10 Cottage Cheese Recipes That Showcase Its Versatility

From dips and omelets to kugel and cheesecake, these recipes prove that cottage cheese is an all-star ingredient.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Photo:

Rachel Marek

Cottage cheese tastes great with fresh fruit, as part of a lunch salad plate, and on toast or crackers as a snack, but it has more to offer than that, as this collection of cottage cheese recipes shows. It includes classics, such as pancakes made with cottage cheese and noodle kugel, plus a few delicious twists you might not have tried before. All will keep cottage cheese lovers happy and may create some new fans.

Low-Fat vs. Full-Fat
Low-fat cottage cheese might be your go-to, and that’s a good choice for stirring into batters to add a protein boost; in fact, lower-fat versions are generally higher in protein than full-fat ones. But for the best flavor, whole-milk, creamy cottage cheese has a richness that is super satisfying—and still full of healthy cultures and high in protein. 

01 of 10

Sweet and Savory Cottage Cheese Tartines

sweet and savory tartines
CHELSEA CAVANAUGH

We eat with our eyes first, and these pretty and seasonal toppings stand out, with cottage cheese as the blank canvas. Use crackers instead of country bread if you desire, for a lighter tartine.

02 of 10

Egg-White Omelet With Spinach and Cottage Cheese

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For those avoiding egg yolks, cottage cheese is high in protein and a heart-healthy choice when you choose a low-fat version. Freshly grated parmesan cheese increases the savory quotient.

03 of 10

Ricotta Breakfast Bowls

Ricotta Breakfast Bowls
Paola + Murray

For a protein-packed way to start the day, try this breakfast bowl. It may say ricotta, but you can substitute it with cottage cheese any day. A spoonful of luscious lemon curd on top will make lemon lovers rejoice and adds the bright contrast we all need.

04 of 10

Salmon Salad With Celery and Walnuts

salmon salad with celery and walnuts
Sidney Bensimon

A lunchtime of leftovers never looked so pretty. Cooked salmon and cottage cheese are whipped up into a savory topping for toasts, crostini, or crackers. It would be just as nice on a pile of salad greens, updating the diner diet plate and bringing it full circle!

05 of 10

Mini Mocha Cheesecakes

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Dark chocolate flavor with a hint of espresso and a molten center may sound decadent—but non-fat dairy in the form of cottage cheese lightens these little cakes right up. Whizzing the filling in a food processor gets rid of any cottage cheese lumps, making for a velvety smooth batter

06 of 10

Noodle Pudding

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Also known as kugel, noodle pudding is loaded with creamy dairy products and is a real comfort food to many. Because it's a little bit sweet, you might even enjoy a leftover sliced with coffee the day after a holiday meal.

07 of 10

Creamy Edamame Dip

edamame dip
CHELSEA CAVANAUGH

You'd never guess that cottage cheese was one of the components of this green dip; it’s so loaded with the flavors of cilantro, lime, and cumin. Serve it as part of a casual appetizer spread with crackers, tortilla chips, or crudités.

08 of 10

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Rachel Marek

Packed with protein, these pancakes have just the same look and taste as a regular stack, with a little more heft, so they fill you up for longer. Serve them as you would normally have your pancakes, with maple syrup and fresh fruit, powdered sugar, nuts, coconut—all your favorite toppings.

09 of 10

Matzo Latkes

matzo latkes

Though our recipe is like a cross between hashbrowns and latkes, this savory breakfast treat doesn’t actually have any potatoes in it. Matzo is the base, which makes this especially appealing during Passover when you’re looking for ways to use matzo other than in matzo brei.

10 of 10

Light Cherry Cheesecake

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Using cottage cheese adds body to the batter and helps to thicken this low-fat cheesecake. Our recipe calls for frozen cherries, which are made into a lightly sweetened topping, but if you’re lucky to have fresh cherries, then by all means, pit them and cook them the same way.

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