12 Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese is a versatile, high-protein ingredient ideal for any meal. Here are 12 of my top trending recipes that are a must-try!

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Looking for delicious cottage cheese recipes? Look no further. I’ve rounded up 12 tasty recipes featuring this one key ingredient. From cottage cheese breakfast staples to tasty snacks and hearty meals, these recipes are simple to make yet deliver amazing flavor and creamy texture. You can even whip up cottage cheese dessert recipes that are healthier and satisfying with a boost of protein.

The best recipes using cottage cheese collage.
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Cottage cheese has made a triumphant comeback, and I’m here for it! What better way to pack in protein that’s rich, creamy, and such a fun way to mix things up? This versatile dairy ingredient is. Cottage cheese matches the same energy we had when Greek yogurt and ricotta were popular and continues to win hearts and plates everywhere. Cottage cheese recipes for breakfast, dinner, and everything in between show that simplicity and flavor can go hand in hand. Check out these must-make cottage cheese recipes.

Why Cottage Cheese Recipes Are So Good!

  • Easy protein-boost. It’s rich in high-quality protein, helping you feel full and satisfied, which reduces the desire for snacking between meals.
  • Versatile serving options. It can be used in both sweet and savory dishes. It’s suitable for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and you can finish off the night with healthy cottage cheese dessert recipes.
  • Quick and easy. Most cottage cheese recipes are simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and cooking time, yet deliver mouthwatering flavor and nutrition, perfect for busy families.

Tips for Cooking with Cottage Cheese

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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

If the types of cottage cheese you see in stores confuse you, we’ll break them down here. Aside from the fat content, you can also characterize cottage cheese by the size of the curds. The type of curds in cottage cheese can affect its taste, texture, and how you would use it in various recipes.

It’s a good idea to have a general knowledge of the different curds found in cottage cheese.

Here are the most common ones:

  • 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.

Best Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese shines in a variety of recipes. It brings protein-packed goodness to morning favorites and makes a wonderful creamy dip as a cottage cheese snack with fresh veggies. Plus, you can cozy up to a hearty and flavorful cottage cheese dinner, and when it’s time for dessert, have a few frozen treats ready for you to enjoy. With cottage cheese, there’s something delicious for every meal and craving. Here are my favorites:

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Recipes

Start your day right with these cottage cheese breakfast recipes! From protein-packed eggs to fluffy pancakes, these dishes are perfect for a satisfying and nutritious morning meal.—so good!

Plate with eggs, bread and tomatoes garnished with chives.
Breakfast

Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese

Scrambled eggs with cottage cheese makes for a high-protein, low-carb breakfast option that is full of flavor and goodness!
 
10 minutes
5 from 160 votes
Maple syrup being poured over a plate of cottage cheese pancakes topped with fresh berries and butter with the serving plate of more pancakes nearby.
Breakfast

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage cheese pancakes are a protein-packed twist on traditional pancakes with a mild, tangy flavor and fluffy texture that's easy to make!
 
30 minutes
5 from 94 votes
Cottage cheese toast recipe.
Breakfast

Cottage Cheese Toast – 4 Ways

These savory cottage cheese toast recipes pair cucumbers with pesto, tomatoes with za'atar, smoked salmon with dill, and avocado with sesame!
 
10 minutes
5 from 48 votes
Egg white bites on a plate with 2 on a smaller plate nearby, garnished with fresh parsley.
Breakfast

Egg White Bites

These Starbucks copycat egg white bites with red bell pepper are perfect for a protein-packed breakfast with cottage cheese, mozzarella, feta, and spinach.
 
40 minutes
5 from 121 votes

Cottage Cheese Pasta Recipes

Add a creamy twist to your pasta with cottage cheese! These recipes make your favorite pasta dishes richer and healthier, perfect for any meal.

Cottage Cheese Tomato Pasta in a pot garnished with fresh parsley.
Dinner, Lunch, Pastas

Creamy Tomato Cottage Cheese Pasta

This high-protein cottage cheese tomato pasta sauce only requires 6 ingredients, a high-speed blender, and your favorite pasta!
 
