35 Easy Cottage Cheese Recipes To Try Out

These cottage cheese recipes are a delicious answer to the question, “what should I eat”?

Whether you’re planning a big dinner or looking for a light lunch, cottage cheese is a fantastic ingredient that adds texture, flavor, and creaminess to any dish, sweet or savory. 

Packed full of protein and nutrients, cottage cheese is an underrated dairy product. It can be eaten straight out of the container or baked into a lasagna. I like to use it as a dressing for my salads. It’s that good! 

I’ve compiled a list of 35 sweet and savory cottage cheese recipes to cater to all taste buds. 

Quick Table: Cottage Cheese Recipes

Recipes	Calories Per serving	Preparation Time
Cottage Cheese Pancakes	214	45 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs	173	10 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce	125	25 Minutes
Peach Pie Cottage Cheese Bowls	272	15 Minutes
Spinach Lasagna Roll Ups	224	30 Minutes
Weeknight Skillet Lasagna	361	30 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Egg & Sausage Frittata	233	30 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Toast	170	10 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Buns	151	45 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Biscuits	100	30 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Pasta Alfredo	371	25 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Stuffed Chicken	276	1 Hour
Cottage Cheese & Egg Muffins	223	30 Minutes
Savory Breakfast Bowl	623	10 Minutes
Cottage Cheesecake Loaf	123	1 Hour 55 Minutes
Pecan Cheesecake Pudding	236	15 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Herbed Pita Flatbread	329	33 Minutes
Noodle Kugel	618	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles	411	1 Hour 10 Minutes
Dijon Dill Salmon Salad	555	20 Minutes
Easy Protein Waffles	503	15 Minutes
Jajik Chicken with Za’atar Potatoes	218	45 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Crab Bowl	149	5 Minutes
Berry Oaty Breakfast Bars	149	50 Minutes
Cheesy Potato Casserole	213	1 Hour
Roasted Broccoli Toast	N/A	50 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Dip	49	5 Minutes
Instant Pot Mac & Cheese	430	15 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Cookies	88	25 Minutes
Chickpea & Cottage CheeseTostada	599	55 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Egg Salad	145	15 Minutes
Smoked Salmon Cottage Cheese Bites	9	10 Minutes
Savory Crepe, Avocado & Tomatoes	421	15 Minutes
Sweet Potato Fajita Cottage Cheese Bowls	227	30 Minutes
Cottage Cheese Sandwich	264	10 Minutes

1. Cottage Cheese Pancakes 

Pancakes are a classic breakfast meal, so consider these crispy, golden brown delights an upgrade. They’re rich in protein and soft and warm in the center, thanks to the cottage cheese.

If you use wholemeal or oat flour, they can be quite filling, so they’re great for a pre-gym or post-workout meal. 

You could make them larger, but I like small pancakes. They’re easier to pack for a day out and a suitable portion for kids. Drizzle some syrup or jam on top and garnish with fresh fruits!

Calories Per Serving: 214

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

2. Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs

When you think about it, scrambled eggs and cottage cheese share the same texture and look, so it only makes sense to combine them into a fluffy, rich scrambled egg that pairs perfectly with warm toast.

In addition, the fused protein from the egg and cheese gives a powerful energy kick and over 17grams of protein. 

Add paprika, black pepper, and chili powder to spice your eggs. Keep your heat low while frying the egg to prevent a rubbery result. Top your eggs with chives, cilantro, or freshly ground black pepper.  

Calories Per Serving: 173

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

3. Cottage Cheese Alfredo Sauce 

Creamy, smooth, and refreshingly light, this alfredo sauce is perfect for pasta night. It’s lower in carbs, fat, and calories, making it an excellent substitute for the traditionally rich Italian sauce.

With simple ingredients like cottage cheese, milk, cornstarch, and spices, it takes 25 minutes to get this to your dinner plate. 

You can go with the classic spaghetti shape like bucatini or angel hair or use fusilli or bow-shaped pasta. I like a large pasta like pappardelle since the noodle is flat enough to carry the light sauce. 

Calories Per Serving: 125

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

4. Peach Pie Cottage Cheese Bowls 

Cottage cheese is just as tasty if you want a change from traditional breakfast oats. In fact, I’d argue that these cottage cheese bowls could replace my oatmeal-filled mornings. It tastes like a creamy, warm peach cobbler drizzled in honey. 

The peaches are caramelized in brown sugar and cinnamon, and you can control how much brown sugar you put into your bowl, even with the honey. This meal has around 2 grams of sugar, significantly less than cereal or pancakes.

