24 Irresistible Cottage Cheese Recipes for Any Meal of the Day: High in Protein and Full of Flavor

Cottage cheese’s versatility is a key reason why I always keep a tub of it in my fridge. Whether I’m whipping up a hearty lasagna or velvety chocolate mousse, this dairy staple gives any dish a luscious consistency and protein kick. Plus, the cheese’s tangy flavor doesn’t overwhelm the other ingredients in the dish. Here are 24 high-protein cottage cheese recipes to add to your meal rotation for breakfast, lunch, dinner or dessert. 

(Snack lovers we didn’t forget you as our roundup of cottage cheese snacks deserves its own shine!)

Cottage cheese breakfast recipes

1. Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs

Adding cottage cheese to beaten eggs is the cheat code to a fluffier, high-protein scramble.

2. Cottage Cheese Bagels

It turns out that cottage cheese can make healthier homemade bagels to enjoy toasted with your favorite toppings and fillings.

3. Cottage Cheese Waffles

These rich and fluffy waffles are worth getting out of bed early for–plus, the secret to a smooth batter with less cleanup!

4. Cottage Cheese Egg Bites

These copycat Starbucks egg bites are the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings.

5. Cottage Cheese with Fruit

A cottage cheese fruit bowl takes a few minutes to prepare but is a flavorful yet filling option.

6. Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

For a large breakfast crowd, this cottage cheese egg bake is sure to keep everyone happy and full.

Cottage cheese lunch recipes

1. Cottage Cheese Flatbread

Ditch your regular sandwich wrap and make this five-ingredient, high-protein version before filling it with your desired ingredients.

2. Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

Using cottage cheese instead of mayo in egg salad makes it velvety with fewer calories and fat and more protein.

3. Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

This pizza bowl is cheesy, saucy and bakes in 15 minutes before it’s ready to cool and enjoy.

Cottage cheese dinner recipes

1. Cottage Cheese Lasagna

Take your family-favorite lasagna to the next level by using cottage cheese as a creamy yet better-for-you swap.

2. Cottage Cheese Alfredo

This cottage cheese Alfredo dish deserves a spot in your pasta night rotation as it’s rich and easy to prepare in 10 minutes.

3. Cottage Cheese Saucy Chicken

Tender chicken in a glossy cottage cheese sauce…need I say more? (The answer should be no!)

4. Cottage Cheese Pizza

A cottage cheese crust gives this saucy homemade pizza a feel-good twist.

5. Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Satisfy your comfort cravings with this protein mac and cheese that comes together without hassle on the stove.

6. Cottage Cheese Hamburger Helper

Boxed Hamburger Helper doesn’t hold a candle to this comforting homemade version.

Cottage cheese dessert recipes

1. Cottage Cheese Brownies

Bake a batch of these brownies for when a fudgy and decadent treat is calling your name.

2. Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

This edible cookie dough preps in 10 minutes and is perfect to enjoy by the spoonful.

3. Cottage Cheese Cherry Garcia Ice Cream

Inspired by Ben & Jerry’s Cherry Garcia flavor, this cottage cheese ice cream is sweet, fruity and chocolatey in every bite.

4. Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

This banana bread has all of the sweetness found in the classic kind–but with a protein boost.

5. Cottage Cheese Pudding

Chocolate pudding is a nostalgic treat that’s easy to lighten up with cottage cheese.

6. Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

The secret to your best-ever healthy cheesecake is using cottage cheese instead of cream cheese–it’s so simple and delicious.

7. Cottage Cheese Chocolate Mousse

All you need is four ingredients to make light and airy mousse for dessert any night of the week.

8. Cottage Cheese Pumpkin Bread

When you need a taste of fall, prepare this moist and spiced pumpkin bread recipe.

9. Cottage Cheese No-Churn Ice Cream

For more cottage cheese ice cream inspiration, try these peanut butter-chocolate and strawberry white chocolate swirl flavors.