate chip cookies!
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Base recipe for cottage cheese ice cream with only two ingredients, cottage cheese and honey. Add in frozen fruit, nut butters, chocolate or anything else you like.
Cottage Cheesecake Cups
These cottage cheesecake cups are a fun way to serve cheesecake that is lighter and full of protein compared to the traditional version.
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars
These cottage cheese ice cream bars are packed with protein and make a great cottage cheese dessert for kids. If you’re looking for a popsicle treat that’s creamy, fruity and delicious give them a try!
Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough
This edible cottage cheese cookie dough is made with cottage cheese, protein powder, natural sweetener, vanilla extract, and a handful of chocolate chips! It’s one of my fave cottage cheese recipes hands down.
Cottage Cheese Cookies
I love these Cottage Cheese Cookies! Made with almond flour and cottage cheese, they have a soft texture and are a light, nutty, gluten-free protein snack!
More Recipes with Cottage Cheese
Below are a few other recipes that I make with cottage cheese. I recommend trying the cottage cheese egg salad for lunch or making the flatbread for wraps during the week.
Whipped Cottage Cheese
Whipped cottage cheese is soo easy, and has the best flavor with herbs and garlic. It can be used as a spread on toast or as a dip for a crudite platter!
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad
This recipe for cottage cheese egg salad is light and creamy with extra protein from the cottage cheese. It’s a lighter option than mayonnaise and an easy lunch or meal-prep.
Cottage Cheese Flatbread
This viral cottage cheese flatbread is made with full-fat cottage cheese and eggs; that’s all you need. I add spices, which you can skip, it takes 5 minutes to prep. After it’s set, I like to add shredded chicken, spinach, and tomatoes to mine.
Cottage Cheese Bread
Cottage Cheese makes some great bread! All you need for the base of this cottage cheese bread recipe are rolled oats, full-fat cottage cheese, a few eggs, and baking powder. You can add in all types of good stuff along the way!
Cottage Cheese Pizza Recipe
This easy cottage cheese pizza dough is made with cottage cheese, flour, salt & baking powder! It’s soft, chewy, and has 21g of protein per serving. Top with pizza sauce, cheese, and whatever else you’d like!
Cottage Cheese Alfredo
I make cottage cheese Alfredo Sauce for pasta by subbing the cream for cottage cheese. I do keep some butter and Parm cheese for flavor, giving each serving 18g of protein!
20+ Cottage Cheese Recipes
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- ½ cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs, salt and pepper. Stir in the cottage cheese.
- Heat the butter over medium heat in a medium skillet.
- Carefully pour the whisked eggs and cottage cheese mixture into the center of the pan and allow them to cook without stirring.
- When the edges start to set, use a spatula to push the cooked eggs on the outer edges toward the center of the pan. Continue cooking over medium heat, gently pushing the cooked eggs towards the center every few seconds until the eggs are almost cooked through, with a little liquid egg remaining. Total cook time will be about 3-5 minutes.
- Serve with chives, tomatoes and toast if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Tips for Cooking with Cottage Cheese
- Know the difference between low-fat and whole-milk cottage cheese. Fat content is usually labeled as percentages indicating the fat content by weight. The most common options are 2% for low-fat and 4% for whole-milk cottage cheese. Low-fat has a drier curd and less creamy consistency.
- Read the ingredients. Some manufacturers may add gums and other additives to compensate for milk fat, particularly in low-fat and fat-free cottage cheese. It’s a good practice to get in the habit of checking the ingredient label to ensure you’re getting the best product.
- Control the texture of cottage cheese. If you prefer a thicker texture, run the cottage cheese through a sieve to remove as much moisture as possible. You can also add cottage cheese to a food processor or blender for a smoother consistency.
- Add a boost of protein to smoothies. The creamy texture makes it a perfect addition to your favorite smoothie recipes, creating a satiating drink to fuel your day. Try it in mango pineapple smoothie, banana berry smoothie, or strawberry smoothie instead of Greek yogurt.
Types of Curds in Cottage Cheese
- Small-curd cottage cheese: These curds have a fine texture and are soft and delicate, creating a creamy and smooth consistency. Small-curd cottage cheese is often used in salads, dips, and as a filling in stuffed dishes.
- Large-curd cottage cheese: These types of curds are larger, chunkier, and offer a more distinct texture. The curds are firmer and tend to hold their shape better. Large-curd cottage cheese is an excellent option for those who enjoy a slightly chewier texture and can enjoy it as a standalone snack or in various recipes.
- Dry-curd cottage cheese: This type of cottage cheese is unique because it undergoes a draining process, removing most of its whey, resulting in a drier texture. It contains very little moisture and has a crumbly consistency, similar to ricotta cheese. Dry-curd cottage cheese is often used in baking or recipes where moisture needs to be controlled.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Leftovers
- Leftover storage: Transfer any cottage cheese recipe leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. Follow the storage directions as noted in the specific recipe.
- Avoid freezing: Unless in a blended recipe like cottage cheese ice cream, I don’t recommend freezing other recipes made with cottage cheese. The texture will change and become crumbly and separate upon thawing.
- Reheat with care: When reheating cottage cheese recipes, do it gently over low heat to prevent overcooking and becoming mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottage cheese goes great as a dip with fresh veggies, sprinkled with savory herbs and spices. You can also pair it with a fried egg and season with everything bagel seasoning. Or add it the tuna melt filling in stuffed peppers or hearty salads like cauliflower potato salad for a protein boost. The possibilities are endless.
Cottage cheese pairs excellently with a variety of sweet foods. Swap out the yogurt in this fruit and yogurt parfait and use cottage cheese instead. You can also make a simple cottage cheese dessert by adding your favorite nuts like candied walnuts, seeds, or granola. And top with fruit jam or drizzle with honey.
It depends. Both types of cottage cheese have a similar taste and curdling process but differ in fat content. Consider the desired texture and fat content when substituting low-fat for whole milk cottage cheese, as some recipes may require higher fat content.
For more similar roundup of recipes, be sure to check out: Protein Powder Recipes, Recipes with a Can of Chickpeas, Canned Beans Recipes, and Vegetable Broth Recipes.
Comments
Veryy Veryy Yummmyyy🤩🤩
Thank you, Elissa!