Calories Per Serving: 272

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

5. Spinach Lasagna Roll-Ups 

If you’re sick of people fighting over your delicious lasagna, try these individually portioned roll-ups stuffed with hearty spinach and velvety cottage cheese.

When it comes to spinach, I recommend baby spinach as it’s softer than regular spinach and will cook quickly in the oven.  

Roll a mix of baby spinach, cheese, and seasoning into pre-boiled lasagna noodles. I like to make my own ragu, but you can get by with canned spaghetti sauce, especially if you’re in a rush. Top with parmesan cheese and bake until golden brown. 

Calories Per Serving: 224

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

6. Weeknight Skillet Lasagna 

Skillet cooking is an easy, mess-free way to get your entire dinner into one pot. In place of ricotta cheese, use cottage cheese. The textures are similar, so you won’t miss out on anything flavor-wise. 

You can use regular beef mince, but Italian sausage with the casing removed works best. The pre-spiced meat blends beautifully with the cheese and sauce.

Cook the beef beforehand to prevent extra moisture while cooking. The result should be a toasty lasagna filled with chunky noodles, marinara sauce, mushrooms, and cheese. 

Calories Per Serving: 361

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

RELATED: How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last Before Going Bad?

7. Cottage Cheese Egg & Sausage Frittata

Frittatas are a popular morning meal with light ingredients and plenty of flavors.

You could easily switch this to a lunch or dinner option by adding cottage cheese, sausage, and spinach. This recipe uses chicken sausage, but whichever link you prefer works fine. 

Cook the sausage first, then add the egg, cottage cheese, and spinach mix. Once the frittata is done, flip it over onto a large plate. The sausage will be on top, acting like a rich coating for the soft and fluffy center. 

Calories Per Serving: 233 

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

8. Cottage Cheese Toast 

Gone are the days when you would have a boring slab of toast next to your morning coffee. From avocado to cottage cheese, toast toppings have become healthy and tasty.

Given the versatility that comes with cottage cheese, you can add anything literally to it, and it’ll taste good. 

For vegetarians, try peach, spinach, avocado, radish, cucumber, or egg toppings. Those who like hearty protein can sprinkle cooked sausage or bacon on their toast.

If you’re feeling fruity, add some strawberries and blueberries. For variety, try a different topping each week. 

Calories Per Serving: 170

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

9. Cottage Cheese Buns 

These simple yet tasty cottage cheese buns are a great dinner roll option that pairs well with the stuffed chicken and skillet lasagna recipes.

All you need is cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, baking soda, flour, and oil. If you want an extra fluffy dough, replace the baking soda with yeast and let your dough rise until it doubles in size. 

For a golden brown finish, use a light egg wash and sprinkle some sugar on top before baking. The sugar will caramelize, creating a crunchy crust. Serve warm alongside a soup or pasta dish.  

Calories Per Serving: 151

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

10. Cottage Cheese Biscuits 

With this cheesy take on traditional biscuits, let’s keep the bun train rolling. They only need 6 ingredients and come together in 30 minutes, making them an excellent breakfast or early dinner option.

Simply mix flour, sugar, baking powder, cottage cheese, milk, and a pinch of salt. 

The baking powder gives the biscuits their signature height, and the sugar adds to the toasty brown color once baked. At only 100 calories, you can have a guilt-free bread alternative that’s twice as filling. 

Calories Per Serving: 100

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

11. Cottage Cheese Pasta Alfredo

Since cottage cheese is a brilliant source of protein, why not double your daily intake with a rich alfredo sauce drizzled over chickpea macaroni noodles? The sauce is simple and enhanced with garlic, parmesan cheese, and herb parsley. 

The secret to a velvety smooth cottage cheese alfredo is the blender and size of cheese you choose. Go for a diced cottage cheese and blend until your wet ingredients combine well. This prevents clotting and any unwanted chunks. 

Calories Per Serving: 371 

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

12. Cottage Cheese Stuffed Chicken

Spinach and cottage cheese are a match made in heaven, but when you add spiced chicken and bubbly sauce, you get the perfect meal. Chicken breast can sometimes be dry, but the cottage cheese and spinach keep the center moist and juicy. 

I suggest baking over frying to maximize the flavor while keeping the calories down.

Baking doesn’t require as much oil, allowing the cheese and spinach inside to create a marriage of flavors. Serve the chicken with basmati rice, spaghetti, mashed potatoes, or wedges. 

