14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

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These 14 healthy cottage cheese recipes are easy to make that are high in protein and are super good for you.

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (1)

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (2)

Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese is an underrated ingredient. Most people don’t realize how delicious it is or how many ways you can use it in recipes. You can eat it plain, make cottage cheese eggs, cottage cheese dip for veggies and pita wedges, or serve it with sweet or savory toppings. Whipped cottage cheese can replace cream cheese or ricotta on cottage cheese toast. Or add some to your avocado toast for a high protein breakfast. Or you can use it as an ingredient to make sweet breakfasts or savory lunches. The opportunities are endless!And best of all, it’s an incredibly healthy ingredient.

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein and these simple recipes are sure to keep you satisfied. Here are 14 of my favorite healthy cottage cheese recipes to get you started. Each recipe is packed with flavor and good-for-you nutrients.

What is Cottage Cheese?

Cottage cheese is a scrumptious and super affordable dairy product. It’s technically a type of fresh cheese, with a creamy texture more similar to yogurt or sour cream. The process of making cottage cheese is simple. Like with most cheeses, acid is added to milk. This separates the milk solids, which are called curds, from the liquids, which are called whey. The curds are then cut into small pieces, rinsed, and lightly salted. This results in a moist, slightly lumpy texture that’s fairly similar to tapioca.

What Does it Taste Like?

Cottage cheese tastes a lot like cream, but it has a hint of sourness and saltiness. It’s really rich and tastes a lot like a mild cheese. If you’re a fan of other dairy products, the odds are good that you’ll be a fan of cottage cheese, too.

Is it Good For You?

It’s more than just good for you … it’s great for you. One of the main reasons that I eat so much cottage cheese is because it’s chock full of important nutrients and minerals, including calcium and B vitamins. Plus, it also is full of protein. And best of all? Cottage cheese is really low in calories. Would you believe me if I said that one cup of low-fat cottage cheese has a whopping 26 grams of protein with only 91 calories? Because it does!

Is Cottage Cheese Healthier than Yogurt?

I love cottage cheese and yogurt because they’re both so good for you. You can’t go wrong with either of these ingredients. The health benefits are pretty similar, but cottage cheese more protein than Greek yogurt.

Is Cottage Cheese Healthier than Regular Cheese?

Is certainly is. Cottage cheese is significantly healthier than regular cheese because it has so much less fat. In fact, full-fat cottage cheese only contains about 4% fat, compared to 30% for cheddar cheese. That’s not a fair fight!

Is Cottage Cheese Good for Weight Loss?

It’s great for weight loss. When friends tell me they’re trying to lose weight, I always suggest that they try eating cottage cheese. One of the best things you can do for weight loss is to eat a diet that’s high in protein while being low in calories. Cottage cheese is perfect for that goal.

Quick Healthy Snack Ideas

  • Whipped Cottage Cheese + Peanut Butter Powder + Apple Slices
  • Cottage Cheese + Fresh Fruit + Granola
  • Cottage Cheese + Diced Pears + Maple Syrup + Pecans

14 More Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Make

Some of these recipes are sweet, some of them are savory, and they’re all delicious!

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (3)

Lasagna Roll Ups With Cottage Cheese

These easy, delicious, high-protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna Roll Ups are vegetarian and perfect weeknight dinners.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (4)

Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl

Most people think of topping cottage cheese with fruit. But it’s excellent when mixed with vegetables and other savory ingredients. This dish is filled with cucumbers, bell peppers, tomatoes, and green onions. A sprinkle of pistachios adds crunch and takes this recipe to the next level.

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High Protein Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese

Scrambled eggs are already a healthy breakfast. But they become a lot more healthy when you mix them with cottage cheese. Adding cottage cheese gives your scrambled eggs an extra hit of protein, while also making them creamier and more flavorful.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (6)

Burst Tomato Cottage Cheese Caprese Bowl

A caprese salad is one of my favorite lunches. But this recipe makes caprese salad a lot healthier, by replacing the mozzarella cheese with cottage cheese. The tomatoes are cooked in an air fryer, which gives them a rich, sweet flavor. The flavors are dynamic!

