23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (2024)

Cottage cheese is a beloved ingredient used in kitchens worldwide for centuries. Its high protein and calcium count make it a healthy food for meal planning. If you have a tub in the fridge, there are many ways to enjoy it beyond plain or with fruit (though we like it that way, too). So whether you're in the mood for pancakes, veggies with dip, or even lasagna, there's a cottage cheese recipe for you.

18 of the Best Cheese Dishes Ever Created in Our Test Kitchen

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (1)

01of 23

Honey-Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancakes

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (2)

Plain cottage cheese pancakes are already great, but these will hit your breakfast out of the park. Lemon zest, vanilla, blueberries, and honey combine to create the irresistible flavor of your new favorite short (or tall, we don't judge) stack of pancakes.

Does Maple Syrup Need to Be Refrigerated? Here’s How to Store It

02of 23

Cottage Cheese Pizza Toasts

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (3)

Give your ordinary toast a major upgrade with pizza sauce, cottage cheese, and your favorite toppings. We're also including cottage cheese recipe variations for pesto pizza toast and white pizza toast.

03of 23

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (4)

This fruit and cottage cheese recipe is an upgraded version of the one you're used to having at Grandma's house. Along with fresh berries and kiwi, extra texture comes with every bite in this bowl by topping with granola, dried apricot pieces, and chia seeds.

12 Quick-and-Easy Healthy Breakfast Ideas to Kickstart Your Day

04of 23

Classic Lasagna

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (5)

If you've never made this comfort food from scratch, cottage cheese is the secret ingredient to our favorite lasagna recipe. (You can also use ricotta if you don't have cottage cheese.) We can smell the bubbly layers of cheese and tomatoes right now.

05of 23

Cottage Cheese-Dill Dip

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (6)

Prepare to meet your new favorite party dip. This low-fat cottage cheese recipe includes green onion, herbs, and spices. Chill (up to 24 hours!) until your guests arrive. Serve with veggies and crackers.

Sou Bourek

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (7)

This delightful cottage cheese recipe by chef Carrie Nahabedian pays tribute to her Armenian roots. Layers of fresh noodles are filled with a mixture of eggs, cottage cheese, and shredded Muenster or Monterrey Jack cheese. If you don't have time to make the noodles from scratch, you can still accomplish an equally tasty dish with wide egg noodles.

Homemade Gluten-Free Noodles

07of 23

Spinach and Feta Casserole

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (8)

With more than 75 ratings, here's a recipe you shouldn't pass up. This creamy cottage cheese recipe gets a bit of extra tang from crumbled feta cheese. Tote this easy vegetable side dish to your next cookout or serve it alongside chicken breast for a wholesome, low-carb meal.

The Best Potluck Casseroles That Will Have Everyone Asking for Seconds

08of 23

Honey and Poppy Seed Biscuits

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (9)

Here's another delicious cottage cheese recipe for bread. Instead of butter, these flaky biscuits utilize cottage cheese. A biscuit mix helps keep prep time (and the ingredient count) down. Serve warm with homemade jam alongside eggs for breakfast or lunch.

09of 23

Copycat Bacon and Gruyere Egg Bites

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (10)

Cottage cheese helps give these filling egg bites the same fluffy texture as your favorite coffee shop. Prepare a few of these to store in the fridge on Sunday, so you'll have breakfast ready for a few days during the busy week ahead.

16 Mason Jar Recipes for Easy, Portable Meals

10of 23

Mina (Matzo Pie with Spinach and Leeks)

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (11)

Matzo is an unleavened bread that's traditionally served during Passover. This recipe layers the bread with a filling of spinach, leeks, feta, and cottage cheese. It's a crave-worthy vegetarian meal even meat eaters will devour.

11of 23

Lightened-Up Spaghetti Pie

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (12)

Craving Italian but want a quick, healthier option? Get those same delicious flavors in this savory cottage cheese recipe. Ground turkey is swapped for beef, and fresh veggies (mushrooms, green bell peppers, and onion) provide extra nutrients.

How to Cook Spaghetti Squash as a Low-Carb Pasta Alternative

12of 23

Cottage Cheese Puff

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (13)

This nostalgic BHG cottage cheese recipe dates back to the '70s! Whipped eggs give this soufflé-like dish an airy texture while the cheese gives it some tang. It would make an excellent vegetarian dish for brunch or dinner.