Calories Per Serving: 276

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

13. Cottage Cheese & Egg Muffins 

These cottage cheese and egg muffins are a bite-sized morning snack that tastes like clouds of savory goodness.

Ham works well with this recipe as it’s already cooked, so don’t worry about pan frying anything in the morning. Instead, simply toss the eggs, cottage cheese, ham slices, and seasoning into a bowl and mix well. 

Use a mini muffin or cupcake tin, depending on the shape and size you want, and bake for around 25 minutes. The great thing about these muffins is that they freeze well, so you can pep them for the week and pop them in the freezer for a later date. 

Calories Per Serving: 223

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

14. Savory Breakfast Bowl 

Breakfast bowls have grown in popularity over the years mainly due to their ease, nutrition, and taste. This loaded cottage cheese breakfast bowl requires only one cooking ingredient, the egg, and some sliced veggies. 

Slice some avocado, cherry tomatoes, boiled egg, and roasted pine nuts for added crunch. With boiling included, this meal takes about 10 minutes to whip up and keeps you full throughout the morning. 

Calories Per Serving: 623

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

15. Cottage Cheesecake Loaf 

If you’ve been waiting for a cottage cheese dessert to show up, I’ve got you! This keto-friendly cake is lean, full of protein, and contains 1/5th of the calories in classic cheesecake.

Cheesecakes are notorious for being a problematic desert, but this version removes all of the hassles, leaving a fresh berry-filled guilt-free cake. 

Mix the cottage cheese, cornstarch, and stevia in a processor or blender until smooth and well combined. For the best results, go with full-fat cheese.

Calories Per Serving: 123

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 55 Minutes

16. Pecan Cheesecake Pudding

If someone could make cheesecake into a nice cream, this is what it would taste like.

You get all the flavors of a cheesecake, fresh banana bread, and a crispy pecan pie without the high sugar or fat content. You’ll need two ripe bananas, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and cottage cheese. 

Blend your ingredients until smooth and let it set in the freezer for 15 minutes. Top with toasted pecans and if you’re feeling extra decadent, drizzle some honey on it. It will be your new favorite dessert in no time. 

Calories Per Serving: 236

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

17. Cottage Cheese Herbed Pita Flatbread

This herbed pita flatbread features sprigs of fresh asparagus, provolone, parsley, basil, chives, and dill, all held together by cottage cheese.

It’s an excellent option for a picnic or barbecue and tastes like a white sauce pizza, so it’s a must on my summer cooking list. 

You can use a regular pita or a whole wheat option for extra energy and satiety. If you don’t have asparagus on hand, broccoli or mushrooms work just as well. 

Calories Per Serving: 329 

Preparation Time: 33 Minutes

RELATED: Can You Freeze Paneer (Cottage Cheese) And How?

18. Noodle Kugel 

The firm noodles, decadent cheese, and crispy crust make this traditional dish a weekly dinner option for anyone who loves a creamy casserole type of meal.

It’s excellent for large gatherings and easy to assemble. You can go with just cottage cheese or add cheddar and cream cheese for extra creaminess. 

For the crunchy top, cornflakes are where it’s at. The plain cereal absorbs the flavor of noodles, spices, and cheese without adding too much sweetness. I suggest an egg noodle for this dish, as it’s dense enough to handle all the flavors. 

Calories Per Serving: 618

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

19. Creamy Pesto Spaghetti Squash Noodles 

Spaghetti pesto is one of those rich Italian cuisines you make occasionally, but the spaghetti squash version is healthy and filling enough to be an everyday option.

For anyone with a gluten allergy, spaghetti pasta is a godsend. It looks just like the real deal. 

To get the most spaghetti-like structure, take care of how long you bake your squash in the oven. You want it soft but firm enough to hold its shape when run through with a fork. 

Calories Per Serving: 411

Preparation Time: 1 Hour 10 Minutes

20. Dijon Dill Salmon Salad 

Fresh, crispy, and light, that’s what you’ll get when you make this salmon, dijon & dill salad. The cottage cheese brings all the ingredients together, and the dijon and dill add an unforgettable kick of flavor.

You can eat this as a salad or add it to your morning toast or lunchtime sandwich.  

I prefer smoked salmon, but you can use wild or canned salmon. Whichever you prefer. If you’re using canned salmon, be sure to drain it of its liquid before mixing the salmon into the cottage cheese. 

Calories Per Serving: 555

Preparation Time: 20 Minutes

21. Easy Protein Waffles 

I like pancakes, but there’s something so special about waffles that makes me feel fancy whenever I make them.

