Cottage cheese wasn’t always a popular kitchen staple. You probably saw it in your grandma’s refrigerator and opted for Greek yogurt instead. Thanks to trendy and versatile TikTok recipes, cottage cheese is having a huge moment, thanks to its high-protein, low-calorie “cool” factor.
Along with enjoying cottage cheese as is, you can use it as a higher-protein swap for creamy dips or desserts — and you won’t even notice it in the final product. Here are some mouth-watering cottage cheese recipes that offer a fresh take on the ingredient.
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1. Cottage Cheese Dips
Step aside, sour cream – cottage cheese makes a perfect creamy base for dips, with four times the protein. Here are five mouth-watering ways to transform cottage cheese into a creamy dip.
Roasted Garlic White Bean Dip
Courtesy of Running to the Kitchen
Cottage cheese roasted garlic white bean dip is a high-protein alternative to the classic appetizer. The white beans provide additional protein and fiber to keep you full and energized. Simply blend the cottage cheese with beans and garlic for a smooth and creamy texture, perfect with pita bread and vegetables.
Try this recipe from Running to the Kitchen.
Red Pepper Cottage Cheese Dip
Courtesy of Appetizer Addiction
Jarred roasted red peppers, cottage cheese, and just a few other ingredients come together in five minutes flat for this rich, luscious cottage cheese-based dip. The peppers also lend a pop of color and a hit of vitamin C. Serve with whole-grain crackers or sliced vegetables.
Try this recipe from Appetizer Addiction.
Ranch Cottage Cheese Dip
Courtesy of What Molly Made
Whether you use it as a dip for vegetables or chicken wings, or drizzle it on pizza, ranch is always a crowd-pleaser. In this cottage cheese twist, add ranch seasoning, lemon juice, and cottage cheese to a blender and mix until creamy. Cottage cheese is naturally salty, so start with half of the ranch seasoning and taste as you go. For more protein and richness, consider adding some Greek yogurt, too.
Try this recipe from What Molly Made.
Cottage Cheese Avocado Salsa Dip
Courtesy of The Lazy Dish
Anyone who’s a fan of the classic seven-layer dip will love this recipe. Simply combine cottage cheese, your favorite salsa, and smashed avocado, and in just minutes, you have a satisfying taco dip everyone will love. Dip in tortilla chips, or try sliced jicama.
Try this recipe from The Lazy Dish.
Cottage Cheese Queso
That popular cheesy snack gets a glow-up thanks to cottage cheese. This version contains just a few ingredients, and you can make it in the microwave. Serve it with tortilla chips and/or vegetables.
Try this recipe from The Cheese Knees.
2. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta
Courtesy of A Couple Cooks
Make your Alfredo sauce a protein powerhouse with cottage cheese. This version has no butter or cream, but you won’t miss either, thanks to the creamy, rich flavor of cottage cheese and Parmesan. Serve with broccoli for added fiber and other nutrients.
Try this recipe from Nourished by Nic.
3. Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls
Courtesy of A Couple Cooks
Breakfast bowls have been trending for a while now, and though they usually feature yogurt, they’re equally good with a base of cottage cheese. Top them however you like, with berries, nuts, cinnamon, and/or honey. Tip: If you’re not a fan of the natural texture of cottage cheese, try blending it for a smooth base similar to yogurt.
Try this recipe from A Couple Cooks.
4. Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
Courtesy of Food Faith Fitness
Craving something sweet? This cottage cheese cheesecake is surprisingly packed with protein yet still tastes like dessert. The cottage cheese lends a rich and tangy taste and a creamy texture, as satisfying as traditional cheesecake recipes. Swirl in some strawberry jam for sweetness.
Try this recipe from Food Faith Fitness.
5. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
Courtesy of FeelGoodFoodie
When you whip together cottage cheese, honey, and berries, you create a creamy consistency that freezes beautifully into “ice cream.” With only three ingredients and three easy steps, you can whip this up quickly and easily when you want a treat. Bonus: Try out different flavor combinations like peanut butter and banana, or strawberry and graham cracker.