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Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese

Whip up a batch of these quick and easy High Protein Bagels with Cottage Cheese for breakfast or lunch in less than 30 minutes – they come out perfect!

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Egg White Muffins with Turkey Bacon, Cottage Cheese, and Veggies

Meal prep these delicious, high-protein Egg White Muffins with turkey bacon, cottage cheese, and veggies for a quick breakfast on the go!

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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip withZa’atar

High Protein Cottage Cheese Veggie Dip with Za'atar is a delicious and healthy snack that's easy to make and perfect for any time of day. A great way to get those veggies in!

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Berry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

This dish is like your favorite parfait, but with cottage cheese! The cottage cheese is placed in a bowl and topped with fresh berries, slivered almonds, and a drizzle of honey. It’s about as simple of a breakfast recipe as you could make. But it’s so healthy and delicious.

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High Protein Oat Waffles

This is one of my favorite waffle recipes, and it has so much flavor and protein. The cottage cheese helps keep these gluten-free waffles tender and moist, while also adding a tart flavor. Top them with fresh fruit and maple syrup for a perfect breakfast.

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14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (12)

Pineapple Chia with Cottage Cheese

This chia seed pudding is a great meal to start your day with. Chia seeds are soaked in pineapple juice overnight until they’re soft and sweet. Then they’re topped with cottage cheese and fresh pineapple. It’s refreshing, healthy, and incredibly easy to make.

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Peach Pie Cottage Cheese Bowls

Peaches are one of my favorite foods to eat with cottage cheese. The sweet fruit and the creamy, sour dairy just go so well together. This recipe takes peaches to the next level by cooking them with brown sugar and cinnamon. Some pistachios are added for crunch, with a little bit of honey for extra sweetness. It’s fantastic!

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Cottage Cheese Egg and Sausage Frittata

You’ll be hard-pressed to find a breakfast with more protein than this one. The base of this frittata is eggs, chicken sausage, and cottage cheese. That’s three ingredients that are super high in protein! Spinach adds a fresh veggie to the dish, while parmesan cheese makes the flavors pop.

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Roasted Strawberry Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Not everybody is a big fan of the texture of cottage cheese. This is a great recipe if you don’t like the lumps in cottage cheese. It’s blended with roasted strawberries, milk, chia seeds, and ice until smooth. The flavor of the roasted strawberries is so rich and sweet. You’ll love this smoothie!

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High Protein Bread

You probably wouldn’t think to put cottage cheese in bread. But it helps make these gluten-free dinner rolls moist and extra healthy. These 5-ingredient rolls are super easy to make, but they have so much flavor.

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Need More High Protein Recipes?

All of these recipes are high in protein thanks to cottage cheese. If you’re looking for more easy high protein meals, be sure to check out my recipe finder. You can find tons of healthy recipes there.

14 High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes You Need to Try (2024)

FAQs

What is the 3 day cottage cheese diet plan? ›

It's simply an eating plan where you eat only cottage cheese at each meal for at least three days. Some people also eat fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation. Alcohol, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened beverages are usually avoided.

What is the cottage cheese diet on Tik Tok? ›

It includes meals made up of mustard, cottage cheese, raw veggies, and sausage. The diet is high in calcium, protein, and fiber and may lead to weight loss. Nutrition experts note the diet fad is high in sodium and could encourage disordered eating and recommend following a balanced eating pattern for overall health.

What makes cottage cheese high in protein? ›

The high protein content in cottage cheese comes mostly from casein, which — because it's slowly absorbed — can build muscle just as well as whey protein. Thyroid health. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in how your thyroid works.

