7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (2024)

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (1)

There's no shortage of ways to sneak cottage cheese into recipes for a protein boost.

Image Credit: amberto4ka/iStock/GettyImages

Blame it on its pale, lumpy texture, but cottage cheese gets a bad rap. Like the Brussels sprouts of the dairy world, this food is often overlooked and underappreciated.

Advertisem*nt

But don't let the lumps make you leery. This creamy, curd-filled cheese has a ton of perks.

Video of the Day

Relatively low in calories, cottage cheese is a solid source of essential nutrients like calcium and protein (between 20 to 28 grams per cup), says New York City-based dietitian Isabel Smith, RD, CDN. That makes it ideal for anyone counting calories or tracking their macros.

Advertisem*nt

Have we got your attention? Before you race to the dairy aisle, keep in mind: not all products are made equal. Smith suggests sticking with reduced-fat cottage cheese varieties (between 2 to 3 grams per serving), steering clear of any additives (especially extra sugar) and buying organic when possible.

And always check the nutrition label for sodium content. Cottage cheese tends to be high in sodium, Smith says — 1 cup can contain as much as 900 milligrams, or more than a third of the daily amount recommended by the American Heart Association. So, compare brands and choose the one with the least salt. Eating half a serving can also help with sodium management as well, Smith adds.

Advertisem*nt

And though it tastes great with fruit for breakfast or a snack, cottage cheese is way more versatile than you might think. From frittatas to oatmeal bakes and spinach-artichoke dips, Smith says there are countless ways to incorporate this creamy cheese — you can even completely hide the taste and texture among other ingredients if that better suits your taste buds.

Ready to give cottage cheese a fair chance? We guarantee these recipes — which contain as much protein as a 3-ounce chicken breast (27 grams) — will change your mind about this underrated dairy product.

Advertisem*nt

1. Chocolate Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (2)

This bowl of cottage cheese flavored with peanut butter and chocolate is just as yummy as pudding.

Image Credit: Livestrong

  • Calories:‌ 327
  • Protein:‌ 35 grams

Advertisem*nt

Who doesn't love the winning combo of peanut butter and chocolate? This sweet snack piles on the protein (a whopping 35 grams per serving) thanks to a mix of cottage cheese and protein powder. And with only five minutes from prep to plate, it makes a quick and convenient post-gym, muscle-building bite, especially on strength-training days.

Get the Chocolate Peanut Butter Cottage Cheese recipe and nutrition info here.

2. Cheesy High-Protein Twice-Baked Sweet Potato

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (3)

This sweet potato spin on loaded potato skins features fat-free cottage cheese.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler

  • Calories:‌ 221
  • Protein:‌ 27 grams

Advertisem*nt

If you're looking for a sweet and savory side dish, look no further than this twice-baked sweet potato. This one's got double the cheese — low-fat cheddar and cottage cheese — for twice the flavor and ooey-gooey goodness. And even though this healthier version is just as tasty as greasy loaded potato skins, it only has a fraction of the fat (a meager 4 grams for half a potato).

Get the Cheesy High-Protein Twice-Baked Sweet Potato recipe and nutrition info here.

3. Cheese and Vegetable Spread on Crackers

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (4)

Not your average cheese and crackers, this recipe is packed with a day's worth of fiber and protein.

Image Credit: Livestrong

  • Calories:‌ 498
  • Protein:‌ 51 grams

Advertisem*nt

This simple snack puts a twist on your traditional cheese and crackers, replacing your go-to cheddar and gouda with cottage cheese. Hearty enough to serve as a light lunch, this combo offers 24 grams of fiber thanks to fresh veggies and a jaw-dropping 51 grams of protein (that's the daily recommended protein intake for a 40-year-old active woman who weighs 140 pounds).

Advertisem*nt

The best part? No cooking required. Simply chop up your bell peppers, carrot and celery sticks and toss them into your bowl of cottage cheese. For even more filling fiber, use whole-grain crackers for dipping.

Advertisem*nt

Get the Cheese and Vegetable Spread on Crackers recipe and nutrition info here.

4. Mushroom and Tomato Omelet

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (5)

This cheese omelet boasts tons of protein thanks to the addition of cottage cheese.

