32 Surprising Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Love
Cottage cheese sometimes gets a bad rap, but the creamy, curdy ingredient is an utter delight in so many fantastic recipes. Though frequently served cold and paired with fruit for breakfast or a snack, this dairy product is surprisingly great for cooking and baking too. In fact cottage cheese can be just as versatile an ingredient as yogurt or cream cheese for the home chef. And you don’t necessarily need to be a fan of the stuff in its original form either. Even if its unique texture isn’t typically your favorite to enjoy on its own, you’ll find that the right preparation can transform cottage cheese into something that you not only like, but love.
Cottage cheese lends a tangy flavor, tons of moisture, tender texture, and lots of protein to recipes. (A one-cup serving has about 25 grams of protein, according to the USDA.) Some recipes leave the curds intact for that signature texture, while others transform it into something smooth with a food processor or blender. You can stir it into pancakes for an extra-fluffy stack, whisk it with vinegar and oil to make a creamy vinaigrette, or use it to create the perfect, photogenic cheese pull for your next decked out lasagna. And whenever you’re looking for a meatless way to boost a meal with protein, this curdy, calcium-rich goodness is ready to help.
By the way, lactose-intolerant individuals should know that cottage cheese is not the most low-lactose cheese (though it varies by brand and the production process, along with your individual sensitivity). Fortunately there are some lactose-free cottage cheeses available. And if you prefer or need to avoid dairy altogether, there are even plant-based varieties of cottage cheese on the market now too. (You just might need to do a little experimenting to make sure the stuff has the same effect as the original when cooked or baked.)
Ready to get cooking with your new favorite unexpected ingredient? From cottage cheese breakfast recipes like pancakes and scrambled eggs, to all your lunches, dinners, and snacks in between, this list of 32 recipes with cottage cheese has something that even skeptics will love.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell1Pecan Cheesecake Pudding from SELF
This dessert-like snack is sweetened with bananas. You can eat it right after blending, or make a big batch and freeze individual servings to thaw whenever a craving strikes.
Get the recipe here.
Lindsay and Bjork Ostrom via Pinch of Yum2Creamy Tomato Lasagna Florentine from Pinch of Yum
This vegetarian lasagna recipe with cottage cheese proves the ingredient absolutely works as a substitute for ricotta. The recipe also calls for plenty of melty cheeses (mozzarella and Parmesan) for deliciousness, while fresh spinach and tomato sauce add a full serving of vegetables per piece.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell3Savory Crepe With Blistered Tomatoes and Avocado from SELF
You can’t feel the texture of cottage cheese at all in these savory crepes. That’s because the ingredient is blitzed with egg whites and oats into a blender until unrecognizable, but oh-so-delicious.
Get the recipe here.
Brittany Mullins via Eating Bird Food4Make-Ahead Breakfast Casserole from Eating Bird Food
This cottage cheese breakfast recipe is packed with bread (the recipe calls for gluten-free, but you can use whatever you have or prefer instead), cheese, broccoli, eggs, feta, and cottage cheese. It’s filling, delicious, and can be prepped ahead of time.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell5Carrot Cake Oatmeal from SELF
A dollop of cottage cheese brings the cream-cheese-frosting flavor to this super-hearty bowl of oats. Though the two dairy products aren’t exactly the same, the cottage cheese has enough creamy tang to fill the void while still tasting like breakfast.
Get the recipe here.
Kevin Lynch via Closet Cooking6Cottage Cheese and Egg Muffins With Ham and Cheddar from Closet Cooking
These adorable and delicious muffins are perfect for meal prep and a great way to incorporate savory cottage cheese recipes into any moment of your day. Packed with ham and veggies, they’re just as good for lunch or dinner as they are for breakfast.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell7Overnight Oats With Grapes and Pecans from SELF
Shake up your overnight oat game by using cottage cheese as a base instead of yogurt or milk. Cottage cheese and fruit is a no-brainer, so be sure to top this bowl off with plenty of sliced grapes.
