10 Cottage Cheese Recipes for a Protein Boost

First popularized in the ’90s, cottage cheese is making a major comeback. How did this aged dairy item become a freshly-trending star? It all started with health-conscious creators on TikTok and Instagram, who shared unexpected ways to use cottage cheese in high-protein recipes, from flatbread to ice cream.

Just one cup of low-fat cottage cheese contains a whopping 25 grams of protein (almost double the amount in two eggs!). Cottage cheese is also surprisingly versatile, as you’ll see in this roundup of delicious sweet and savory recipes.

While adding protein powder to a smoothie is an easy way to increase your protein intake, so is adding cottage cheese! Cottage cheese creates a thick, cheesecake-like creaminess that will soon make it one of your staple smoothie ingredients.

Dips make a great get-together appetizer. They’re easy to make, feed a crowd, and pair well with a variety of sides. Be warned: this flavorful feta version will disappear in the blink of an eye—it’s just that good!

Personally, I’m not a fan of that chunky cottage cheese texture, so blending it into recipes like pancake batter is my go-to way to enjoy. Cottage cheese, eggs, and chickpea flour give these pancakes a boost of protein to keep you satiated until your next meal.

Are cottage cheese bowls the new smoothie bowls? These breakfast bowls whip up in minutes and taste delicious year-round. If you’re a fan of PB&J flavors, you’ll love that this recipe combines homemade peanut granola and fresh berries.

These fluffy golden cakes drizzled with warmed berry compote make breakfast taste just like dessert. Good news for anyone who’s gluten-free: this recipe swaps the typical refined white flour for large-flake oats, making it easy to skip the gluten without compromising on taste.

Need a healthy on-the-go breakfast or mid-afternoon snack? Grab a few of these hearty, flourless cookies to feel nourished and satiated. They’re full of both healthy fats from the mixed seeds and protein from cottage cheese and eggs.

Cabbage in a smoothie? Yes, really—red cabbage and cottage cheese blend seamlessly into this sweet smoothie that’s flavored with blueberries, maple syrup, and allspice. Your next nourishing breakfast can be made in minutes.

Crunchy, cheesy, and creative, these adorable nests are a great after-school snack for kids. Plus, you can use leftover pasta to make the preparation even easier! Replace mozzarella with cottage cheese for extra protein.

Thanks to the cottage cheese, this cheesecake comes with a surprising boost of protein. The berry sauce is mostly sweetened with fruit, but feel free to add a few extra tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to balance the lemony tartness.

No crust needed, nor missed, in this mousse! Only six ingredients are used to create this decadent dessert, including cottage cheese for creaminess and protein. Top with whipped cream for extra indulgence!