How to Turn Cottage Cheese Into a Week’s Worth of High-Protein Breakfasts

Cottage cheese has been having a moment on social media for what seems like an eternity compared to most viral food trends. From pasta sauces, to breads, to cheesy dips, to simply replacing yogurt as your afternoon snack, it’s remained top-of-mind for nutritionists and cooks alike, for good reason. Packed with protein, this versatile dairy product seems to be the perfect base for creating sweet or savory meals that are nutrient dense and satisfying.

Protein at breakfast is important for everyone—not just gym-goers focused on building muscle. Why? Because this powerhouse macronutrient works to help you gain—or retain—muscle all while keeping you full. Constant hunger between meals can be a stumbling block for many trying to eat better, as it often leads to overeating, mindless snacking, or making less nutritious choices in an effort to grab something quick. (Though, grabbing a container of cottage cheese straight from the fridge with a spoon is a viable snack option, too.)

So what are the benefits of cottage cheese?

While cottage cheese may bring back memories of stricter meal regiments of the 1970s and 1990s, in recent years it’s gone through a significant glow-up. This nutritional dairy dynamo is finally getting recognition and visibility for its versatility and, most notably, its protein content.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (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 222 calories per cup (and 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.

So 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 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.

1. Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs

By incorporating cottage cheese into your scrambled eggs, you add an extra layer of fatty richness, which can help you from overcooking your eggs and results in a softer, creamier texture overall. The slightly tangy flavor pairs perfectly with a sprinkle of herbs or your favorite veggies. Plus, this quick and easy staple dish is a blank slate that can be easily transformed to suit any flavor profile you’re feeling. Want a Greek twist? Stir in some spinach, olives, and feta. Looking for something more hearty? Add in diced ham, green pepper, and cheddar. The possibilities are endless.

Per serving: 190 calories, 370 milligrams sodium, 13 grams fat (6 grams saturated fat), 4 grams carbohydrates, 12 grams protein

Get cheerful choices’ recipe here

2. Strawberry Cheesecake Smoothie

Incorporating dessert-flavored stuff into my breakfast repertoire is always a plus. 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 (non-dairy, if you’d prefer), and a sprinkle of graham crackers for that signature cheesecake flavor. The flax meal sneaks in some nuttiness, not to mention some added 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 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fat, 33 grams carbohydrates (4 grams fiber), 17 grams protein

Get the real food dietitians’ recipe here

3. Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Everyone loves pancakes for breakfast, and this protein-packed twist on the classic offers a flavor that’s both slightly sweet with a bit of balancing savory, thanks to the cottage cheese. And don’t worry—there are no lumps here. In this 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 from a regular pancake.

Per serving: 286 calories, 655 milligrams sodium, 7 grams fat (3 grams saturated fat), 34 grams carbohydrates (1 gram fiber), 24 grams protein

Get eating bird food’s recipe here

4. Apple Pie Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats

Imagine the comforting flavors of apple pie blended into a creamy jar of overnight oats. This recipe from Bucket List Tummy combines diced apples with a hint of cinnamon spice to add rich, spiced flavor to velvety oats. Thanks to the key ingredient—cottage cheese—this breakfast has a surprising richness, all while boosting your protein content. With 33 grams of protein per serving, this dish will definitely power you through a busy morning.

Per serving: 683 calories, 708 milligrams sodium, 25 grams fat (7 grams saturated fat), 86 grams carbohydrates (10 grams fiber), 33 grams protein

Get bucket list tummy’s recipe here

5. Cottage Cheese Egg Cups

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 milligrams sodium, 9 grams fat, 1 gram carbohydrates (0.02 gram fiber), 12 grams protein

Get budget bytes’ recipe here