Incorporating Cottage Cheese into Savory and Sweet Dishes
Cottage cheese is an underrated ingredient that can be used in either sweet or savory dishes. It has a mild flavor and creamy texture similar to ricotta cheese but packs an impressive amount of protein making it perfect for meals and snacks.
Nutritional Benefits
Cottage cheese is low in fat and calories but high in essential nutrients including:
- Protein - 28 grams per cup
- Calcium - 28% Daily Value
- Vitamin B12 - 59% DV
- Phosphorus - 27% DV
- Selenium - 33% DV
The high protein and nutrient content coupled with the low calorie count make cottage cheese a diet-friendly food. The protein also helps you stay satisfied between meals.
Incorporating into Meals
From breakfasts to desserts, here are creative ways to enjoy cottage cheese:
Breakfast Bowls
Combine cottage cheese with oatmeal, chia seeds, almonds, berries, honey or cinnamon to create a high protein breakfast bowl.
Stuffed Vegetables
Scoop cottage cheese into bell peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes or zucchini boats for an easy meatless meal.
Lettuce Wraps
Use larger lettuce leaves like romaine or iceberg to make wraps filled with cottage cheese, nuts, raisins and green onions.
Sheet Pan Nachos
Layer corn chips with cottage cheese, black bean salsa, avocado and enchilada sauce then bake until warm and bubbly.
Savory Pancakes
Whip up silver dollar pancakes using a blender to incorporate cottage cheese into the batter then cook in olive oil.
Potato Cakes
Grate potatoes and onion, mix well with cottage cheese, eggs and flour then pan fry into crispy potato patties.
Quesadillas
Fill tortillas with cottage cheese, shredded chicken, sautéed peppers and onions then grill until cheese is melted.
Lasagna
Replace ricotta cheese with cottage cheese when preparing a classic spinach and sausage lasagna.
Sweet Treats
Cottage cheese can also be used to create lower calorie desserts including:
Pancake Dippers
Dip leftover pancakes, French toast sticks or waffles into a mixture of cinnamon cottage cheese with pureed fruit.
Parfaits
Alternate layers of cottage cheese with berries, granola and toasted coconut in a parfait glass for a quick dessert.
Cookies
Make healthier breakfast cookies using oats, banana, almond butter and cottage cheese baked into tasty protein-packed bite-size treats.
Milkshakes
For thick creamy milkshakes, blend cottage cheese with almond milk, cocoa powder and your favorite fruits.
Crustless Quiches
Beat eggs with cottage cheese, spinach, roasted peppers and sautéed onion then bake in greased ramekins for individual crustless quiches.
Cheesecake Fluff
Whip cottage cheese with cool whip or Greek yogurt, lemon, vanilla and sweetener for a light fluffy dessert similar to cheesecake filling.
Pudding
For an easy high protein pudding, purée cottage cheese in a blender with peanut butter powder, cocoa powder, almond milk and a touch of honey.
Tips for Cooking
Follow these tips when cooking with cottage cheese:
- Purchase small or single-serve containers to maximize freshness after opening.
- Stir cottage cheese before adding to remove any liquid for better consistency.
- Start with half the amount in a recipe then adjust to preference.
- Blend cottage cheese for very smooth texture in dips, baked goods or pancakes.
- Let cottage cheese come to room temperature if mixing into hot dishes to prevent curdling.
With its mild flavor and creamy texture, cottage cheese can lead to delicious and nutritious meals for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert!
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
Add Comment