Cottage cheese has been having a moment on social media for what seems like an eternity compared to most viral food trends, and there’s good reason. Packed with protein, this versatile dairy product is the perfect base for sweet or savory nutritious meals.
Protein at breakfast is paramount for everyone—not just bodybuilders but busy parents, too. Why? Because this powerhouse macronutrient works to help you gain muscle and keep you full. Constant hunger is a huge stumbling block for many trying to eat better, as it often leads to overeating, mindless snacking, or making less nutritious choices.
Here, we showcase how cottage cheese can be transformed into a week’s worth of delicious high-protein breakfasts. The best part? They are all incredibly easy and quick to throw together.
Cottage cheese benefits
While cottage cheese may bring back memories of dieting in the 1970s, in recent years it’s gone through a significant glow-up. This nutritional dynamo is getting recognition and visibility for its versatility and, most notably, its protein content.
According to the USDA, a one-cup serving typically contains around 24 grams of protein, making it an excellent option for those looking to boost their consumption of this muscle-building macronutrient. It’s also relatively low in calories, with around 180 calories per cup, for low-fat varieties. Additionally, cottage cheese is packed with important nutrients like calcium, which supports bone health, and B vitamins such as riboflavin and B12, essential for energy production and red blood cell formation.
5 High-protein cottage cheese breakfast recipes
Grab that tub of cottage cheese and get ready to whip up a week’s worth of breakfasts that are as delicious as they are protein-packed. From savory cottage cheese scrambled eggs to strawberry cheesecake-flavored smoothies, these quick recipes will give you that extra dose of protein to keep you full throughout the morning.
By incorporating creamy cottage cheese into your scrambled eggs, you add an extra layer of richness. This creates a deliciously smooth and slightly tangy flavor, pairing perfectly with a sprinkle of herbs or your favorite veggies. Plus, this quick and easy dish, from Cheerful Choices, is a blank slate that can be easily transformed to suit any flavor profile you’re feeling. Want a Mediterranean twist? Stir in some spinach, olives, and feta. Looking for something hearty? Add in diced ham and cheddar. The possibilities are endless.
Per serving: 190 calories, 370 mg sodium, 13 g fat (6 g saturated fat), 4 g carbohydrates, 12 g protein
Imagine sipping on a strawberry cheesecake, but in smoothie form! This creamy treat, from Real Food Dietitians, is made with a blend of tangy vanilla yogurt and rich cottage cheese. Add strawberries, a splash of milk, and a sprinkle of graham crackers for that signature cheesecake flavor. The flax meal sneaks in some nuttiness, not to mention some fiber, making this smoothie nourishing and satiating. Between the yogurt, cottage cheese, and milk, you’re looking at around 17 grams of protein per serving.
Per serving: 292 calories, 385 mg sodium, 9 g fat, 33 g carbs (4 g fiber), 17 g protein
Cottage cheese pancakes are a protein-packed twist on the classic flapjack, offering a flavor that’s both slightly sweet and slightly savory, thanks to the cottage cheese. And don’t worry—there are no lumps here. In this Eating Bird Food recipe, the cottage cheese is blended with the rest of the wet ingredients before it gets mixed into the batter, creating the smooth and fluffy consistency that you’d expect. Plus, they deliver about 24 grams of protein per serving, making them a breakfast that’ll keep you energized and full all morning long.
Per serving: 286 calories, 655 mg sodium, 7 g fat (3 g saturated fat), 34 g carbs (1 g fiber), 24 g protein
Imagine the comforting flavors of apple pie blended into a creamy, protein-packed jar of overnight oats. This Bucket List Tummy recipe combines diced apples with a hint of cinnamon spice to create thick, velvety oats. Thanks to the magic ingredient, cottage cheese, this breakfast has a surprising richness while boosting the protein content. With 33 grams of protein per serving, this dish will definitely power you through a busy morning.
Per serving: 683 calories, 708 mg sodium, 25 g fat (7 g saturated fat), 86 g carbohydrates (10 g fiber), 33 g protein
In this Budget Bytes recipe, the creamy, cheesy goodness from the cottage cheese adds a subtle tang and richness, balancing out the fluffy, savory eggs. With 12 grams of protein per serving, these cups are a perfect grab-and-go option to keep your energy steady all morning long. Plus, they’re super versatile—you can add your favorite veggies, herbs, or a sprinkle of cheese on top to make them your own.
Per serving: 137 calories, 367 mg sodium,9 g fat, 1 g carbohydrates (0.02 g fiber), 12 g protein