13of 23

Key Lime Cheesecake Bars

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (14)

No one will ever guess this lightened-up sweet treat is a cottage cheese recipe. Blend the curds with cream cheese and lime-flavor gelatin before pouring over a graham cracker crust. This no-bake dessert gives the same delicious flavor of a key lime pie with far less time or stress to prepare.

14of 23

Million Dollar Spaghetti

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (15)

A few extra ingredients help this baked spaghetti recipe earn its million-dollar name. Adding cottage cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese, along with the meaty sauce, ensures the finished dish is rich and creamy.

Inside-Out Spaghetti Pie

15of 23

Hamburger Cheese Bake

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (16)

This weeknight-ready cottage cheese recipe can be on the table in under an hour. The hearty casserole is filled with ground beef, cottage cheese, and wide noodles. As one BHG home cook raved, "This is one of my family's favorite meals! Have been making this for years."

16of 23

Classic Lasagna Soup

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (17)

Skip the fuss of making a pan of lasagna and whip up this hearty soup instead. Each bowl is topped with a dollop of a creamy cottage cheese and Parmesan mixture. Season the finished soup with plenty of fresh basil.

17of 23

Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (18)

This easy diced chicken and cottage cheese casserole recipe includes cream cheese and sour cream. Top the bubbly baked dish with crushed butter crackers and freshly sliced green onions.

What to Eat With Cream Cheese (Beyond Bagels) and Yummy Recipes to Try

18of 23

Whole Grain Waffles

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (19)

Add a little protein to your morning stack with this cottage cheese waffle recipe. Wheat germ in the batter adds texture, while almond butter adds a nutty flavor to the high-protein breakfast.

How to Deep-Clean Your Waffle Maker Without Damaging It

19of 23

Vegetable Lasagna

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (20)

This vegetarian lasagna recipe is loaded with mushrooms, broccoli, spinach, and carrots. The creamy layers are made with ricotta cheese, cottage cheese, and Italian seasoning. Top the layered dish with mozzarella and shredded Parmesan cheese.

20of 23

Sheet Pan Lasagna

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (21)

If the crispy edges are your favorite part of lasagna, meet your new favorite cottage cheese recipe. Cooking lasagna in a sheet pan allows for more area to become caramelized. Don't worry; all the melty goodness you love is there, too!

21of 23

Caesar Dip with Vegetables

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (22)

Transform the flavors of a classic Caesar dressing into a creamy veggie dip. When blended, cottage cheese becomes smooth and velvety. Mix up the entire dip in your food processor and serve with fresh veggies or potato chips.

22of 23

Bagel, Lox, and Egg Strata

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (23)

If your go-to breakfast is a bagel topped with lox, this is the breakfast casserole you need to try. Bagel pieces are topped with a cottage cheese and egg mixture, lox, and fresh chives to make it. Add Swiss cheese for melted texture and flavor.

These 2-Ingredient Bagels are Easy to Make and Taste Amazing

23of 23

Overnight Breakfast Pie

View Recipe

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (24)

Prep this cottage cheese recipe for breakfast the night before you plan to serve it. To assemble, crispy bacon is mixed with eggs, cottage cheese, and hash browns before being piled into a pie crust.

23 Cottage Cheese Recipes You’ll Actually Crave (2024)

FAQs

Why am I craving cottage cheese? ›

Ooey gooey Cheese — and other types of dairy — cravings may mean that your body is in need of more Vitamin A or D (most of us have a Vitamin D deficiency, after all). But it's more likely that you just need a mood boost.

What can I eat with cottage cheese for weight loss? ›

Healthy ways to enjoy cottage cheese

You can cut calories and fat from your diet and promote healthy weight loss by substituting cottage cheese for other foods. Here are some suggestions: Add cottage cheese to your morning smoothie. Top cottage cheese with fresh berries, mango, or pineapple for a healthy snack.

What can I add to cottage cheese to make it taste better? ›

SAVORY
  1. Veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and avocado: pretty much whatever suits your fancy. And a drizzle of olive oil.
  2. Seeds and nuts. Stir in your favorites together or separately.
  3. Grains. Quinoa, anyone?
  4. Salsa. You decide: mild, medium or hot! Or try hot sauce.
  5. Eggs. Plus salt and pepper.
  6. Crumbled bacon. Yum!

