Cottage Cheese Bowl
Updated Jun 16, 2025
I love starting the day with a cottage cheese bowl! Sweet or savory, they’re high-protein, fresh, and easy to customize with many toppings!
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Make Cottage Cheese Bowls!
I know cottage cheese bowls aren’t exactly new, and while they’ve been having a moment lately, I’ve been making them forever but never posted the recipe because I didn’t think anyone really wanted recipes or ideas for them you guys nudged me!
Cottage cheese bowls are one of those recipes I throw together when I want something quick and satisfying but don’t feel like overthinking it. It’s the most basic recipe ever but so versatile and customizable. When I am feeling sweet, I add some fruit, granola, and a drizzle of peanut butter. When I want something savory (or more salty) I load it up with fresh veggies, avocado, and a splash of olive oil. In short, cottage cheese bowls are my go-to for breakfast, snack, or even a light lunch because they’re simple, so good.
Ingredients to Make a Sweet Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat for a richer taste or low-fat if you prefer a lighter option.
- Strawberries and Blueberries: Feel free to swap these for your favorite fruits like raspberries, bananas, or even sliced peaches.
- Granola: Adds crunch and texture to the bowl. You can use store-bought or homemade granola, or swap it for crushed nuts or seeds if you’re keeping it lower-carb.
- Peanut Butter: Warm it up for easier drizzling, or swap it for almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or even tahini for a twist.
- Honey: Maple syrup, agave, or a little chia seed jam are great substitutes if you don’t have honey.
- Cinnamon: It’s optional, but I think it’s totally worth it.
How to Make a Sweet Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients to Make a Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
- Persian Cucumber: If you don’t have Persian cucumbers, regular cucumbers (seeds removed) work just fine.
- Cherry Tomatoes: You can use any tomato variety—just dice them into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Avocado: If you’re out of avocado, try diced roasted red peppers or a spoonful of hummus for a different spin.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh dill or chives make great alternatives.
- Olive Oil: You could also use a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or balsamic glaze for a tangy twist.
- Freshly Cracked Black Pepper: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes.
How to Make a Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
Step 1: Add the chopped vegetables to the top of the cottage cheese.
Step 2: Top with seasoning and oil.
Cottage Cheese Bowl
Ingredients
Sweet Cottage Cheese Bowl
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ¼ cup strawberries sliced
- ¼ cup blueberries
- 2 tablespoons granola
- 1 tablespoon peanut butter drizzly kind or warm it up
- 1 teaspoon honey
- Dash of cinnamon
Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ Persian cucumber diced
- 5-6 cherry tomatoes diced
- ¼ avocado diced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese to a bowl. Place the sweet or savory ingredients on top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate. It will vary based on cooking method and specific ingredients used.
Sweet Bowl Variations
- Berry Almond Bowl: Top with ¼ cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries), 2 tablespoons sliced almonds, and a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Banana Nut Bowl: Slice ½ banana and top with 1 tablespoon chopped walnuts and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Finish it off with a drizzle of honey.
- Peach Cobbler Bowl: Add ½ cup diced fresh or canned peaches, 2 tablespoons crushed granola, and a pinch of nutmeg.
- Apple Pie Bowl: Top with ¼ cup diced apples, 1 tablespoon chopped pecans, a drizzle of almond butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.
- Tropical Bowl: Add ¼ cup diced pineapple, ¼ cup diced mango, and 1 tablespoon shredded coconut.
Savory Bowl Variations
- Mediterranean Bowl: Top with 5-6 chopped cherry tomatoes, 5 sliced kalamata olives, a sprinkle of feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil. Add a bit of oregano for extra flavor.
- Everything Bagel Bowl: Mix in 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning, ¼ diced avocado, and 1 tablespoon diced red onion. It’s like eating your favorite bagel without the bagel.
- Caprese Bowl: Add 5-6 halved cherry tomatoes, ¼ cup diced mozzarella cheese, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Fresh basil on top is the cherry on top (literally).
- Spicy Veggie Bowl: Toss in ¼ cup diced cucumber, ¼ cup diced bell pepper, and a sprinkle of chili flakes. Drizzle with olive oil for a little richness.
- Herby Avocado Bowl: Top with ½ diced avocado, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped chives, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Finish with a crack of black pepper.
My Best Cottage Cheese Bowls Tips
- Whip the cottage cheese: Just add it to a blender or food processor and process it until it’s smooth. It will have a thick consistency like yogurt. You can add olive oil to the savory one or honey and/or nut butter to the sweet one while whipping it.
- Assemble before eating: The toppings will get soft and lose their crunch and color if you make this in advance, so it’s best to put it together right before eating it.
- Season Savory Bowls: Don’t be afraid to add salt, pepper, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes or everything bagel seasoning. Cottage cheese has a mild flavor that really benefits from a little extra seasoning.
- Choose the Right Cottage Cheese: Go for full-fat cottage cheese if you want a creamier texture and richer flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, low-fat or fat-free works too—just know it’ll be a bit less creamy.
FAQs
If you have leftovers, store the cottage cheese and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Avoid mixing juicy toppings like tomatoes or fruit into the cottage cheese until you’re ready to eat to prevent it from getting watery.
Sometimes cottage cheese can be a little watery straight out of the container. Give it a good stir before adding your toppings, or you can drain it slightly using a fine mesh strainer for a thicker consistency.
