5 Expert-Tested Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese Even if You Hate It
21 Low Calorie, High Protein Foods to Add to Your Diet
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Whipped Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
For cottage cheese detractors, the main complaint is its texture. Whipping cottage cheese is a simple solution that makes it light and fluffy while maintaining all its nutritional benefits. Here, whipped cottage cheese is served with granola for crunch and fresh berries for natural sweetness and, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, a powerful boost of antioxidants and fiber. If you prefer, you can blend the berries right in with the cottage cheese.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
Place cottage cheese and maple syrup in a blender or food processor and blend on high until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
Divide cottage cheese mixture evenly between 2 serving bowls and top each with ½ cup berries and 3 tbsp granola.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
calories
332total fat
7gsaturated fat
2.3gprotein
31gcarbohydrates
45gfiber
1.6gsugar
30.2gadded sugar
15.7gsodium
625mg
Light and Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Chances are, you love pancakes — only you may not love the way they make you feel hungry afterward. That's because most are high in processed carbs and low in fiber and protein. In this filling recipe, cottage cheese lends extra protein and rolled oats are used instead of flour, increasing the fiber, per USDA data, and making these pancakes gluten-free. Oats are naturally gluten-free, according to Beyond Celiac, but be sure to choose a brand labeled “gluten-free” if needed.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
10 minTOTAL TIME
15 minIngredients
Directions
Place all ingredients except for oil in a blender or food processor and process on high until smooth, about 30–60 seconds.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium. Once hot, add some of the oil and cook small pancakes in batches until batter begins to bubble in the middle, about 1 minute. Flip and cook until golden brown, about 1 minute more. Serve with fresh fruit or toppings of your choosing.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
calories
338total fat
16gsaturated fat
2.7gprotein
18gcarbohydrates
33gfiber
3.8gsugar
8.7gadded sugar
6.2gsodium
527mg
The Ultimate High-Protein Scrambled Eggs
Eggs are naturally high in protein, but they also contain a decent amount of saturated fat, according to the USDA. This recipe limits saturated fat by mixing in low-fat cottage cheese. You can also opt for fat-free cottage cheese. The texture goes well with scrambled eggs and the swap adds a bit of calcium.
PREP TIME
5 minCOOK TIME
2 minTOTAL TIME
7 minIngredients
Directions
In a mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and chives, if using.
Place a medium nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add olive oil and egg mixture. With a spatula, slowly scrape eggs toward the middle of skillet as they set until mixture is cooked through, about 2 minutes.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
calories
268total fat
19gsaturated fat
4.9gprotein
22gcarbohydrates
4gfiber
0gsugar
3.8gadded sugar
0gsodium
464mg
Garlic and Herb Veggie Dip
Everyone loves vegetable dip. But many traditional recipes are high in calories and unhealthy fats while low in key nutrients. Not so with this veggie option! By using cottage cheese as the base, it packs 11 g of protein per serving. This appetizer or snack star is guaranteed to appeal to cottage cheese lovers and naysayers alike.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
Place cottage cheese, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and garlic in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth, about 1 minute.
Add dill, chives, and milk and pulse until herbs are well chopped but not completely blended in, about five times. Serve alongside your favorite veggies.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
calories
69total fat
2gsaturated fat
0.8gprotein
11gcarbohydrates
5gfiber
0.1gsugar
3.9gadded sugar
0gsodium
300mg
Basil Parmesan Salad Dressing
Time to ditch your bottled salad dressing — homemade versions are surprisingly easy to make. They're also healthier because they nix those common chemical additives or preservatives. In this recipe, with cottage cheese, you get protein and calcium instead of the saturated fats and calories found in commercial varieties, per the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Try it instead of packaged ranch dressing, which contains 129 calories for a 2-tablespoon (tbsp) serving compared with only 19 calories here.
PREP TIME
5 minTOTAL TIME
5 minIngredients
Directions
Place basil, garlic, and vinegar in a blender or food processor and mix until basil is well chopped.
Add cottage cheese, Parmesan, salt, and pepper and blend until completely smooth, about 1 minute.
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Serving size2 tbsp
calories
19total fat
0.6gsaturated fat
0.3gprotein
3gcarbohydrates
1gfiber
0gsugar
0.7gadded sugar
0gsodium
112mg
Melissa Sleight, RDN
Medical Reviewer
Sleight earned her bachelor's in nutrition and food science from Utah State University. She is a member of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine and the Sports, Cardiovascular, and Wellness Nutrition group for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. She is involved at the local level as the president-elect of Magic Valley Dietitians and is a liaison for her community as a board member of the Idaho Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
She likes to cook and try new recipes, and loves water activities of all kinds — from paddleboards to hot tubs. She enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking, on all-terrain vehicles, and camping.
Kelly Kennedy, RDN, LDN
Author
Kelly Kennedy is a licensed dietitian-nutritionist with over 14 years of experience in digital media. She previously managed and oversaw nutrition content, recipe development, meal planning, and diet and nutrition coaching at Everyday Health. She developed and reviewed various meal plans, books, slideshows, and online tools, and oversaw the creation of more than 500 unique recipes. She received her bachelor's degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a master's degree from the State University of New York College at Oneonta.
Kennedy enjoys anything that takes her outside, from gardening and playing in the yard with her kids to hiking and even feeding her pet chickens.