In a world still obsessed with protein, cottage cheese couldn’t be hotter. And the hype isn’t unfounded: This dairy product contains an impressive 12 grams of the macronutrient in just one, half-cup serving. Plus, we can’t forget about all of the other alluring nutrients this small curd cheese boasts, including B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and even probiotics (depending on the brand). These combined can support energy metabolism, bone health, and a thriving gut microbiome.

All of these noteworthy health perks of cottage cheese have thrown it into the spotlight of influencers, bloggers, and food writers alike. As a result, the internet is full of recipes featuring the savory cheese that will have you thinking, ‘there’s no way that can taste good.’ And I can tell you from experience that not all of these creative recipes are actually all that tasty.

However, there are plenty of diamonds in the rough and we’ve done the hard work to discover some of the most delicious cottage cheese dishes worth trying at home. From cookies and breads to smoothies and pasta sauce, you’d be shocked to discover just how many ways cottage cheese can be integrated into both sweet and savory dishes. Read on to discover 15 cottage cheese recipes that are *actually* good, and good for you.

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   Dill Pickle Cottage Cheese Egg Salad

For a quick lunch that can be meal prepped on the weekend, look no further than this tangy dill pickle cottage cheese egg salad. As an already high-protein dish, this egg salad is boosted up even more with the addition of cottage cheese, ensuring you’ll stay full through the afternoon. Plus, it offers plenty of intrigue with bold flavoring agents like dill pickles, honey mustard, and green onions.

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   Blended Cottage Cheese Ranch Dip

With the Big Game (and other hosting occasions) coming up, this simple two-ingredient dip recipe couldn’t be easier (or more delicious) for entertaining a crowd. All you need is cottage cheese, ranch seasoning, and a blender to make this dip in seconds. For added nutrition, serve this dip with crudité veggies as they add a welcome dose of fiber and micronutrients to your high-protein dip platter.

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   Protein Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Who doesn’t love a warm bowl of gooey mac and cheese on a cold winter day? And while certainly yummy, this comfort meal isn’t usually categorized as something that can help us meet our protein goals. Thankfully, that doesn’t always have to be the case. Not only does it utilize high-fiber macaroni but this dish excels with the help of cottage cheese and B12-rich nutritional yeast.

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   Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Protein pancakes have been all the rage in recent years but they often employ the use of protein powders—many of which can have weird aftertastes that I try to avoid. This pancake recipe, however, ups its protein content through the use of ingredients like cottage cheese and eggs to produce a hearty and tasty final product—with less than 10 ingredients, to boot!

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   High Protein Overnight Oats with Cottage Cheese

Staying on the breakfast train, overnight oats are a weekday morning lifesaver as they can be made the night (or several nights) before, helping you to get out the door quickly, easily, and well-nourished. This overnight oats recipe is unique in that it ups the satiety factor of the fiber and protein already found in oats with the help of protein-rich cottage cheese. You’ll be sure to feel full until lunchtime after enjoying this simple four ingredient breakfast.

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   Buffalo Chicken Dip

While often thought of as a guilty pleasure, there are plenty of ways to indulge your love for all things buffalo chicken, including this dip. Cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, plus mozzarella and cheddar cheese come together to produce a dip that tastes just as good as the traditional sour cream-forward options. Serve alongside celery sticks for a nod to the classic pairing.

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   Egg Bites

You may know of a famous egg bite from a large chain coffee shop that has taken the fast casual breakfast market by storm. Well, save yourself some money by making batches of protein-filled bites at home. This recipe combines cottage cheese with eggs, spinach, bell pepper, and green onion for a flavorful on-the-go breakfast that can be made during your usual meal prep. Plus, it’s a great go-to for utilizing any veggies that are close to expiration!

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   Cottage Cheese Cookie Dough

Among the strange cottage cheese recipes that have emerged on the internet, cookie dough tops the list. However, it’s actually pretty tasty if you choose the right recipe, like this one from Eating Bird Food. The recipe is not only high in protein, thanks to the cottage cheese and protein powder it contains, but is also gluten-free, making it a great option for those with allergies. 

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   Cottage Cheese Waffles

Though delicious, breakfast favorites like pancakes and waffles aren’t necessarily the best way to start the day as they’re simple (or refined) carbohydrate-forward and typically lacking the protein we need, which often leaves us feeling hungry soon after enjoying them. Well, this cottage cheese waffle recipe pretty much solves that problem, as the protein from the eggs and cottage cheese it contains is sure to leave you feeling satisfied for far longer than standard recipes. Plus, they’re waffles.

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   Caesar Dressing

When cottage cheese is blended, what results is a creamy, thick, savory delight that can be used as a sauce, or even a salad dressing, like in this Caesar dressing finished with Mexican-style spices. Not only will this dressing add protein and staying power to your final dish, but it will take the flavor of your everyday salad to the next level thanks to nutrient-dense seasonings like garlic powder, cumin, oregano, and lime juice.

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   Easy Cottage Cheese Cheesecake

Blended cottage cheese is the perfect base for sweet recipes, too, like in this protein-forward take on cheesecake. Not only does this dish skirt the inclusion of cream cheese altogether with its use of cottage cheese and Greek yogurt, but there’s very little added sugar to speak of. 

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   Tomato Garlic Cottage Cheese Pasta Sauce

One place you may never have expected to see this trendy ingredient is in pasta sauce. And while this recipe in particular may give you pause with its inclusion of unlikely ingredients like coconut aminos and honey, it’s actually incredibly flavorful. The savory, creamy taste of this one-of-a-kind sauce full of protein and plant compounds will have you going back bite after bite.

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   Cheesecake Cottage Cheese Smoothie

Forget protein powder, cottage cheese is the new way to boost the protein content of your daily smoothie. Not only is it a whole food option, but the inclusion of cottage cheese adds a healthy dose of creaminess to the mix, hence this recipe’s cheesecake description. You’ll be sure to feel plenty satisfied after enjoying this one, too, thanks to the fiber-rich flaxseed and frozen strawberries it contains.

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   Tomato Basil Cottage Cheese Toast

If you love loaded toasts (like myself), then it’s time to start integrating cottage cheese into your rotation as a calcium and protein-filled topping. This recipe is reminiscent of both pizza and bruschetta with its use of tomatoes, basil, and garlic. For added nutrition, opt for whole grain bread and for a boost of flavor, drizzle with balsamic glaze. 

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   Strawberry Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

Finally, we have cottage cheese ice cream (yes, you read that right). While this dish sounds a bit odd, substituting heavy cream and milk for full-fat cottage cheese and protein powder yields a dessert recipe that’s not only tasty but plenty nutritious with notable amounts of protein, B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and even probiotics! It’s just an added bonus that it utilizes honey and whole strawberries for natural sweetness.