8 Cottage Cheese Recipes

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Cottage cheese is one of those ingredients that deserves way more attention. It’s creamy, packed with protein, and works in so many different recipes. Whether you’re making a classic egg salad, a high-protein flatbread, or even crispy homemade crackers, cottage cheese adds that perfect creamy texture while keeping things light.

I love using it because it’s more nutritious than heavy ingredients like sour cream or mayo but still gives you that rich, satisfying feel. You can blend it for a silky consistency or keep it slightly chunky, depending on the recipe.

These cottage cheese dishes are great for any time of day—whip up some waffles for breakfast, throw together a quick tuna salad for lunch, or bake a batch of crackers for snacking. They’re simple, flavorful, and surprisingly versatile.

If you’ve got a container of cottage cheese in your fridge, these recipes are the best way to put it to good use. From creamy Alfredo pasta to homemade bagels and quiche, there’s something here for every craving.

Tips for Cooking and Baking with Cottage Cheese

• Blend for a smooth texture – If you want a creamy base for dips, pasta sauce, or waffles, a quick blend in the food processor or blender will do the trick.
• Season well – Cottage cheese is mild, so don’t be afraid to add garlic, herbs, lemon juice, or even a pinch of spice to enhance the flavor.
• Chill for the best taste – Let dips like egg salad or tuna salad sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving to help the flavors meld.
• Go full-fat for extra creaminess – If you want a richer texture, full-fat cottage cheese is the way to go. Low-fat works too, but it won’t be as creamy.
• Use it in unexpected ways – Cottage cheese isn’t just for dips. Try it in flatbreads, waffles, or even quiche for extra protein and moisture.

Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Egg salad is a classic, but swapping out mayo for cottage cheese makes it lighter and packed with protein. It’s creamy, delicious, and perfect for breakfast, lunch, or a quick snack. Serve it on toast, in a wrap, or straight from the bowl.

Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 4 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp chopped chives
• 1 tbsp chopped celery

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mash the hard-boiled eggs with a fork.
2. Add the cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix well.
3. Stir in the chopped chives and celery.
4. Serve immediately, or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes for the best flavor.

Cottage Cheese Bagels

Bagels and cottage cheese are a match made in heaven. The cottage cheese keeps these bagels soft and slightly chewy while adding a protein boost. Perfect for breakfast or as a snack with your favorite spreads.

Number of servings: 6 bagels

Ingredients:

• 250g (2 cups) all-purpose flour
• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 egg (for egg wash)
• Sesame or poppy seeds (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
3. Add the cottage cheese and mix until a dough forms.
4. Knead the dough for a few minutes until smooth.
5. Divide into six portions, roll each into a log, and shape into bagels.
6. Brush with beaten egg and sprinkle with seeds if using.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until golden brown.

Cottage Cheese Flatbread

This soft and chewy flatbread is ridiculously easy to make, and the cottage cheese gives it an amazing texture. Use it as a wrap, a pizza base, or alongside dips.

Number of servings: 4 flatbreads

Ingredients:

• 250g (2 cups) whole wheat flour
• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp olive oil
• 60ml (¼ cup) water, if needed

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine flour and salt.
2. Mix in the cottage cheese and olive oil until a dough forms.
3. If the dough is too dry, add water gradually.
4. Knead for a few minutes, then divide into four portions.
5. Roll out each portion into a thin flatbread.
6. Cook in a hot pan for 2–3 minutes on each side until golden brown.

Cottage Cheese Quiche

This quiche is creamy, protein-packed, and perfect for brunch or meal prep. The cottage cheese makes the filling extra light and fluffy.

Number of servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 1 pre-made pie crust
• 4 eggs
• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• 120ml (½ cup) milk
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 100g (1 cup) shredded cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
• 1 small onion, diced
• ½ cup (75g) chopped spinach

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Place the pie crust in a greased pie dish.
3. In a bowl, whisk eggs, cottage cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in shredded cheese, onion, and spinach.
5. Pour into the pie crust and bake for 30–35 minutes until set.
6. Let cool slightly before slicing.

Cottage Cheese Crackers

These homemade crackers are crispy, cheesy, and so much better than store-bought ones. A great snack for dipping or eating on their own.

Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• 150g (1 ¼ cups) whole wheat flour
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 tsp olive oil
• ½ tsp baking powder

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 180°C (350°F).
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until a dough forms.
3. Roll out thinly and cut into small squares.
4. Place on a lined baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo Pasta with Mushrooms

This creamy Alfredo sauce is a lighter take on the classic, thanks to cottage cheese. It’s just as rich and satisfying, but with more protein and less heaviness. The mushrooms add a deep, savory flavor, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 250g (9 oz) pasta of choice
• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• 120ml (½ cup) milk
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 200g (7 oz) mushrooms, sliced
• 30g (¼ cup) grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano

Instructions:

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, then drain.
2. In a blender, blend cottage cheese and milk until smooth.
3. Heat olive oil in a pan, then sauté garlic and mushrooms for 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat, add the blended cottage cheese mixture, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and oregano. Stir well.
5. Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until coated.
6. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top.

Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad

This protein-packed tuna salad is creamy without mayo, thanks to cottage cheese. It’s great for sandwiches, wraps, or as a dip for crackers.

Number of servings: 2

Ingredients:

• 1 can (150g / 5 oz) tuna, drained
• 150g (¾ cup) cottage cheese
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp chopped red onion
• 1 tbsp chopped celery
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix tuna and cottage cheese.
2. Stir in mustard, red onion, celery, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
3. Mix until well combined.
4. Serve immediately or refrigerate for later.

Cottage Cheese Waffles

These waffles are crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, and packed with protein. They make a great breakfast or even a sweet snack with some honey or fruit.

Number of servings: 4 waffles

Ingredients:

• 200g (1 cup) cottage cheese
• 2 eggs
• 120g (1 cup) flour
• 1 tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 120ml (½ cup) milk
• 1 tbsp honey (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat your waffle iron.
2. In a bowl, whisk eggs, then stir in cottage cheese and milk.
3. Add flour, baking powder, salt, and honey if using. Mix until smooth.
4. Pour batter into waffle iron and cook according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

These cottage cheese recipes are easy, delicious, and packed with protein. Whether you’re in the mood for a dip, a spread, or a meal, there’s something here for you. Let me know which one you’ll try first!