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Easy High Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes

Danielle Lima Posted on Updated on
These Cottage Cheese Recipes are not only easy but absoteluy delicious. With everything from lasagna, dips and desserts there are recipes here to make anyone beliver that cottage cheese really can go in pretty much anything.
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Lasagna with spinach in a baking dish cut into 12 squares.

Cottage cheese is the new cauliflower, this we know! Fear not though because these cottage cheese recipes taste way better than pretending cauliflower is potatoes.

Half a cup of cottage cheese has 14 grams of protein, hence why this creamy lumpy goodness has become so popular lately. The best part about cottage cheese though is it can go in pretty much put it in anything and you can mask the flavor (if you’re not a fan) as well as blend out the curds with a blender or food processor (if texture ain’t your thing!).

It’s a great way to get in a high-protein breakfast, add creaminess to things like taco mac and cheese, cottage cheese lasagna and cottage cheese smoothies or even add it to scrambled eggs to level up that protein count. Personally, Good Culture is my favorite brand but use whatever works best for you!

Carrot dipping into ranch dip with other veggies around on a platter.

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Why we love cottage cheese so much!

  • Use it to replace high-fat ingredients like cream cheese and sour cream in dips and sauces.
  • It combines well with protein powder in smoothies!
  • It’s packed with nutrients, such as B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.
  • You can whip it for a delicious spread or dip like cottage cheese ranch dip.
  • It’s my favorite way to get extra protein in pretty much any dish. 

How do I know how much protein I should consume?

  • Typically it is recommended to consume 0.8-1% of your body weight in grams of protein.
    • For example: If I weigh 150 pounds, I should consume 120-150 grams of protein per day.
  • MACROS! Want your macros set so you know how to balance your protein, fat, and carbs? We can set your custom macros, based on your needs.

Our Favorite High-Protein Cottage Cheese Recipes:

Cottage cheese dip loaded with olives, bell peppers, cheese and taco seasoning with crunchy crackers dipped in it in a bowl.
Chilled Cottage Cheese Queso
This chilled Cottage Cheese Queso is a delicious and healthy dip that's perfect for parties. Made with real shredded cheese, cottage cheese and taco seasoning, this high-protein snack give taco flavored queso meets pimento cheese vibes. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers or veggies and get your dip on.
Get the recipe >
Cottage cheese based ranch dip in a sealable container with veggies around it.
Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip
This Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip is an easy and flavorful dip to make in less then 5 minutes. The tangy flavor of cottage cheese blended with fresh herbs and spices make a healthy ranch dip with so many delicious ways to enjoy. Serve with fresh vegetables, pita chips or make into a creamy dressing. 
Get the recipe >
Slice of pizza laid out showing the toppings and crust.
Big Mac Pizza
This skillet Big Mac Pizza has a high-protein 2 ingredient crust made with cottage cheese that is completely undetectable. With a deliciously thick and fluffy crust, this high-protein meat pie has 33 grams of protein in one slice and is one you'll be skipping the drive-thru for.
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Creamy pickle dip with crunchy breadcrumbs, fresh dill and a pickle on top in a bowl.
Fried Pickle Dip
Pickle lovers unite, this High Protein Fried Pickle Dip is a must make! Loaded with protein using cottage cheese and greek yogurt this delicious and easy-to-make dip is the perfect addition to any party, game night, or even just a midday snack. Plus, it's a great way to use up any extra pickles you may have in your fridge.
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Lasagna cut into 12 squares with 2 out and plate nearby.
Cottage Cheese Lasagna
This Cottage Cheese Lasagna is a twist on a comfort food classic. With layers of oven ready noodles, rich and flavorful cottage cheese spinach filling, this lighter version of traditional lasagna has everything you'd expect from this beloved meal. The whole family is guaranteed to have dancing taste buds after the first bite. 
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A bite taken out of one corner of a strawberry crunch frozen ice cream bar.
Strawberry Crunch Cottage Cheese Ice Cream Bars
These Cottage Cheese Ice Cream bars taste like strawberry crunch bars from the ice cream truck but higher in protein. A graham cracker crust topped with cottage cheese ice cream and a crunchy cookie topping, this high protein dessert has everything you love about traditional ice cream but made in your own kitchen.
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Spinach dip in a serving dish topped with green onions and a piece of crusty bread dipped in surrounded by more bread cubes and carrot slices.
Cottage Cheese Spinach Dip
This Cottage Cheese Dip is made with simple ingredients like Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, spinach and flavorful spices. This healthier option to a classic dip is low in fat, high in protein and perfect for game days, parties or when you want a healthy snack. Serve this great dip with pita chips, fresh veggies or fresh bread.
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Smoothie topped with fresh pineapple and coconut flakes.
Tropical Cottage Cheese Smoothie
This high protein Cottage Cheese Smoothie is thick, creamy, and delicious. Filled with tropical flavors and protein, this everyday smoothie is easy to make and can easily be a meal replacement or split into two as a shareable snack. 
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Very Berry, Key Lime Pie, Banana Cream Pie, Strawberry Cheesecake and Chocolate Peanut Butter cottage cheese bowls laid out with extra toppings around and spoons for serving.
Cottage Cheese Dessert Bowl
These Cottage Cheese Dessert Bowls make the perfect sweet treat. This high protein dessert is made with cottage cheese, yogurt and pudding cups, each topped with your favorite toppings. With 5 flavor variations, there's something for everyone with this healthier twist on dessert.
Get the recipe >
White cheddar mac and cheese in a white bowl.
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
With its cheesy and creamy homemade sauce, this White Cheddar Mac and Cheese is a comfort food dream. Decadent and rich, this healthier version of a classic will be an instant family fav.
Get the recipe >
Large bowl of taco mac and cheese with cilantro on top with a wooden spoon ready to serve.
Taco Mac and Cheese
Taco night with a twist! This Taco Mac and Cheese is a protein-loaded comfort food made with lean ground beef, homemade taco seasoning and a homemade cheese sauce. This quick and easy meal makes the perfect family dinner, all week long.
Get the recipe >
Jalapeno popper dip in a serving bowl with jalapenos, bacon and onions on top with veggies and chips around for dipping.
Crockpot Chicken Jalapeno Popper Dip
This Crockpot Chicken Jalapeño Popper Dip will be your new favorite appetizer. With a creamy blend of cottage cheese, cream cheese, shredded cheese and jalapeño peppers, this flavorful dip is a high protein crowd pleaser, every single time.
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Queso in a cast iron skillet.
Cast Iron Queso
This Cast Iron Queso is easy and quick for football season. Ready in under 20 minutes you’ll have creamy, protein filled queso to pair with your favorite chips and vegetables. Serve this at your next party and no one will even question if there’s cottage cheese in it.
Get the recipe >

