Creative Ways to Use Cottage Cheese

    Creative Ways to Use Cottage Cheese

    An everything cottage cheese bagel sliced in half, with one half spread with cream cheese and the other half resting nearby on parchment paper. Two more whole everything bagels are partially visible.

    Cottage cheese isn’t just for plain bowls and fruit anymore! These creative cottage cheese recipes transform it into everything from high-protein breakfasts to creamy dips and even dessert.

    An everything cottage cheese bagel sliced in half, with one half spread with cream cheese and the other half resting nearby on parchment paper. Two more whole everything bagels are partially visible.

    Cottage cheese—who knew?!

    cookbook author erin clarke of well plated

    Cottage cheese wasn’t always on my radar. It felt retro, and not in a good way. I always thought of it as something scooped onto a bed of lettuce or paired with canned fruit, meant to be eaten by people in leg warmers after their Jazzercise classes.

    But then the cottage cheese trend happened and I tentatively decided to give it a try. And it worked! Whether it was blended into Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce, scooped into Ground Beef Cottage Cheese Bowl, or stirred into Cottage Cheese Dip, it never let me down. 

    Cottage cheese is creamy, mild, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to work into the kinds of foods you’re already eating. (Which means not paired with canned fruit cocktail.)

    These cottage cheese recipes are totally worth adding to your menu.

    Why I’m Fully on Board the Cottage Cheese Train

    Choo-choo! There really is a lot to love about humble cottage cheese:

    • It Adds Creaminess. Blend it, and it turns silky smooth, perfect for sauces and spreads. (And also perfect for anyone who’s not a fan of the texture of the curds.)
    • It Boosts Protein. Cottage cheese has 25 grams of protein per cup, making it any easy way to boost the protein in your day.
    • It’s Mild and Versatile. The mild flavor of cottage cheese means it lends itself well to both sweet and savory recipes.
    • It Works as a Swap. Although it depends on the recipe you’re making, I’ve used cottage cheese as a swap for mayo, sour cream, heavy cream, and ricotta (hello, Crock Pot Lasagna!) in my cooking.

    7 Creative Cottage Cheese Recipes to Try

    A close-up of a round, golden-brown cottage cheese bagel topped with a mixture of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, dried onion, and garlic on a sheet of parchment paper.
    Cottage Cheese Bagels
    These Cottage Cheese Bagels are soft, chewy, and surprisingly easy to make. Cottage cheese adds both protein and structure, and since this recipe is made without yeast, it comes together easy peasy.
    Check out this recipe
    Cottage cheese eggs on plate with toast and salad
    Cottage Cheese Eggs
    Creamy, fluffy, and packed with protein, Cottage Cheese Eggs are a simple breakfast upgrade. The cottage cheese melts right into the eggs, making them extra soft and satisfying.
    Check out this recipe
    Cottage cheese toast with 6 topping options.
    Cottage Cheese Toast
    Cottage Cheese Toast is endlessly customizable. Make it sweet or savory, simple or loaded with toppings. However you serve it, it’s an awesome protein-packed snack!
    Check out this recipe
    cottage cheese wrap filled with chicken caesar salad
    Cottage Cheese Wrap
    This Cottage Cheese Wrap is soft, sturdy, and a great way to build a quick meal with whatever you have on hand. I love keeping it simple and stuffing them with lunch meat and crisp veggies.
    Check out this recipe
    cottage cheese flatbread topped with melted cheese, fresh basil, sliced cherry tomatoes, and drizzled with balsamic glaze. Pieces are cut, revealing a crispy crust beneath the toppings. Placed on brown parchment paper.
    Cottage Cheese Pizza
    Cottage Cheese Pizza is one of my go-to lunch options lately. Customize the high protein crust with your favorite sauces and toppings.
    Check out this recipe
    A bowl of creamy cottage cheese ice cream with chocolate chips, served with a gold spoon on a marble surface.
    Cottage Cheese Ice Cream
    Yes, really! Cottage Cheese Ice Cream is smooth, creamy, and so delicious. It's a legit treat!
    Check out this recipe
    cottage cheese queso in a bowl with tortilla chips
    Cottage Cheese Queso
    This Cottage Cheese Queso is creamy, cheesy, and perfect for dipping ALL the things.
    Check out this recipe

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