The Benefits of Adding Cottage Cheese to Recipes
Cottage cheese adds a creamy, rich texture to recipes while also adding in a solid dose of protein—making meals more satisfying and filling without a lot of extra effort. It’s one of my favorite easy hacks for getting more protein in my daily meals!
What to Make with Cottage Cheese
If you’ve been following along on social media, you already know that cottage cheese is having a moment. It’s high in protein and actually makes recipes taste SO good, all without any protein powder! After my Cottage Cheese Ice Cream and Cottage Cheese Pancakes recipes went viral on Instagram and TikTok, I knew I had to make more recipes with this incredible ingredient. If you’ve been looking to add more protein into your daily meals, you’ll love these easy Cottage Cheese Recipes!
You’ll Also Love: 30+ BEST Protein Bowl Recipes
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Recipes
1. Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls
The fluffiest, most delicious Cottage Cheese Cinnamon Rolls! These may be the BEST cinnamon rolls I’ve ever had. They’re perfectly soft, have that signature cinnamon sugar filling, and are topped with a cottage cheese glaze that’s sweet and so good. With 5 grams of protein per cinnamon roll, this recipe come together in under 30 minutes and is perfect for the entire family. Even my kids love these! You’d never know that there’s cottage cheese in these healthy cinnamon rolls. They’re SO yummy!
2. Cottage Cheese Muffins
Cottage Cheese Muffins with 6 grams of protein! I am completely obsessed with these and even my kids love them. They’re light, fluffy, and every bite is SO good!
3. Cottage Cheese Egg Bites
High-Protein Egg Bites that are made with cottage cheese and turn out perfect every single time! This has been my go-to healthy breakfast meal prep recipe for busy weekdays for YEARS. I love that these egg bites are incredibly easy to make, SO flavorful, and have the best fluffy texture! Make these in 35 minutes for an easy savory breakfast idea you’ll love.
4. Lemon Blueberry Muffins
Lemon Blueberry Muffins that are made in under 40 minutes with just a blender and a bowl! I love that these healthy cottage cheese muffins have 5 grams of protein each, are perfect for a sweet and filling breakfast, snack, or even dessert. The lemon streusel topping truly takes things to another level and even my kids are just as obsessed with these as I am! They’re fluffy, light, and SO good.
5. Strawberry Cheesecake Breakfast Parfait
These Strawberry Cheesecake Breakfast Parfait have 18 grams of protein and are one of my favorite ways to start the day! I love that the breakfast parfaits come together in just 5 minutes and taste just like cheesecake!
6. Pesto Eggs Recipe
This Pesto Eggs recipe is one of the BEST brilliant breakfast hacks and such a delicious way to start the day. Eggs fried in pesto, then added to a toasted bagel slice with cottage cheese and chili crunch – oh my! This flavorful 10-minute meal is one of my favorites for a healthy breakfast or quick lunch.
7. Cottage Cheese Pancakes
This is my viral Cottage Cheese Pancakes recipe that got over 3 million views on TikTok and Instagram! Made with 15 grams of protein per serving in under 30 minutes, these pancakes are almost too good to be true. I love that they’re super fluffy, thick, and light, and the flavor is next-level good! They’re high-protein without protein powder and you won’t even know that they’re made with blended cottage cheese. Every bite is SO yummy
8. Churro Cheesecake Baked Oats
Churro Cheesecake Baked Oats in just 30 minutes with 14 grams of protein. These are SO good and have been one of my favorite healthy breakfast recipes lately! They have a creamy, thick baked oatmeal base, then topped with lightly crispy cinnamon-sugar and a chocolate drizzle for the ultimate churro texture and flavor. Easily make them on busy mornings or even prep them the night before to save time!
9. Strawberry Drop Pancakes
These Strawberry “Drop” Pancake Bites are light, fluffy, higher in protein, and so easy to make! I’ve been making these on repeat for my kids lately and they keep asking for more. Made with cottage cheese, a serving has 10 grams of protein. And they’re so effortless – just blend, mix, drop the batter on to a baking sheet, and bake, all in under 25 minutes. And as a mom with a toddler that I’m always chasing around, I love that I don’t have to stand over a stove flipping pancakes the entire time! These easy pancake bites are truly amazing.
10. Cottage Cheese Waffles
Cottage Cheese Waffles that are low calorie, high protein, and perfectly thick, light, and fluffy! With 16 grams of protein per serving and made in just 20 minutes, this easy healthy breakfast recipe is truly one of my favorites. My kids love them, I love them, and you can even meal prep or freeze them for later. If you’ve been looking to add more protein to your daily breakfasts in an easy way, you’ll love this waffles recipe – they’re SO good!
11. Pumpkin Protein Pancakes
These Pumpkin Protein Pancakes have 17 grams of protein, are ready to cook in just 10 minutes, and are full of cozy fall flavors! Made with pumpkin puree, cottage cheese, and plenty of pumpkin spice, you will not believe how light, fluffy, and perfectly sweet these easy, healthy pancakes are. Even my kids are obsessed with them!
12. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Overnight Oats
Cookie Dough Overnight Oats that taste just like real cookie dough! Over the years, these have become my go-to healthy breakfast for busy mornings. Made with 30 grams of protein per serving in just 5 minutes they’re not only delicious and filling, but also incredibly easy to make.
13. Gingerbread Protein Pancakes
This variation of my viral cottage cheese pancakes recipe is made with cozy, warm gingerbread spices for the BEST healthy breakfast treat. The cottage cheese blends right into the batter, adding a light fluffiness and extra protein without any overpowering flavor. Whip up a batch of these Gingerbread Pancakes in under 30 minutes!
14. Apple Pie Protein Pancakes
These Apple Pie Protein Pancakes have 17 grams of protein and taste like dessert for breakfast! And you’d never even guess the secret ingredient: cottage cheese! This makes the pancakes light and fluffy, giving them more protein while also adding the best taste and texture. The spiced apple topping is made in the same skillet, adding the BEST fall flavors to these 30-minute healthy pancakes!
15. Savory Protein Waffles
High-Protein Savory Waffles that are thick, fluffy, and full of flavor! A fun twist on classic sweet waffles, these are ready in just 20 minutes and have 26 grams of protein per serving.
Lunch & Dinner Recipes with Cottage Cheese
16. Viral Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls
This recipe has been all over the internet lately and I could not be more obsessed with it! With 42 grams of protein and SO much flavor, these Viral Hot Honey Ground Beef Bowls are the best healthy dinner recipe. While the ingredients are unique and creative (things I never would have thought to put together), you have to trust me on this one – every bite is SO good. And they come together in 35 minutes with minimal effort!
17. The Best Healthy Lasagna
The cheesiest, gooiest, creamiest, BEST Easy Healthy Lasagna Recipe for dinner tonight. I’ve been making this recipe for YEARS and it’s still one of my family’s favorites! And with 340+ 5-star reviews, this is truly the best healthy dinner idea. All of the goodness of classic lasagna, but lightened up, made with better-for-you ingredients, and higher protein (40 grams) for a healthy version of the original recipe!
18. Creamy Protein Soup
This Creamy Protein Soup comes together in just 30 minutes and has 39 grams of protein in each hearty serving! This dreamy Southwest-flavored chicken tortellini soup is not only rich and comforting, but it’s also secretly boosted with cottage cheese for that extra creaminess (and a little protein magic!).
19. Protein Pasta
Protein Pasta recipe with 37g of protein! This healthy vegetarian meal is about to become your new weeknight hero. I’ve been making this pasta on busy weeknights and could not be more obsessed with the creamy, savory, garlicky flavor. Cottage cheese is the base of the creamy sauce, and the whole thing comes together in just 25 minutes. Even my kids love it!
20. Spinach & Mushroom Vegetarian Lasagna
This Spinach & Mushroom Vegetarian Lasagna is the BEST weeknight dinner recipe! Easy to make, this meal can even be prepped in advance and baked later. If you’ve been on the search for a flavorful and healthy vegetarian dinner that the entire family will love, then this recipe recipe is for you!
21. Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole
This Broccoli Cheddar Ham Pasta Casserole recipe is one of my hands-down favorite healthier dinner ideas! With 42 grams of protein, it’s hearty, filling, and SO good. Even my picky kids love this one! The creamy sauce is flavorful and goes over protein pasta, roasted broccoli, and diced ham. The whole thing is baked in a casserole dish topped with cheese and your choice of breadcrumbs for a dinner recipe the entire family will love!
22. Baked Ziti Recipe
I’ve been making this easy Vegetarian Baked Ziti recipe for YEARS and my family still asks for it all of the time! It’s one of our favorites and is truly the best 30-minute healthy dinner idea. Made with mushrooms, zucchini, bell pepper, cottage cheese, and delicious ziti pasta, this healthy and comforting meal is full of nutrition and cheesy goodness. Every bite is SO good!
23. Chilled Cottage Cheese Queso
This chilled Cottage Cheese Queso is a delicious and healthy dip that’s perfect for parties. Made with real shredded cheese, cottage cheese and taco seasoning, this high-protein snack give taco flavored queso meets pimento cheese vibes. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers or veggies and get your dip on.
24. Chicken Pasta Alla Vodka
This Chicken Alla Vodka Pasta has been one of my top favorite easy dinners lately! It combines the classic flavor of a rich tomato-based vodka sauce with tender, juicy chicken, so it tastes next-level but actually comes together on the stovetop in 20 minutes. My healthy twist on this classic recipe is higher in protein, easy to make, and has an option to swap the vodka. This easy dinner recipe is my go-to for busy weeknights!
