Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (2024)

Looking for cottage cheese recipes for every day? Did you know that cottage cheese is a surprisingly excellent source of protein. Check out the recipes below and let me know if you try any. I have many that I’d love to try.

Table of Contents

  • Table of Contents
  • What exactly is cottage cheese?
  • How much protein is in cottage cheese?
  • Other health benefits of cottage cheese
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
  • Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (1)

I have to admit, cottage cheese isn’t the most appealing looking or sounding ingredient out there. It’s quite tasteless as well. It’s what you can do with it that is surprisingly good. I’d love to share just hot good cottage cheese is for you plus exactly what it can be made into that is both healthy and delicious.

What exactly is cottage cheese?

Before I explain just how good cottage cheese is, I want you to know exactly what it is.

Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (2)

You’ve heard of Little Miss Muffet right? Who sat on a tuffet, eating her curds and whey? Cottage cheese is another name for curds and whey? You may have seen a lot of protein powders on the market that contain whey or casein protein?

When acid (eg lactic acid, vinegar, lemon juice etc) is added to milk and heated, it curdles and the milk solids (curd) separate from the liquid (whey). This is then strained and you’re left with a cheese like product called cottage cheese. The curds are dressed in a cream like product and packaged for our use.

Although relatively low in fat, cottage cheese is usually sold in normal and low fat options. Some companies are even producing a high protein option even though there is a good amount of protein in a 100gm serve.

It is also similar to:

  • Faisselle, a French cheese, similar to cottage cheese
  • Fromage blanc, a soft French cheese
  • Mascarpone, an Italian cheese made from cream, coagulated with citric acid or acetic acid
  • Chhena, an Indian cheese, similar to cottage cheese
  • Paneer, another Indian cheese similar to Chhena
  • Quark, a curd and cheese
  • Queso fresco, a Spanish and Latin American soft cheese
  • Ricotta, an Italian whey cheese

So if you see recipes that call for any of the above, cottage cheese can be a good substitute.

How much protein is in cottage cheese?

Depending on the type of cottage cheese you buy, will depend on how much protein is in cottage cheese. With new high protein versions of cottage cheese being produced, it’s easy to get confused on just how much is in a 100gm serve.

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrients in a 100gm serve of cottage cheese.

Nutrients (100g)Full FatLow FatHigh Protein
Calories988185
Protein11g12g12.4g
Fat4.3g1.2g2.2g
Saturated Fat1.7g0.7g1.5g
Cholesterol17mg4.5mg
Sodium364mg459mg300mg
Potassium104mg97mg
Carbohydrates3.4g3.1g6.1g

As you can see from the information above, it really does pay to read labels. Although all three products are relatively low in calories, the low fat version is much higher in sodium and the high protein product is high in carbohydrates (sugars).

You’ll find a lot of varieties at the supermarket including 4%, 2%, lactose free, sodium free, fat free etc etc.

Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (3)

Other health benefits of cottage cheese

Besides the high protein content in cottage cheese, it also contains many other nutrients for your health such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium..

Besides being high in protein, which will help keep you feeling full for longer, it is low in fat so a great ingredient to eat as is or used in the recipes I’ll share in this post. That makes it an excellent ingredient for anyone who’d like to lose a few pounds or build muscle.

It has been linked to increase bone health and it has high quantities of the mineral selenium which has been known to increase antioxidant protection in the blood.

Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (4)

You can easily make cottage cheese at home too. Check out this simple recipe.

Recipes

I’ve chosen recipes for breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, desserts and other. I hope there’s something in this round up that you try and grow to like. You can interchange any of these recipes so where I’ve showed it under Lunch, it could quite easily be served for Breakfast or Dinner.

Don’t forget to substitute cottage cheese in any recipe where it calls for cream cheese, ricotta, mascarpone (refer to the other terms above) to create healthier, higher protein, lower fat dishes.