Image Credit: Livestrong

  • Calories:‌ 249
  • Protein:‌ 36 grams

Loaded with meaty mushrooms and juicy tomatoes, this low-cal omelet is the perfect way to start your day. Between the eggs and cottage cheese, it packs a powerful protein punch (36 grams per serving). That's way more protein than you'd get from other cheeses like American and Swiss, which only offer 4.8 grams and 7.7 grams of protein per ounce, respectively. For reference, a half cup of low-fat cottage cheese boasts 12 grams of the muscle-boosting macro.

Get the Mushroom and Tomato Omelet recipe and nutrition info here.

5. Turkey and Cheese Scramble

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (6)

This breakfast scramble features three protein powerhouses: eggs, turkey and cottage cheese.

Image Credit: Jenna Butler

  • Calories:‌ 236
  • Protein:‌ 34 grams

This simple-yet-satisfying breakfast scramble only requires eggs, cottage cheese and turkey. Low-fat and low-carb (only 8 grams and 6 grams, respectively), this high-protein meal also contains zero fiber, so make sure to pair it with a piece of whole-wheat toast or a side of fruit.

Advertisem*nt

Get the Turkey and Cheese Scramble recipe and nutrition info here.

Honorable Mentions

Just shy of 27 grams of protein per serving, these healthy cottage-cheese recipes shouldn't be counted out.

6. Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (7)

You'd never know these pancakes were made with cottage cheese.

Image Credit: Livestrong

  • Calories:‌ 306
  • Protein:‌ 25 grams

Not a fan of cottage cheese's texture? This high-protein pancake recipe is for you. Cottage cheese gets camouflaged when blended with rolled oats, eggs and vanilla extract to make a smooth pancake batter. So, you get all the protein and calcium without the lumpy curdles. Plus, at six flapjacks per 300-calorie serving, these good-for-you griddle cakes give you a great bang for your caloric buck.

Get the Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes recipe and nutrition info here.

7. Lean Lasagna

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (8)

This light lasagna replaces ricotta with fat-free cottage cheese.

Image Credit: Arthur Bovino

  • Calories:‌ 274
  • Protein:‌ 26 grams

Fat-free cottage cheese works as a stellar substitute for ricotta in this carb-controlled, low-cal lasagna. Compared to a serving of Olive Garden's Lasagna Classico, which has seven times the fat and quadruple the sodium, this lighter homemade version still has all the staple ingredients you love — ground meat (turkey), tomatoes and mozzarella — plus a few extra healthy add-ins like spinach and mushrooms.

Get the Lean Lasagna recipe and nutrition info here.

Click below to pin and save these recipes for later!

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (9)

Relatively low in calories, cottage cheese is a solid source of essential nutrients like calcium and protein.

Image Credit: Graphic: LIVESTRONG.com Creative

Advertisem*nt

Advertisem*nt

7 Cottage-Cheese Recipes That Have as Much Protein as Chicken Breast | Livestrong.com (2024)

FAQs

What gives cottage cheese so much protein? ›

The high protein content in cottage cheese comes mostly from casein, which — because it's slowly absorbed — can build muscle just as well as whey protein. Thyroid health. Cottage cheese is an excellent source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays an important role in how your thyroid works.

What is the 3 day cottage cheese diet plan? ›

It's simply an eating plan where you eat only cottage cheese at each meal for at least three days. Some people also eat fresh fruits and vegetables in moderation. Alcohol, fruit juice, sodas, and other sweetened beverages are usually avoided.

What to eat with cottage cheese for weight loss? ›

You can eat it plain, make cottage cheese eggs, cottage cheese dip for veggies and pita wedges, or serve it with sweet or savory toppings. Whipped cottage cheese can replace cream cheese or ricotta on cottage cheese toast. Or add some to your avocado toast for a high protein breakfast.

How much cottage cheese should I eat a day to lose weight? ›

If you're on a calorie deficit for weight loss, be sure to track your calorie intake from each 100-gram serving of cottage cheese on top of other foods you eat within the day. For example, a person limiting themselves to 1,500 calories per day may get their 200-300 calories from two to three servings of cottage cheese.

What happens if you eat cottage cheese every day? ›

Though it is safe to eat cottage cheese daily, cottage cheese can also contain high levels of sodium and fat, depending on the variety you choose. This can offset the benefits of other nutrients.