Get the recipe here.
Rachel Gurk via Rachel Cooks8Pita Flatbread With Asparagus and Herbed Cottage Cheese from Rachel Cooks
This quick pizza creation uses a combination of cottage cheese and provolone for a perfect, melty, cheesy topping. This recipe finishes the whole thing off with spring asparagus, but you can use whatever is in season, like delicata squash in the fall and zucchini in the summer.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell9Strawberry Cheesecake Protein Pudding from SELF
This quick frozen treat is a one of the best cottage cheese recipes to keep in your freezer for when you’re looking for some quick and easy healthy snacks. Eat it like ice cream for dessert or after a hot and sweaty workout to cool down.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell10Berry Cheesecake Overnight Oats from SELF
The fiber- and protein-rich combination of tangy cottage cheese, sweet berries, and wholesome oats makes for a breakfast that tastes like dessert and keeps you full until lunch.
Get the recipe here.
Andrew Purcell, Carrie Purcell11Raspberry Cheesecake Smoothie from SELF
If the texture of cottage cheese bothers you, try blending it into a smoothie. It adds lots of protein, and the tangy flavor is similar to that of Greek yogurt, which you’ve probably blended into smoothies before.
Get the recipe here.
Chelsie Craig via Bon Appétit12Basically Noodle Kugel from Bon Appétit
“Noodle kugel” is fun to say and comforting to eat. The sweet-and-savory egg-noodle casserole is made with sour cream, cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla, sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla.
Get the recipe here.
Chelsie Craig via Bon Appétit13For the Love of Cottage Cheese Salad from Bon Appétit
This refreshing summer salad is packed with juicy cherry tomatoes and crunchy cucumbers and radishes. White vinegar and olive oil help the cottage cheese turn into a sort of vinaigrette.
Get the recipe here.
Gina Matsoukas via Running to the Kitchen14Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles from Running to the Kitchen
Spaghetti squash is awesome, but not particularly filling without a substantial sauce. This creamy ricotta- and cottage-cheese-filled pasta sauce is a pesto fits the bill. Mix in some real noodles if you feel like the squash on its own won't be enough to keep you truly satisfied.
Get the recipe here.
Kathryne Taylor via Cookie + Kate15Spinach Artichoke Lasagna from Cookie + Kate
This vegetarian lasagna calls for a dairy double whammy of cottage cheese and fontina or mozzarella. You can use canned or frozen artichoke hearts if you can’t find them fresh.
Get the recipe here.
Gina Matsoukas via Running to the Kitchen16Dijon Dill Salmon Salad from Running to the Kitchen
This protein-packed cottage cheese salad can be made using shelf-stable ingredients like canned salmon, capers, and chickpeas. Serve on toasted bread for a fast, fancy lunch.
Get the recipe here.
Kathryne Taylor via Cookie + Kate17Baked Ziti With Roasted Vegetables from Cookie + Kate
You have the option of using cottage cheese or ricotta in this recipe, but the author prefers the results cottage cheese produces—even though she can’t stand the stuff on its own!
Get the recipe here.
Layla Atik via Gimme Delicious18Meal-Prep Protein Waffles from Gimme Delicious
Throw oats, eggs, and cottage cheese in a blender, and you’ve got a pretty nutritious waffle batter. Top with almond butter, berries, and maple syrup.
Get the recipe here.
Gina Matsoukas via Running to the Kitchen19Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip from Running to the Kitchen
Here’s a delicious bean dip that is not hummus! This one is made with white beans (like cannellini or navy) and full of garlic and cottage cheese protein.
Get the recipe here.
Lori Yates via Foxes Love Lemons20Lasagna With Cottage Cheese from Foxes Love Lemons
According to Lori Yates, the Michigan-based blogger behind the recipe, this dish is actually a “classic Midwestern noodle casserole.” It’s also for meat-lovers, calling for both ground beef and Italian sausage.
