20 + Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese

Brierley Horton, M.S., RD is a dietitian nutritionist, content creator and strategist, and avid mental health advocate. She is co-host and co-creator of the Happy Eating podcast, which breaks down the connection between food and mental wellness.

Cottage cheese has been my go-to for years. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and packed with key vitamins and minerals. Best of all, it takes almost no effort to turn into a snack or meal—a major win as a working mom.

Here’s how it stacks up nutritionally: A ½-cup serving delivers 11 grams of protein (22% DV) and just 5 grams of carbohydrates (2% DV), along with meaningful amounts of vitamin D, vitamin B12, and calcium, plus a little potassium. And Americans are catching on to the value of this high-protein, low-carb, nutrient-rich dairy staple—according to the International Dairy Foods Association, the average person eats about 2.4 pounds of cottage cheese each year.

There’s research to back up its staying power, too. One study found cottage cheese to be just as filling and satisfying as eggs when protein amounts are matched. Another suggests its casein protein makes it a smart pre-bedtime snack, supporting overnight muscle repair and exercise recovery.

But—ahem—not all cottage cheese is created equal. Cabot’s “Vermont Style” stands out for its signature curd size and rich, creamy texture. It’s a perfect base for a snack or light meal—and an ideal blank canvas. I like to start with a generous scoop, then build it out with sweet or savory mix-ins depending on the mood.

Cottage Cheese Mix-Ins: 

Savory Mix in…

• Veggies. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and avocado: pretty much whatever suits your fancy. And a drizzle of olive oil.
• Seeds and nuts. Stir in your favorites together or separately.
• Grains. Quinoa, anyone?
• Salsa. You decide: mild, medium or hot! Or try pico de gallo.
• Cooked Eggs. Plus salt and pepper. Or add hot sauce.
• Crumbled bacon. Yum!
  

Sweet Mix in… 

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

If cottage cheese isn’t your thing…try all of these same ideas with Cabot Greek Yogurt—another great source of protein. 

Cottage cheese pulls double (honestly, triple) duty in the kitchen. Swap it in for sour cream on a baked potato or sweet potato, or smear it onto a thick slice of good bread and pile on something sweet or savory. Once you start using it this way, it’s hard to go back. Here are a few of our favorite recipes:

Healthy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake Dip

Cheesecake dip is downright delicious, but it’s also quite decadent, so we wanted to see if we could make a healthier version that was just as satisfying. And while we’re a bit biased, this one passed the tastebud test. Serve it with graham crackers as the recipe suggests, or rolled wafers like Piroulines or Pirouettes and fresh strawberries. 

Cottage Cheese Dip & Chips

Thanks to the cottage cheese, this dip is higher in protein and lower in total fat than most other Mexican-inspired cheese dips. If you want to appeal to a larger crowd, consider blending the cottage cheese first until it’s smooth. Then mix in the spices and cilantro.  

Spaghetti & Zucchini in Creamy Parmesan Sauce

The cottage cheese brings the creamy! With a good dose of veggies and a light sauce made with cottage cheese, this pasta dish is healthy without sacrificing flavor.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

We know, we know: cottage cheese in pancakes? It actually works—trust us! If you’d like to switch up your breakfast routine, try making our cottage cheese pancakes. The pancakes actually call for a number of interesting—but delicious! —ingredients, such as flaxseed meal and Cabot Cottage Cheese. 

Baked Cottage Cheese Pie with Roasted Grape Tomatoes

Our Cottage Cheese adds major protein in this dish. This unique dish features eggs, cheese and cottage cheese that have been baked into a pie form—trust us, this one is very tasty! 

Macaroni & Cabot Cheddar   

You don’t just get cottage cheese here but also Cabot cheddar cheese, sour cream and butter! This is a great way to use cottage cheese in a classic Baked Mac and Cheese recipe.

Skinny Zucchini Casserole

Protein-packed, light and delicious. Meals made with cottage cheese are nutritious and satisfying. Give our Skinny Zucchini Casserole a try!

Chive, Cheddar & Green Chili Corn Mini-Quiches

These Chive, Cheddar, and Green Chili Corn Mini Quiches are great for on-the-go-mornings when you need an energy boost. When you are looking for meals made with cottage cheese, this is a tasty choice.

Lightened-Up Warm Artichoke & Spinach Dip

The perfect lighter snack food for a game day dip! This Artichoke and Spinach Dip recipe features Cabot Cottage Cheese for a delicious, healthy alternative to heavy, high-calorie dips. Add this to your list of recipes using cottage cheese.

Cottage Cheese Queso Sauce

Warm, creamy and spicy cottage cheese dip - this Mexican Queso Sauce with Cabot Cottage Cheese is the best! Cook this up to add to your tailgate essential list on game day or for a cozy winter appetizer.

Cottage Cheese Blintzes