Cottage Cheese FAQs

Why is everyone so obsessed with cottage cheese?

It’s high in protein low in carbs and fat and makes a terrific cheesy replacement for many things like sour cream, mayonnaise and cream in recipes. It’s extremely versatile and takes on flavors well.

What if I don’t like the consistency of cottage cheese?

It’s super easy to blend and remove the lumps. You can either blend as is or add some broth, milk or even water to give it a little liquid so it whips up nicely in the blender like I do with cottage cheese ranch dip.

Is there a good replacement for cottage cheese?

Not that I’ve found with similar consistency and nutrition.

Is there a certain brand of cottage cheese to look for?

I love Good Culture and Nancy’s. Other brands are good too but some taste better than others.

Check out our other easy recipes!

Lasagna with spinach in a baking dish cut into 12 squares.

Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Danielle Lima
These Cottage Cheese Recipes are not only easy but absoteluy delicious. With everything from lasagna, dips and desserts there are recipes here to make anyone beliver that cottage cheese really can go in pretty much anything.
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 12 servings
Calories 277 kcal

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You can find this recipe and many others on MyFitnessPal and MacrosFirst by searching: Ohsnapmacros – Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic roughly chopped
  • 1 small yellow onion chopped
  • 1 lb. lean ground beef 96/4
  • 1 tsp. oregano
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper or fresh cracked to taste
  • 32 oz. jar of marinara sauce (I use Raos)

Filling

  • 16 oz. low fat small curd cottage cheese Good Culture for best flavor
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup parmesan cheese shredded, 56g
  • 1/2 tsp. oregano
  • 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • fresh cracked pepper or pinch of black pepper
  • 10 oz. frozen spinach defrosted and strained

Lasagna

  • 8 oven ready lasagna noodles Barilla
  • 2 cups low moisture mozzarella cheese shredded, 224g

Instructions
 

  • Pre-heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the garlic and onions to the pan and cook until nice and browned, approximately 3-5 minutes.
  • Add the ground beef to the pan and break into bite size pieces. Cook until fully cooked through, mixing often, approximately 5 minutes. 
  • Add the oregano, italian seasoning, paprika, chili powder, salt and pepper to the beef mixture and combine to evenly coat. 
  • Add sauce, combine and simmer while you prepare the cottage cheese filling. 
  • For the filling: combine the cottage cheese, eggs, parmesan cheese, oregano, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper and mix well to combine.
  • Add the defrosted and strained spinach to the cottage cheese mixture and mix to combine.
  • Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non stick cooking spray. Add a dollop of the meat mixture to the bottom of the dish to lightly coat the bottom. Top with 4 noodles, the noodles are the width of the baking dish (short side) not the length. 
  • Top the noodles evenly with ½ cup mozzarella cheese (56g), followed by half the meat mixture. Use a spoon or spatula to evenly spread the mixture over the noodles. Top the meat mixture with half the cottage cheese filling and spread to coat the top. Repeat with 4 noodles, ½ cup cheese, remaining meat mixture, remaining cottage cheese filling and 1 cup cheese on top.
  • Place the baking dish on a baking sheet to catch any overflow. Cover the dish with foil, try to avoid touching the cheese on top so that it doesn’t stick to the foil. Bake for 50 minutes. 
  • Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and browned and the sauce is nice and bubbly at the edges. 
  • Top with freshly chopped parsley and cut into 12 equal servings and enjoy this easy lasagna recipe.

Notes

  • Nutritional information is an estimate and will vary with substitutions.
  • Defrost the spinach in the microwave and strain. I personally find it best to just squeeze the spinach with my hands to squeeze out as much water as possible. 
  • You do not need to blend the cottage cheese, it will blend together once baked. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 277kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 22gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 75mgSodium: 849mgPotassium: 183mgFiber: 2gSugar: 4g
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