What happens to your body when you eat cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese is an excellent source of calcium, a mineral that plays a major role in tooth and bone health, and in the prevention of osteoporosis. It also helps you to regulate your blood pressure and might even play a role in preventing certain cancers, such as prostate cancer.

How does cottage cheese burn belly fat? ›

What is in cottage cheese that burns fat? Cottage cheese itself does not burn fat. But it is high in protein, with 25 grams per one cup serving. Fat is burned through exercise and moving your body.

What to eat with cottage cheese for weight loss? ›

You can eat it plain, make cottage cheese eggs, cottage cheese dip for veggies and pita wedges, or serve it with sweet or savory toppings. Whipped cottage cheese can replace cream cheese or ricotta on cottage cheese toast. Or add some to your avocado toast for a high protein breakfast.

Can you lose weight eating cottage cheese at night? ›

When we want to lose weight, we're often forced to down foods that don't really do it for our tastebuds. But that all changes, thanks to a new piece of research. According to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming cottage cheese before going to sleep can help you lose weight.

How much cottage cheese should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

If you're on a calorie deficit for weight loss, be sure to track your calorie intake from each 100-gram serving of cottage cheese on top of other foods you eat within the day. For example, a person limiting themselves to 1,500 calories per day may get their 200-300 calories from two to three servings of cottage cheese.

Can you lose weight by eating cottage cheese and fruit? ›

When it comes to reaching your weight loss goals, cottage cheese can be a great snack option as it is high in protein which helps boost satiety, keeping you fuller for longer. A high protein content in food can also play a role in building muscle and supporting your metabolic rate and blood sugar balance.

Is it okay to eat cottage cheese every day? ›

While it is safe for most people to eat cottage cheese every day, it should not be consumed to the extent that you exclude other food groups. Also, some types of cottage cheese contain high amounts of sodium and/or sugar.

What has more protein eggs or cottage cheese? ›

Egg is high in calories and cottage cheese has 31% less calories than egg - egg has 143 calories per 100 grams and cottage cheese has 98 calories. For macronutrient ratios, cottage cheese is heavier in protein, heavier in carbs and much lighter in fat compared to egg per calorie.

What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›

The rule includes eating 30 grams of protein within 30 minutes of waking up in the morning and then doing 30 minutes of low-intensity exercise.

When should you not eat cottage cheese? ›

Firstly, use your sense of smell — if your once-mild cottage cheese is now sporting a sour smell, you're better off not eating it. The same is true for the flavor. If you decide to take a bite and your taste buds are assaulted with a sour taste, instead of the fresh cheese's more mild tanginess, it's past its prime.

Does cottage cheese help with bowel movements? ›

Improves Digestion Cottage cheese can also aid digestion.

The magnesium present in cottage cheese can also prevent constipation. Magnesium has a laxative effect. Which means it draws water into the stools, making them softer and easier to pass through the intestinal walls.

How much weight can you lose eating cottage cheese? ›

And many folks simply feel this special protein provides advantages other proteins don't. “Cottage cheese is awesome,” raves New York weight loss expert Tro Kalayjian, DO, who personally shed 150 pounds while enjoying lots of the stuff. If you want to get lean, “it's one of the best foods you can eat.”

Can you lose weight by eating cottage cheese before bed? ›

According to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming cottage cheese before going to sleep can help you lose weight. The findings suggest that low calorie foods boost metabolism, muscles and overall wellbeing, even while you're asleep.

How much cottage cheese per day for weight loss? ›

If you're on a calorie deficit for weight loss, be sure to track your calorie intake from each 100-gram serving of cottage cheese on top of other foods you eat within the day. For example, a person limiting themselves to 1,500 calories per day may get their 200-300 calories from two to three servings of cottage cheese.

Why does eating cottage cheese before bed help you lose weight? ›

Here's where metabolic magic happens: The amount of muscle our body has is one of the primary drivers in determining how many calories we burn each day. "Other research supports that cottage cheese before bed actually does increase metabolism the next morning," Reaver says.

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