30 High-Protein Meals Made with Cottage Cheese
This post is dedicated to my co-worker who is OBSESSED with cottage cheese. Literally any recipe- he’s shamelessly adding it to boost his protein intake. But I can’t blame him. It’s a whole food. It tastes great and it’s incredibly versatile and an excellent ingredient to support weight loss. So Scott – this one is for you!
Cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, and according to the American Dairy Association it packs about 12 grams per 1/2 cup serving.1 Not only does it boast high protein content, but its creamy texture makes it a versatile ingredient for a variety of meals. Whether you’re a fan of the taste of cottage cheese or looking for ways to sneak more protein into your diet, these recipes are great additions to your meal plan. Here, I’ve compiled the best cottage cheese recipes that are gluten-free and perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks, each designed to deliver at least 30 grams of protein.
Table of contents
Breakfast:
Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls: Start your day with these bowls combining cottage cheese, fresh berries, a scoop of protein powder, and a touch of honey. Blend in a food processor for a creamy texture similar to Greek yogurt.
High-Protein Pancakes: Mix cottage cheese with oats, eggs, and a scoop of your favorite protein powder. Cook on medium heat for pancakes that are a healthy breakfast option and a good source of calcium.
Savory Cottage Cheese Bowl: For those who prefer savory recipes, this bowl mixes cottage cheese with avocado, cherry tomatoes, and olive oil. It’s a great way to incorporate healthy fats and important nutrients into your morning routine.
Cottage Cheese Toast: Upgrade your toast with a spread of cottage cheese, topped with sliced bell peppers and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Place under the broiler for a few minutes until the cheese melts for added deliciousness.
High-Protein Omelette: Whip up an omelette by adding 1/2 cup of cottage cheese into the egg mixture. Throw in fresh veggies and cooked chicken for extra protein and flavor.
Cottage Cheese Cake Overnight Oats: Combine 1/2 cup of cottage cheese with 1/2 cup rolled oats. Mix in a touch of vanilla, and 1/2 a mashed banana and let sit overnight. Top with fresh raspberries. It’s one of the best ways to have cake for breakfast! Add stevia as needed for sweetness.
Lunch:
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce: A healthier version of the classic alfredo made with cottage cheese, parmesan cheese, garlic and fresh herbs blended until smooth. Serve over your favorite gluten free pasta for a nutritious lunch.
Cottage Cheese and Quinoa Salad: A filling salad that combines the protein power of quinoa and cottage cheese with fresh greens and a lemon olive oil dressing.
Stuffed Bell Peppers: Mix cottage cheese, cooked lean ground turkey, and quinoa for a filling, then stuff into bell peppers. Bake in the oven until the peppers are tender.
Cottage Cheese Tacos: Replace traditional taco meat with a blend of cottage cheese, taco seasoning, and black beans, served in lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
Savory Cottage Cheese Dip: Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then mix with diced tomatoes, green onions, and a touch of garlic for a dip that goes well with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad: For a refreshing twist, mix chopped boiled eggs with cottage cheese, mustard, and herbs for a high-protein egg salad.
Dinner:
Cottage Cheese Lasagna: Substituting ricotta with cottage cheese is a great way to boost the protein content in this classic dish. Layer with cooked pasta, your favorite sauce, and plenty of vegetables. I’ve done it several times with my baked ziti recipe!
Cottage Cheese Pizza: Swap out mozzarella for cottage cheese on your pizza for an unusual but tasty twist. Add toppings like cooked chicken breast, spinach, and bell peppers for added nutrients.
Cottage Cheese Stuffed Chicken: Stuff chicken breasts with a mixture of cottage cheese, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes, then bake until juicy and tender.
Creamy Cottage Cheese Vodka Sauce: Make a quick cottage cheese Vodka sauce to create a creamy, satisfying pasta dish paired with grilled chicken. Zip cottage cheese with your favorite jarred marinara sauce and then heat and serve!
You can easily replace the ricotta in this recipe with cottage cheese.
Cottage Cheese Burrito Bowl: Mix cottage cheese with rice, beans, and fajita vegetables for a hearty and nutritious meal.
Cottage Cheese Bolognese: Replace half the meat in your traditional Bolognese sauce with cottage cheese for a lighter, yet still protein-rich sauce.
Snacks:
Cottage Cheese Ice Cream: Combine cottage cheese with coconut milk and your choice of sweetener, then freeze for a healthy alternative to traditional ice cream. Check out my recipe here!
Cottage Cheese Energy Balls: Blend cottage cheese with oats, chia seeds, protein powder, and a bit of honey, then roll into balls and refrigerate—a perfect pre-workout snack.
Cottage Cheese and Fruit Parfait: Layer cottage cheese with fresh fruits, a drizzle of honey, and some granola for a quick and easy snack.
Cottage Cheese Dip for Fresh Veggies: Blend cottage cheese until smooth, then season with your favorite spice mix. I like the Trader Joe’s Ranch seasoning for a kid friendly dip that pairs well with any type of fresh vegetables.
Cottage Cheese Caprese Bites: A simple snack of a slice of tomato, topped with a scoop of cottage cheese, basil leaf, and a drizzle of balsamic glaze. Don’t forget the flaky sea salt!
Cottage Cheese on Toast: Just scoop your cottage cheese onto your favorite gluten free bread or seed cracker. Top withe diced tomato, chive and everything but the bagel seasoning.
Additional Meal Ideas:
Protein-Packed Smoothies: Blend cottage cheese with fresh or frozen fruit, almond milk, and a scoop of protein powder for an easy way to increase your protein intake.
Cottage Cheese-Stuffed Avocado: Halve an avocado and fill with cottage cheese, topped with salsa and a squeeze of lime, for a balance of creamy and tangy flavors.
Cottage Cheese Frittata: Beat eggs with cottage cheese, pour into a baking dish, and add your choice of vegetables and cheese. Bake until set for a high-protein, easy meal prep option.
Cottage Cheese Meatballs: Combine cottage cheese with ground meat, breadcrumbs (gluten-free options available), and spices. Basically use in place of your liquid or eggs. Bake and serve with your favorite sauce.
Savory Cottage Cheese Crepes: Fill crepes with cottage cheese mixed with herbs and shredded chicken for a delightful lunch or dinner option.
Cottage Cheese and Berry Compote: A simple dessert or snack, layer cottage cheese with a homemade berry compote for a burst of flavor.
Incorporating cottage cheese into your meals is not only an easy way to boost your protein intake but also enhances the flavor and texture of dishes. From the creamy sauce of a lasagna to the sweet satisfaction of cheesecake, cottage cheese proves to be a great ingredient for anyone looking to maintain a healthy, high-protein diet.
Benefits of eating cottage cheese
It’s a good source of high-quality protein. With about 12 grams of protein per half-cup serving, cottage cheese is an excellent source of casein protein.
It’s a source of bone-strengthening minerals: Cottage cheese is packed with calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium, which are vital for strong, healthy bones.
Can be low in fat: Available in low-fat and nonfat varieties, cottage cheese is an excellent option for those looking to reduce their fat intake without sacrificing taste or nutritional value.
Gut Health Benefits: When produced with live and active cultures, cottage cheese can offer probiotics similar to yogurt, promoting a healthy gut microbiome.
Macros
This is a list of ideas. You will need to play with the amounts you use to fit your macro goals. Feel free to DM or email me with questions!
References
1. https://www.americandairy.com/health-wellness/benefits-of-dairy/cottage-cheese/