Is cottage cheese actually healthy? ›

Cottage cheese is high in protein and is an excellent source of calcium. Choosing a low-fat cottage cheese can reduce saturated fat intake when substituting it for other higher fat foods, such as cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise or ricotta cheese. It's also full of vitamins and minerals that support a healthy diet.

Is it OK to eat cottage cheese every day? ›

This fad diet provides quick weight loss by using cottage cheese as the basis for your meals. 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.

Will I lose weight if I eat cottage cheese everyday? ›

Aids in weight loss

Low in fat: Full-fat cottage cheese contains less fat than some other cheeses (4% fat versus 30% fat in cheddar), and its high protein makes it an excellent low-fat option. Provides calcium: Studies show that increasing calcium can help you lose weight when combined with a calorie-restricted diet.

What pairs well with cottage cheese? ›

When you combine it with veggies, nuts or fruit, you get a satisfying yet healthy twist to an old favorite.
  • Avocados with Cilantro & Tomatoes. ...
  • Bananas & Pecans. ...
  • Beets & Baby Romaine. ...
  • Blackberries & Walnuts. ...
  • Blueberries & Almonds. ...
  • Figs with Pistachios & Cardamom. ...
  • Granny Smith Apples & Cinnamon. ...
  • Grapefruit with Mint & Honey.
Dec 22, 2014

Is cottage cheese inflammatory? ›

Based on the body of science, dairy foods like milk, yogurt and cheese do not cause inflammation and can be a part of anti-inflammatory diets.

Is cottage cheese good for losing belly fat? ›

When talking of what foods help burn belly fat, cottage cheese is one that has weight loss properties. Cottage cheese is rich in protein which can improve metabolism and prevent weight gain. It is also low in calories while being packed with calcium, vitamins B, selenium, and phosphorus.

How to season up cottage cheese? ›

For a quick snack, keep a batch of the cheese mixture in the fridge. Instead of toast, try it with celery or carrot sticks. Combine the cottage cheese, dill, tarragon, chives, salt and white pepper in a small bowl. Spread about 1/4 cup of the cottage cheese mixture on each slice of warm toast.

What's healthier Greek yogurt or cottage cheese? ›

Greek yogurt's advantage is very slight due to a little more calcium, lower sodium and a higher chance of containing probiotics. With that said, if you opt for a flavored variety instead of plain Greek yogurt, it might add more sugar than you're looking for, so choose plain and sweeten it with fruit.

What is the most popular way to eat cottage cheese? ›

How to Eat Cottage Cheese
  1. By itself. If you like the flavor, you can (and many people do!) ...
  2. Topped with fruit. One of the most common ways to eat cottage cheese is by topping it with fresh fruit, like strawberries, blueberries, or kiwi.
  3. Topped with salt and pepper. ...
  4. Mixed with honey. ...
  5. With a salad.
May 5, 2023

What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›

The 30-30-30 rule is simple. It involves eating 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes after you wake up, which is then followed by 30 minutes of exercise. You can eat whatever else you want with your breakfast, but the 30 grams of protein is key.

How much is too much cottage cheese a day? ›

“I would consider limiting cottage cheese intake to 1 cup per day to allow for nutrient variety,” Voelkers advises.

What type of cottage cheese is healthiest? ›

Fat-free, 1% and 2% fat cottage cheese have less saturated fat and fewer calories than the 4% fat variety, which includes cream. Lower fat varieties also generally have slightly more protein.

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.

What does cottage cheese do for your gut? ›

Besides the reasons outlined above, cottage cheese may help with gut health. Since it is often fermented, (a process that helps remove the cheese curds from the liquid) cottage cheese may contain “good” bacteria called probiotics. Snodgrass says probiotics are “crucial” to good digestion.

Is cottage cheese inflammatory to the body? ›

A 2021 study of 35,352 postmenopausal women published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reported a connection between higher intakes of dairy foods (including cottage cheese) and lower levels of CRP and IL-6.

What vitamin deficiency causes craving for cheese? ›

For instance, chocolate cravings are often blamed on low magnesium levels, whereas cravings for meat or cheese are often seen as a sign of low iron or calcium levels.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 5350

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.