Creamy and Nutritious Cottage Cheese Smoothies

Delicious and Nutritious Cottage Cheese Smoothies and Shakes

Cottage cheese is an ingredient that often gets overlooked when it comes to blended drinks and smoothies. But this mild, creamy cheese can be the perfect addition to sweet and savory shakes and smoothies alike. Blending cottage cheese creates a rich, thick texture and packs an extra punch of protein. The high protein and relatively low calories and carbs make cottage cheese an excellent base for meal replacement or post-workout recovery shakes too.

From breakfast blends to after dinner treats, explore all the delicious ways to enjoy smoothies and shakes made with protein-packed cottage cheese.

Benefits of Cottage Cheese in Smoothies

There are many advantages to adding cottage cheese to your blended drinks, including:

High Protein

Just a 12 cup of low fat cottage cheese provides 14 grams of protein. Blending cottage cheese into smoothies is an easy way to increase the protein content which helps keep you full and satisfied.

Creamy Texture

Cottage cheese purees into a luxuriously thick and creamy texture when blended. It creates richer, milkshake-like smoothies without having to add unhealthy fats or oils.

Nutrient Dense

In addition to protein, cottage cheese provides calcium, phosphorus, selenium, riboflavin, vitamin B12 and other nutrients. Its a nutritional powerhouse that boosts the vitamin and mineral content of any blended treat.

Low Sugar

Since cottage cheese has no sugar naturally, it can create lighter blended drinks compared to using yogurt or milk. Its ideal for those limiting sugar or carbs in their diets.

Choosing the Best Cottage Cheese for Blending

With so many varieties available at the grocery store, you might wonder what the best kinds of cottage cheese are for whipping up smoothies and shakes. Here are a few tips for selecting cottage cheese to blend:

Go Low Fat

To keep your smoothies healthiest, choose low fat or fat free cottage cheese options. They have slightly more protein per serving and none of the unnecessary saturated fats found in regular or whole milk cottage cheese.

Small or Large Curd

This choice comes down to texture preference in your finished smoothie. Large curd cottage cheese blends into creamier drinks. Small curd options create a smoother, almost silky texture.

Avoid Additives

For the cleanest, purest flavor in blended drinks, pick plain cottage cheese without added fruits, vegetables or other mixes in it. Then you can customize the ingredients in your smoothies.

Consider Organic

To avoid hormones or antibiotics found in conventional dairy products, choose certified organic cottage cheese from grass-fed cows when possible.

Incredible Cottage Cheese Smoothie Recipes

From fruity breakfast smoothies to indulgent dessert shakes and everything in between, cottage cheese makes an excellent addition to blended beverages. Here are some delicious smoothies and shakes featuring this underrated protein packed ingredient:

Berry Banana Breakfast Smoothie

Start your day off right with this naturally sweetened meal in a glass. Frozen mixed berries, banana and vanilla yogurt perfectly complement the rich nuttiness of cottage cheese. Its a tasty way to get a serving of fruit plus plenty of protein, calcium, fiber and other essential nutrients. Blend everything together until smooth and creamy.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Power Shake

Make this high protein shake as a mid-morning snack or post workout recovery drink. The classic combo of chocolate and peanut butter gets even better with cream cheese blended in. Simply mix everything in the blender until frothy and enjoy this muscle building treat.

Green Machine Smoothie

Pack a hefty serving of fruits and veggies into your day with this vibrant green smoothie. Thanks to the cottage cheese, its wonderfully creamy despite being loaded with kale, mango, banana, pineapple and spinach. Simply combine the ingredients in the blender and puree on high speed until fully smooth.

Decadent Strawberry Cheesecake Shake

Indulge in this sweet strawberry dessert shake made extra creamy with cottage cheese and yogurt. For an extra cheesecake flavor boost, blend in some graham cracker crumbs too. Top with light whipped cream and crushed graham crackers if desired. Its a cool, frothy slice of cheesecake in a glass!

Tips for Making the Best Cottage Cheese Smoothies

To get the creamiest, dreamiest blended cottage cheese drinks at home, keep these handy tips in mind:

Cut Larger Ingredients

For fruits and veggies, cut ingredients into smaller pieces before adding to your blender. This helps ensure even blending.

Blend on High Speed

Use the highest speed setting on your blender to fully break down the cottage cheese curds into smooth, creamy liquid.

Add Liquid to Get It Moving

If having trouble getting ingredients to blend, try adding small splashes of milk or water to get the vortex moving.

Sweeten If Needed

Since cottage cheese has no natural sugars, add fruit, honey, maple syrup or other natural sweeteners if your smoothie needs a touch more sweetness.

Play With Proportions

Adapt smoothie recipes to suit your taste and texture preferences by tweaking the ratios of ingredients.

So go beyond yogurt and milk based smoothies by whipping up nutrient rich blended cottage cheese drinks. With so many combinations to play with, you'll never get bored sipping on these creamy, dreamy beverages.

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.