Cottage Cheese Dessert Recipes
25. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
This protein-packed Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is creamy, sweet, and SO GOOD! The cottage cheese base gives it almost a cheesecake flavor and you can easily customize the mix-ins and toppings to make a delicious, healthy treat. Every ingredient goes in the blender and freezes so it’s easy to make and only takes 5 minutes of prep time!
26. Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream with 21 grams of protein that can be blended together in just 5 minutes! This easy recipe is made with just 4 ingredients, making it the best healthy treat for when you’re craving something sweet.
27. Cottage Cheese Brownies
Cottage Cheese Brownies that have 6 grams of protein, easy to make, and come together in under 25 minutes! These are my go-to treat whenever I’m craving all a classic fudge brownie, but want something that’s healthy and made with wholesome ingredients. After testing this recipe many times, I can honestly say these are the BEST healthy protein brownies and work perfectly great every single time!
28. Date Shake
I tried the infamous Date Shake on a trip to Palm Springs a few years ago, and it was love at first sip! I was instantly hooked, and I knew I had to recreate my own version at home. Needless to say, I’ve been making this copycat Palm Springs Date Shake recipe for YEARS and it’s still one of my favorite healthy frozen treats!
29. Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream
I could eat this Healthy Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream forever! After it went viral on social media with almost 1 million views, I knew that this healthy ice cream treat is something special. Made with cottage cheese for higher protein (16 grams) and sweetened with maple syrup, it’s one of my favorite healthy desserts!
30. High Protein Cookie Dough
This Protein Cookie Dough is a healthy treat that tastes just like real edible cookie dough! Made with just a few simple ingredients, it only takes about 5 minutes to put this easy recipe together. Store it in the fridge for healthy protein snacks all week long or freeze a big batch of it for later!
31. Pistachio Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Creamy, dreamy, and SO good! This Pistachio Cottage Cheese Ice Cream recipe has been my obsession lately. The pistachio flavor comes from real pistachios with a touch of vanilla and almond, and the cottage cheese adds protein for a healthy ice cream treat! With only 10 minutes of prep time and 17 grams of protein, this easy recipe only requires 5 ingredient for making the BEST, creamiest pistachio ice cream every single time.
32. Date Cake Recipe
This Date Cake Recipe is sweet, moist, higher in protein, and SO good! Made with just 9 ingredients, including cottage cheese, a single slice has 14 grams of protein for a nutritious breakfast, snack, or dessert that’s perfect for making in advance. Plus, it’s fuss-free and effortless! Just soak the dates, blend, mix, and bake! It always turns out great, and I love how simple it is to make.
33. Cookie Dough Ice Cream
This Cookie Dough Ice Cream is perfectly sweet, creamy, and higher in protein! All you’ll need is a blender and airtight container to make this easy healthy treat. The cottage cheese gives this ice cream a creamy, tangy texture and flavor, the maple syrup sweetens it to perfection, and the almond butter cookie dough bits taste like real chocolate chip cookie dough. You’d never even guess that it has 19g of protein – every bite is SO good!
34. Pumpkin Ice Cream
Sweet and perfectly creamy, this Easy Pumpkin Ice Cream recipe is one of my favorite fall traditions! My family and I look forward to it every year and we are completely obsessed. You can use cottage cheese for a higher protein alternative, or make it with cream cheese and heavy cream for a classic texture and flavor. Either way, this healthier Pumpkin Ice Cream is SO yummy and easy to make!
35. Chocolate Banana Protein Pops
Your favorite summertime sweet treat just got a delicious, high-protein upgrade. These Chocolate Banana Protein Pops are rich, creamy, and, made from just five simple ingredients: cottage cheese, maple syrup, a banana, cacao powder, and protein powder. The result is a silky-smooth treat that is reminiscent of a fudge popsicle and is perfect for kids and adults alike!
More Recipes from Jar of Lemons
35 Easy Cottage Cheese Recipes
Equipment
Ingredients
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pasta
- 12 ounces chickpea pasta (or any type of high-protein pasta)
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan
- 1/2 Tablespoon minced garlic (or 2 garlic cloves, minced)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper (or more to taste)
- 2 cups roughly chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup pasta water
Optional Add-Ins
- 2 cups grilled chicken
- 1 cup roasted zucchini
- squeeze of lemon juice
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the directions on the box.
- In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, milk, cheese, and garlic and blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended sauce into a non-stick skillet and warm over low heat.
- Once it’s warm, add the spinach and stir until wilted while the pasta finishes cooking.
- Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- Add the pasta water to the sauce, and then add the cooked pasta to the skillet.
- Turn off the heat and stir the pasta continuously in the sauce for 1-2 minutes allowing the sauce to coat the pasta and thicken. The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Top the pasta with more cracked black pepper and parmesan cheese. Mix in grilled chicken, roasted, zucchini, a squeeze of lemon juice, and enjoy!
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