15 minutes
4.9 from 210 votes
Square image of a pan of cottage cheese alfredo pasta.
Entree, Pastas

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta

This 5-ingredient Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta is so creamy and makes for a great vegetarian option, or paired with chicken or fish for a heartier meal.
 
20 minutes
5 from 228 votes

Cottage Cheese Dessert Recipes

Cool down with creamy cottage cheese ice cream! These recipes turn a simple ingredient into deliciously smooth and healthy frozen treats.

Cottage cheese icecrea in glass containers made with 3 different flavors: peanut butter chocolate chip, banana cream, and strawberry cheesecake. Extra toppings nearby.
Dessert, Snack

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Treat yourself to protein-packed cottage cheese ice cream! It's a creamy, satisfying, and healthy dessert option- perfect for any time of day!
 
4 hours 10 minutes
5 from 322 votes
Cottage Cheesecake cups on a platter topped with strawberries with hand holding one of them bitten out of
Dessert

Cottage Cheesecake Cups

These Cottage Cheesecake Cups are a fun way to serve cheesecake that is lighter and more of full of protein as compared to the traditional version.
 
35 minutes
5 from 5 votes
Frozen cottage cheese ice cream popsicles on a large tray: strawberry cheesecake, banoffee pie, pineapple coconut, and mixed berry breakfast pops; extra berries, granola, chocolate chips, and shredded coconut around.
Dessert

Frozen Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars

These cottage cheese ice cream bars are packed with protein. If you're looking for a popsicle treat that's creamy, fruity and delicious give them a try!
 
10 minutes
5 from 7 votes

More Recipes with Cottage Cheese

Get inspired with fresh ideas using cottage cheese, the viral ingredient everyone’s still talking about! Check out these new recipes to see all the tasty ways you can use it.

Whipped cottage cheese in a bowl garnished with chives and olive oil. Bowl on a platter surrounded by fresh veggies cut into sticks, including red bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, celery, and tomatoes.
Appetizer, Dips, Snack

Whipped Cottage Cheese

Whipped cottage cheese is deliciously easy, infused with aromatic herbs and garlic, and so creamy – perfect as a snack or appetizer.
 
5 minutes
5 from 10 votes
Cottage cheese egg salad recipe.
Salad

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 using mayonnaise and an easy lunch or meal prep option to make for the week.
 
23 minutes
5 from 1 vote
Flatbread with yogurt pesto sauce, chicken, tomatoes, and mixed greens before rolling.
Entree

Cottage Cheese Flatbread

This Viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread is an easy protein-packed alternative to traditional flatbread and made with just cottage cheese, eggs and any spices.
 
45 minutes
5 from 2 votes

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

What savory food pairs well with cottage cheese?

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.

Can I use cottage cheese as a substitute for ricotta cheese in lasagna or other dishes?

Yes, but you would need to make slight modifications to mimic ricotta cheese. Drain it to avoid a runny dish, blend or mash it for a similar consistency, and consider adding a beaten egg to help bind the ingredients together. Keep in mind that the taste and texture might still differ slightly.

What sweet food pairs well with cottage cheese?

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.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese and whole milk cottage cheese interchangeably?

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.

Strawberry cheesecake cottage cheese ice cream in a bowl with extra fruit and graham crackers on top.

I hope this collection of over 12 cottage cheese recipes inspires you to include more of this delicious goodness into your meals. It’s an excellent way to make your meals more nutritious and filling. With these tips and recipes, you can effortlessly add cottage cheese to your meals to reap the benefits.

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.

If you found this recipe roundup for 8 Cottage Cheese Recipes helpful or if you try any recipe on Feel Good Foodie, then don’t forget to rate the recipes! It helps others who are thinking of trying out this tutorial and we would love to hear about your experience. And if you snapped some shots of it, share it with me on Instagram so I can repost on my stories!

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Comments

  1. elissa says:

    Veryy Veryy Yummmyyy🤩🤩

    1. Yumna J. says:

      Thank you, Elissa!