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

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Cottage Cheese Recipes for Every Day: A Surprisingly Excellent Source of Protein - Cathy Richards, RD (16)
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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

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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)
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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

What happens to your body if you eat cottage cheese everyday? ›

Cottage cheese is a good source of some vitamins and minerals, but it only contains small amounts of others, or none at all. If you only eat cottage cheese throughout the day, you won't get the RDI of all the nutrients your body needs to function well. You may lose energy throughout the day, especially if you exercise.

What gives cottage cheese so much protein? ›

The high protein content in cottage cheese comes mostly from casein, which — because it's slowly absorbed — can build muscle just as well as whey protein. Thyroid health. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in how your thyroid works.

What are the pros and cons of eating cottage cheese? ›

The nutrients in cottage cheese may help support weight loss, muscle growth, and bone health. However, because of its high sodium content, people watching their salt intake should stick with low-sodium varieties. U.S Department of Agriculture. Cheese, cottage, low fat.

How much weight can you lose on cottage cheese diet? ›

And many folks simply feel this special protein provides advantages other proteins don't. “Cottage cheese is awesome,” raves New York weight loss expert Tro Kalayjian, DO, who personally shed 150 pounds while enjoying lots of the stuff. If you want to get lean, “it's one of the best foods you can eat.”

Is there anything unhealthy about 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.

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.

Will I lose weight if I eat cottage cheese everyday? ›

Aids in weight loss

Low in fat: Full-fat cottage cheese contains less fat than some other cheeses (4% fat versus 30% fat in cheddar), and its high protein makes it an excellent low-fat option. Provides calcium: Studies show that increasing calcium can help you lose weight when combined with a calorie-restricted diet.

Is cottage cheese anti inflammatory? ›

A 2021 study of 35,352 postmenopausal women published in the Journal of the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reported a connection between higher intakes of dairy foods (including cottage cheese) and lower levels of CRP and IL-6.

Does cottage cheese help with bowel movements? ›

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

When should you not eat cottage cheese? ›

While there's no exact number of days that it's safe to eat cottage cheese past its expiration date, a good rule of thumb is 7 to 14 days past the printed date, which will typically be denoted by a "sell by," "use by," "best if used by" or "best before" label.

What is the 30 30 30 rule? ›

The 30-30-30 rule is simple. It involves eating 30 grams of protein within the first 30 minutes after you wake up, which is then followed by 30 minutes of exercise. You can eat whatever else you want with your breakfast, but the 30 grams of protein is key.

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 ...

What is the Tiffany diet? ›

What is the Mustard Diet on TikTok? The mustard diet originated from “Mustard Girl”, Tiffany Magee, and involves eating a highly restricted diet of cottage cheese, chicken apple sausages, eggs, and raw vegetables – all with mustard included on the plate, or even mixed into the food itself.

How can I lose 5 lbs quickly? ›

10 Effective Tips Experts Swear By for Weight Loss
  1. Use High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT)
  2. Ditch Alcohol. ...
  3. Strengthen Your Core. ...
  4. Avoid Processed Foods. ...
  5. Try an Earlier Dinner Time. ...
  6. Get at Least Eight Hours of Sleep. ...
  7. Reduce Bloating. ...
  8. Drink Two Glasses of Water Before Every Meal. ...

Does eating cottage cheese before bed burn belly fat? ›

According to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming cottage cheese before going to sleep can help you lose weight. The findings suggest that low calorie foods boost metabolism, muscles and overall wellbeing, even while you're asleep.

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? ›

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.

Is cottage cheese inflammatory to the body? ›

Actually, the opposite is true. 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.

References

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