These protein waffles have the added bonus of cottage cheese, making them a fluffy, energy-filled breakfast meal. Topped with honey, maple syrup, or berries, 

I like to use oat flour which gives this recipe 39 grams of protein. You can imagine how full you and your family will be. If you have leftovers, store them for two days in an airtight bag, or freeze them for later.

Then, you can toast them when you’re hungry again. 

Calories Per Serving: 503

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

22. Jajik Chicken With Za’atar Potatoes

We’re heading to the Middle East, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and the Mediterranean for this dish. Jajik may come in different names, but the flavors are just as impactful and tasty.

For the Jajik chicken, use a smoothened cottage cheese instead of greek yogurt to boost the protein. 

Za’atar is a specific spice that closely resembles black pepper, so you can use that as a substitute if you’re having difficulty finding the spice. Since the chicken and potatoes cook in the oven simultaneously, you’ll have dinner on the table in 45 minutes. 

Calories Per Serving: 218

Preparation Time: 45 Minutes

23. Cottage Cheese Crab Bowl 

Inspired by the California roll, this cottage cheese crab bowl is chock full of flaky crab, cucumber, and sriracha. Those looking for a budget-friendly recipe should try imitation crab. It almost tastes like the real deal. 

If you’re not keen on crab, swap it out for boiled eggs, Italian sausage, or your favorite white fish. You can also use smoked salmon or lobster if you’re feeling fancy. 

Calories Per Serving: 149

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

24. Berry Oaty Breakfast Bars

Oatmeal is great, but sometimes you need to switch things up. Try these berry breakfast bars if you want to keep the nutritional benefits of wats but need more flavor and texture.

It’s a simple mix and bake option that you can meal prep over the weekend. 

When it comes to berries, you can never go wrong with blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries. They’re great during the summer, and you can save them for the next few months by freezing them. 

Calories Per Serving: 149

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

25. Cheesy Potato Casserole 

Gooey, crispy, and cheesy, this potato casserole is the perfect comfort meal for those looking for a nostalgic dinner. It uses cottage cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, all of which go perfectly together to form a casserole that can feed a large crowd. 

To prevent undercooked potatoes, let them simmer in a skillet with water for around 15 minutes or until they’re slightly tender. You can add the ingredients after and bake in an oven for 40 minutes or until the cheesy top is golden and bubbly. 

Calories Per Serving: 213

Preparation Time: 1 Hour

26. Roasted Broccoli Toast 

You haven’t tried everything on toast until you’ve tried roasted broccoli and cottage cheese.

The tender broccolis shoots softened and slightly charred by the oven mixed with cooling cheese make for an exciting breakfast. I’d make this for dinner over a decadent slice of sourdough bread. 

Roasting broccoli is pretty straightforward. Just toss your greens in olive oil, black pepper, and salt and sit them on a sheet pan covered in aluminum foil.

Roast them on medium heat until you see the florets reach a toasty light brown shade, and serve warm. 

Calories Per Serving: N/A

Preparation Time: 50 Minutes

27. Cottage Cheese Dip 

You’ll be obsessed with this creamy cottage cheese dip if you love ranch dressing. With only five ingredients, fewer calories, and more protein than the original ranch dip, you’ll have a fresh homemade sauce in 5 minutes. 

The fried dill, onion powder, and garlic powder enhance the natural cheese flavors. I like to dip baby carrots and bell peppers in my dip, but it works just as well with celery. 

Calories Per Serving: 49

Preparation Time: 5 Minutes

28. Instant Pot Mac & Cheese

Everybody loves instant pot recipes. You throw in your ingredients and let the magic pot do the rest.

Though traditional mac and cheese has been demonized for its high carb, low nutrient properties, this version has the power of cottage cheese, greek yogurt, and wholewheat noodles. 

Another fantastic thing about the instant pot is that it halves cooking time. This recipe takes only fifteen minutes, so no standing around as you wait for the pasta to boil. 

Calories Per Serving: 430

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

29. Cottage Cheese Cookies 

I have one word for these magnificent cookies; wow! I never thought something sweet and buttery would come from a humble cup of cottage cheese.

The layers, the taste, the texture, it’s perfect. Even without the jam filling, these cookies are crispy outside and soft at the center. 

For the filling, go with your favorite jam. I like strawberry or raspberry, but grape works fine. It will taste like a fresh pop tart without all the extra sugar. 