What is the best cottage cheese for weight loss? ›

The Friendship brand of cottage cheese is a great bet, according to registered dietitian Lauren Harris-Pincus, specifically the 1%, low-fat whipped version, which contains 110 calories, 1.5 grams of fat and 19 grams of protein per 5-ounce serving.

How does cottage cheese burn belly fat? ›

What is in cottage cheese that burns fat? Cottage cheese itself does not burn fat. But it is high in protein, with 25 grams per one cup serving. Fat is burned through exercise and moving your body.

Can you lose weight by eating cottage cheese before bed? ›

By Mens Health Staff | May 1, 2021

According to a new study published in the British Journal of Nutrition, consuming cottage cheese before going to sleep can help you lose weight. The findings suggest that low calorie foods boost metabolism, muscles and overall wellbeing, even while you're asleep.

Why do bodybuilders eat cottage cheese at night? ›

Due to the slow absorption of casein, some bodybuilders like to eat cottage cheese before bed. This leads to a sustained release of amino acids into the blood and muscles during the night, which may reduce muscle breakdown ( 18 ).

What is the best thing to mix with cottage cheese? ›

SWEET
  • Fresh fruit. Try chopped peaches, plums or pineapple (or add your favorites). Berries. Blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, etc!
  • Jam and toasted nuts.
  • Granola and honey. Or Granola and maple syrup.
  • Dried fruit. Try apricots or cranberries.
  • Chocolate. Chips, chunks or shavings!

What is a fat burning breakfast? ›

15 healthy breakfast ideas for weight loss
  • Breakfast smoothie. Looking for a breakfast you can take on the go? ...
  • High-protein yoghurt bowl. Yoghurt bowls are the ultimate no-cook, minimal prep healthy breakfast! ...
  • Protein porridge. ...
  • Overnight protein oats. ...
  • Low-carb porridge. ...
  • Chia seed pudding. ...
  • Scrambled eggs. ...
  • Simple omelette.

What to eat with cottage cheese at night? ›

Cottage cheese and tart cherries.

Top ¾ cup of 2 percent cottage cheese with half a cup of tart cherries for a triple whammy: 22 grams of protein from the cottage cheese, a boost of sleep-inducing melatonin from the cherries and the calcium on cottage cheese helps your body make more melatonin.

Is it better to eat cottage cheese in the morning or at night? ›

It turns out consuming 30 grams of protein 30 minutes before bed—the amount in a little more than a cup of cottage cheese—was linked to stronger muscles, a quicker metabolism and better overall health in a study published in the British Journal of Nutrition.

Is peanut butter good for weight loss? ›

Peanut butter is high in protein, aiding weight loss, but it is rich in calories, so it can help you gain weight if you consume too much of it. Nuts are some of the healthiest things you can eat, providing proteins, healthy fats, and a range of vitamins and minerals.

Is pineapple good for weight loss? ›

Pineapple is a low-calorie fruit that contains just 50-55 calories per 100 grams. This makes it an ideal snack for weight loss. Consuming foods rich in calories can lead to weight gain, but pineapple's low-calorie content ensures that it does not contribute excess calories to your diet.

Why do bodybuilders eat cottage cheese? ›

Cottage cheese's muscle-building powers come from two different components. Cottage cheese contains a high proportion of casein, the slow-digesting dairy protein. When you eat casein, your blood amino acid levels rise slowly and stay elevated for longer than if you would have eaten whey (the other dairy protein).

What makes cottage cheese a Superfood? ›

The Nutritional Benefits of Cottage Cheese

As you just learned, cottage cheese is high in protein, making it popular during war times and among modern high-protein connoisseurs and athletes. It's also low in carbs, can be low in fat, and is a good source of calcium and other essential nutrients.

Does cottage cheese have more protein than eggs? ›

And that's just the protein in a personal-size cup of the stuff (5.3 oz)—in that size, those wannabe trendy cottage cheeses are weighing in at 16 to 19 grams of protein; eggs have about 6 g each.

What are the pros and cons of eating cottage cheese? ›

The takeaway. Cottage cheese is rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals like calcium, which are important nutrients for continued good health. However, the sodium in cottage cheese might work against the benefits. As with anything, moderation is key.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 6197

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.