Get the recipe here.
Lori Yates via Foxes Love Lemons21Everything Bagel Cottage Cheese Power Bowls from Foxes Love Lemons
This hearty salad is obviously inspired by everything bagels, which means cottage cheese is playing the role of cream cheese. Use store-bought everything bagel seasoning (a worthy investment), or make your own.
Get the recipe here.
22Spinach Dip from Marisa Moore
Packed with veggies and high-protein cottage cheese, this dip is an excellent choice for a party appetizer or a solo dinner. Bread and chips of all kinds are ideal for dipping.
Get the recipe here.
Kathryn Pauline via Cardamom and Tea23Jajik Chicken with Za’atar Potatoes from Cardamom and Tea
Jajik is a type of cucumber yogurt sauce that can be found in some form throughout the Middle East, North Africa, Mediterranean, and South Asia. The writer of this recipe uses cottage cheese to create her family’s Assyrian version and says the results are just as tasty.
Get the recipe here.
Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park via Spoon Fork Bacon24Cheesy Potato Casserole from Spoon Fork Bacon
This savory cottage cheese recipe makes a great side or main. Serve it alongside a protein source like roasted chicken or grilled tofu, or add a couple extra veggies to it to ensure it’s satisfying as is.
Get the recipe here.
Stacie Hassing and Jessica Beacom via The Real Food Dietitians25One-Skillet Zucchini Lasagna from The Real Food Dietitians
This lasagna made with cottage cheese is just as decadent as the lasagna you’re used to, only it’s also way easier to make. In fact you’ll need just one pan and only 45 minutes to get it on the table.
Get the recipe here.
Beth Moncel via Budget Bytes26Cottage Cheese Crab Bowl from Budget Bytes
Though your mind may jump to fruit and nuts when you think of cottage cheese toppings, there are plenty of savory ingredients that do the job just as well. Here, imitation crab and fresh crunchy cucumbers highlight the salty side of the curdy dairy product.
Get the recipe here.
Alex Overhiser via A Couple Cooks27Cottage Cheese Pancakes from A Couple Cooks
This cottage cheese pancake recipe proves that the ingredient is just as good as ricotta at providing an airy lift to baked goods. Enjoy a stack like this with a healthy dose of maple syrup and fresh fruit.
Get the recipe here.
Becca Pusey via Easy Cheesy Vegetarian28Berry Oaty Breakfast Bars from Easy Cheesy Vegetarian
These tasty bars have all the oaty, fruity breakfast flavors you might love, plus a protein boost from a healthy dose of cottage cheese.
Get the recipe here.
Erin Clarke via Well Plated29Greek Mac and Cheese With Crispy Pita Topping from Well Plated
When you think about muscle-repairing protein dinners, mac and cheese usually isn’t top of mind. But this Greek-inspired recipe uses cottage cheese as a feta alternative to impart a similarly tangy flavor that’s less costly—and more protein-rich.
Get the recipe here.
Jessica Merchant via How Sweet Eats30Roasted Broccoli Toast from How Sweet Eats
Along with being an excellent addition to dips and sauces, cottage cheese also makes a great spread for sandwiches and toasts like this one.
Get the recipe here.
Kat Grober, Dave Bell, and Hauke Fox via Hurry the Food Up31Lentils, Beans, and Cottage Cheese Baked Potato from Hurry the Food Up
Cottage cheese is also a great way to add both creaminess and protein to your next baked potato, whether it’s topped with lentils and beans like this one, or a meaty, saucy chili.
Get the recipe here.
Alex Overhiser via A Couple Cooks32Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese from A Couple Cooks
If your usual morning scramble never quite fills you up, consider adding a dollop of cottage cheese. It’ll boost the protein count and you’ll hardly notice the taste or texture.
Get the recipe here.
Related:
SELF does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Any information published on this website or by this brand is not intended as a substitute for medical advice, and you should not take any action before consulting with a healthcare professional.