Breakfast

Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (5)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (7)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (8)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (9)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (10)

Lunch

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Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (12)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (13)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (14)

Dinner

Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (15)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (16)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (17)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (18)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (19)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (20)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (21)

Snacks, Desserts & Other

Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (22)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (23)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (24)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (25)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (26)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (27)
Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (28)

Conclusion

For a healthy, high protein, low fat option, you can’t afford not to give cottage cheese a try. Yes, it may be bland on a cracker with tomato but even adding chopped herbs and seasonings will give it a kick. Don’t forget to substitute cottage cheese in your recipes that call for ricotta, cream cheese, mascarpone etc. Your old favourite recipes might just become your new healthier versions.

PIN FOR LATER

  • Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (29)
  • Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (30)
  • Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (31)

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Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (2024)

FAQs

Is it OK to eat cottage cheese every day? ›

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.

What are the cons of cottage cheese? ›

He said that while most cheese, including cottage cheese, contains nutrients such as vitamins and calcium, it can also have high levels of sodium and fat, so he recommends eating it in moderation.

What are the side effects of cottage cheese? ›

The side effects may be temporary, but if you frequently go on the cottage cheese diet and consistently consume too much sodium, serious problems may occur, such as: high blood pressure. increased risk of heart attack and stroke. heart failure.

What's healthier Greek yogurt or cottage cheese? ›

So far, these two high-protein snacks are neck in neck when considering protein, calcium and calories. But one clear distinction steers the choice: Cottage cheese can be loaded with sodium. Just 1 cup of cottage cheese can deliver 8 to 9 times the sodium found in Greek yogurt.

When should you not eat cottage cheese? ›

Although it is good for you, cottage cheese is high in sodium. It isn't great for people with high blood pressure, heart disease or congestive heart failure.

Is it better to eat cottage cheese in the morning or at night? ›

For this reason, consuming it before bed has been shown to increase metabolism and muscle synthesis overnight without affecting the breakdown of fats ( 17 ). Due to the slow absorption of casein, some bodybuilders like to eat cottage cheese before bed.

Is cottage cheese high 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.

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 is healthier than cottage cheese? ›

Huneke gives an analysis, “nu*tritionally speaking, plain Greek yogurt is the closest comparison (to cottage cheese) – they're both lower in calories (the 0-2% fat versions), high in protein, a good source of calcium, contain no added sugars, and have lower levels of lactose (so they're among the more easily-tolerated ...

Why does cottage cheese burn belly fat? ›

What is in cottage cheese that burns fat? Cottage cheese itself does not burn fat. But it is high in protein, with 25 grams per one cup serving. Fat is burned through exercise and moving your body.

How much cottage cheese a day is too much? ›

According to studies, we should only eat an average of 30g of cheese per day. Cheese is high in saturated fat, so when too much is accumulated, it will increase bad cholesterol levels, affecting heart health.

Does cottage cheese raise cholesterol? ›

Although cottage cheese is a healthy part of the diet, it does contain both saturated fat and sodium, two nutrients that are linked to health issues. Excessive saturated fat in the diet can raise LDL (bad) cholesterol levels and contribute to chronic illness, according to the National Institute of Health.

Does cottage cheese help with bowel movements? ›

Cottage cheese is one of many low fiber foods that can increase the risk of constipation.

Is cottage cheese a probiotic? ›

We won't dive deep into the nutrition, but it's worth noting that the cultures found in fermented foods, such as cultured cottage cheese, are considered probiotics, or good bacteria says Chef Julie Andrews, MS, RDN, FAND. Research points to their potential benefit in keeping our gut microbiome healthy.

Does avocado have protein? ›

Source Of. A whole medium avocado contains about 240 calories, 13 grams carbohydrate, 3 grams protein, 22 grams fat (15 grams monounsaturated, 4 grams polyunsaturated, 3 grams saturated), 10 grams fiber, and 11 milligrams sodium.

How much cottage cheese per day is healthy? ›

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

How much cottage cheese is too much in a day? ›

Cottage cheese has important nutritional value, as it provides calcium, B vitamins and is one of the best protein sources. However, consuming cottage cheese daily should be done in moderation, she said. An appropriate serving size of cottage cheese is half a cup.

How many grams of cottage cheese should I eat a day? ›

Consuming 250g of plain cottage cheese every day can be part of a healthy diet for many people. Cottage cheese is a good source of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients. It can be a filling and nutritious option for breakfast, as a snack, or as part of a meal.

What are the benefits of eating cottage cheese daily? ›

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.

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