Try this recipe from FeelGoodFoodie
Read next: 7 Cottage Cheese Breakfast Recipes Full of Protein
6. Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Courtesy of Eat the Gains
Fluffy pancakes are a brunch favorite. Add cottage cheese to your batter to provide a punch of protein that will keep you full until lunch. Top with fresh berries and maple syrup for a touch of sweetness. For extra protein, serve with peanut butter.
Try this recipe from Eat the Gains
7. Cottage Cheese Sweet Potato Toast
Courtesy of Laura Fuentes
Swap your bread for another carb like sweet potato to add more whole foods to your breakfast. Top with a spoonful of cottage cheese and fresh berries for additional fiber and nutrients.
Try this recipe from Laura Fuentes
8. Cottage Cheese Salad
Courtesy of Eating Bird Food
Greek salad lovers should try this cottage cheese salad that swaps out feta for cottage cheese. The result is a fresh take on the classic with even more filling ingredients. Top with tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, and fresh herbs. Make it as is, or swap in other vegetables you have on hand.
Try this recipe from Eating Bird Food
9. Cottage Cheese Lemon Mousse
Courtesy of Life Around the Table
Cottage cheese mousse is a high-protein alternative to a classic dessert without any refined sugar. With only 4 ingredients, this can be ready to eat in 30 minutes. Whip cottage cheese, maple syrup, lemon zest, and juice for the perfect after-dinner treat. Tip: When you drain the cottage cheese, save the whey left behind to use in a smoothie or dressing.
Try this recipe from Life Around The Table
10. Blueberry Banana Cottage Cheese Smoothie
Courtesy of Daisybeet
Smoothies are the perfect healthy on-the-go breakfast or snack. Add cottage cheese for a thick and creamy texture. Combine with bananas, blueberries, cottage cheese, and milk for a protein and fiber-packed drink. Bonus: Add protein powder to help keep you full for longer.
Try this recipe from Daisybeet
11. Blended Cottage Cheese Banana and Peanut Butter Muffins
Courtesy of Half Baked Harvest
These chocolate chip peanut butter muffins are perfect to meal prep and take on the go. Blend cottage cheese, bananas, peanut butter, flour, and baking soda to create a light, fluffy batter. Top with more peanut butter and chocolate chips for extra richness.
Try this recipe from Half Baked Harvest
12. Chocolate Protein Mousse
Courtesy of Fit Foodie Finds
This chocolate mousse is a protein-dense alternative to the classic, heavy cream-based dessert. Blend cottage cheese in a food processor for a smooth texture, then add in your cocoa and chocolate protein powder. Tip: Add a spoonful of peanut butter for a subtle peanut flavor.
Try this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds
13. Lasagna with Cottage Cheese
Courtesy of Midwest Foodie
Want a boost of protein at dinner time? Lasagna with cottage cheese is the perfect savory addition to an already comforting meal. Replace your ricotta with cottage cheese for added protein that offers a tangy flavor full of nutrients like calcium and B12.
Try this recipe from Midwest Foodie
14. Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats
Courtesy of I Heart Vegetables
Cottage cheese elevates any overnight oats recipe. Grab this satisfying breakfast as you run out the door on busy mornings. To prep, combine rolled oats with your favorite milk, cottage cheese, frozen berries, and honey. Tip: Blend together your cottage cheese and milk for a silky, smooth texture.
Try this recipe from I Heart Vegetables
15. Cottage Cheese and Smoked Salmon Breakfast Bowls
Courtesy of Foxes Love Lemons
Replace your smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel with this cottage cheese salmon breakfast bowl. Start with a cottage cheese base and top with boiled eggs, smoked salmon, cucumbers, and scallions. Season with salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of heat, finish with a drizzle of hot sauce.
Try this recipe from Foxes Love Lemons
Read More: Tasty Ground Sausage Recipes for Easy Weeknight Meals
