Rethink Cottage Cheese with 10 Healthy Recipes

Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese has gotten kind of a bad rap over the years. But thanks to cottage cheese recipes from savvy foodies, we're totally changing the way we think about it. "Cottage cheese is so versatile," says Kara Lydon, a registered dietician in New York City. "It can be used to improve the taste texture and nutrition profile of a lot of recipes."

Lower in calories and fat but higher in protein than its dairy cousins, cottage cheese is a healthy swap for milk, butter, and mayo—and it's surprisingly delish on it's own. Plus, it's high in the amino acid leucine, which helps build muscle, so it's a great workout recovery snack, she adds.

With its almost too-good-to-be-true combo of health benefits and rich taste, cottage cheese is about to become your go-to for indulgent dishes without the guilt. Read on for 10 recipes that will make you re-think cottage cheese. (Then try these 10 Savory Greek Yogurt Recipes.)

Roasted Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

We love smoothies, and we're always looking for delicious swaps to make them even more nutritious. "I'll use cottage cheese as a great protein booster in smoothies," says Lydon. Sound questionable? This delicious roasted strawberry cheesecake smoothie from Minimalist Baker is sure to change your mind.

Toasted Coconut Breakfast Spread

When Greek yogurt starts to get a little old, try this toasted coconut breakfast spread from A Spicy Perspective. With only four ingredients (cottage cheese, honey, vanilla, and coconut) there's no excuse not to make this tropical tasting meal to jumpstart your day.

Coconut Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Of course, sometimes breakfast on the go just isn't satisfying. Treat yo'self to a full-on pancake feast with this cottage cheese recipe from A Spoonful of Photography. With a coconut blueberry topping, these bad boys don't even need syrup. Rich and delicious, they're just like mom's (but even healthier!).

Blackberry Cottage Cheese Salad

Feta, goat cheese, and fresh Parmesan may be no-brainer salad toppings, but it's time to add cottage cheese to the list. This super fresh blackberry salad from Daisy tops off baby greens with blackberries, balsamic glaze, and cottage cheese (drooling yet?). The best part: You'll feel super indulgent while keeping it fresh.

Cottage Cheese Cilantro Guacamole

Since you really can't go wrong with mashed avocados, guacamole can only be made to taste better—something cottage cheese does wonders with. This extra creamy guacamole from Imma Eat That will be love at first bite. (Pair with any of these 12 Homemade Salsa Recipes.)

Gyros Greek-Style Sandwich

Thanks to these flavorful gyros from Paaka Shaale, you can add a new recipe to your tired vegetarian rotation. Take cubed cottage cheese, season it, cook over medium heat, and violà! You have a nutritional powerhouse to substitue for the tradition tzatziki.

Grilled Summer Salad

This grilled summer salad from Hungry Foodies takes a humdrum salad to a whole new level with grilled peaches and honey, plus a dollop of cottage cheese for some creamy goodness. Want a little extra sweetness? Toss in some grilled apples. (Grilled fruit is pretty damn delicious—just try one of these Fruit-Centric Grill Recipes for a Sweeter Cookout.)

Cottage Cheese Corn Bread

Cottage cheese is particularly awesome in baked goods. A simple swap for cream or butter, we love it as a sub in muffins, scones, or cakes. This quick cottage cheese corn bread from 24 Carrot Life will have you anteing up for more home-cooked meals every week.

White Pizza Quinoa Bake

Lightened-up mac 'n' cheese is child's play compared to a super classy (and healthy) quinoa bake. Try this triple cheese (cottage, mozzarella, and parmesan) white pizza quinoa bake from With Salt & Wit to totally kill it at your next supper soiree.

Strawberry Swirl Cheesecake Ice Cream

We never thought we'd see "protein," "healthy," and "cheesecake" in the same recipe, so we're excited about this strawberry swirl cheesecake ice cream from Honey & Figs Kitchen. This decadent recipe calls for cottage cheese as a base and sweetens things up with stevia and raw honey.