Calories Per Serving: 88

Preparation Time: 25 Minutes

30. Chickpea & Cottage Cheese Tostada 

A tostada, “toasted” tortilla, is a popular Latin snack usually topped with guacamole, minced beef, and a veggie salad. For this vegetarian option, we’re using the mighty chickpea and enhancing it with spices for a burst of flavor in every bite. 

Chili powder, paprika, ground cumin, and garlic make for a sweet and spicy mix, and the cottage cheese base adds a cooling effect. Drain and pat dry if you’re using canned peas before proceeding with the recipe. 

Calories Per Serving: 599

Preparation Time: 55 Minutes

31. Cottage Cheese Egg Salad 

Egg salad is one of the few times you can eat a cold hard-boiled egg and be okay with it. So it’s only fitting that you add to the enjoyment with some cottage cheese.

The cheese replaces traditional mayonnaise, making it a health-conscious meal. But, trust me, it’s still just as good. 

To avoid a mushy mess, coarsely chop your boiled eggs. You can serve your salad in a bowl or use lettuce wraps for a portable meal. I like to sprinkle red bell peppers and paprika on top for a pop of color. 

Calories Per Serving: 145

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

32. Smoked Salmon Cottage Cheese Bites

You can probably tell by now that I’m a fan of smoked salmon, no matter how expensive. Nothing beats that fresh taste and smooth texture. Add capers, cottage cheese, and dill; you’ve got a winning dip. 

When it comes to chips, the debates will never end.

I like a pita chip, but corn chips work just as well. You should use a thick chip to hold the salmon mixture, so stay away from traditional potato chips. Crackers work just as well, and they’d be an excellent option for a party hors d’oeuvres. 

Calories Per Serving: 9

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

33. Savory Crepe, Avocado & Tomatoes 

Crepes are the perfect cross between a pancake and flatbread. They take a second to make and taste heavenly. This savory option uses the cream from the cottage cheese to make an extra fluffy crepe.  

Don’t be intimidated by the crepe cooking style. You’ll get the hang of it after the first three tries. If you’re a visual learner, the tutorial below should help tremendously. 

Calories Per Serving: 421

Preparation Time: 15 Minutes

34. Sweet Potato Fajita Cottage Cheese Bowls

There’s no wrong way to make a breakfast bowl, and this chunky salsa, cilantro, and sweet potato mix prove that. The roasted potatoes, sweet pepper, and cheese keep you full until lunch or dinner. With 15 grams of protein, you’ll be more than satisfied.  

If you follow a gluten-free meal plan, this recipe is for you. The sweet potato, cheese, and veggies give the proper nutrients without disturbing your gut. The cheese also absorbs the flavors from the fajita mix, so choose your favorite seasonings and eat up. 

Calories Per Serving: 277

Preparation Time: 30 Minutes

RELATED: How Long Does Cottage Cheese Last Before Going Bad?

35. Cottage Cheese Sandwich 

Our cottage cheese journey ends with this simply delicious sandwich. It doesn’t look like much, but it tastes delicious. To boost protein and energy, use whole wheat bread. It’s twice as filling as regular white bread. 

I like to toast my bread, as it gives the slices some strength and color, but you can keep yours plain if that’s what you prefer. 

Calories Per Serving: 264

Preparation Time: 10 Minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is Cottage Cheese Made From? 

Cottage cheese is a “fresh” cheese resulting from different levels of pasteurized milk separated into curds and whey. The curds are classified into either non-fat, regular, or full-fat cottage cheese.

Pillow soft and creamy in texture, cottage cheese comes in different sizes depending on your preferences.

Since the flavor is mild, cottage cheese can be used in sweet and savory dishes or enjoyed by itself. Most people use cottage cheese as a sandwich enhancer or atop their favorite salad. 

Is Cottage Cheese Good For You? 

Yes! It’s one of the healthiest dairy products out there. It’s also low in calories, making it a suitable option for anyone on a specific diet plan like Keto. For example, one cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains only 163 calories and a whopping 28 grams of protein! 

So if you’re looking to build muscle, cottage cheese is a rich source of protein, making it a popular diet option for athletes. It’s also packed with essential nutrients that help your overall digestion and wellbeing. 

How Long Is Cottage Cheese Good For After Opening? 

Since cottage cheese is a fresh cheese that doesn’t go through any aging process, it’s best to consume it within a week of opening.

Most cottage cheese brands can last up to two weeks in the fridge if unopened, but they can last 3-6 months if unopened and left in the freezer. Opened cottage cheese can still be frozen, but it will only last 2-3 months.