10+ Cottage Cheese Recipes for Quick and Delicious Meals

Cottage cheese is a versatile ingredient you can use in many recipes. It adds a creamy texture and a boost of protein to your meals.

You can enjoy cottage cheese in both savory and sweet dishes. This makes it a great option for any time of day.

Whether you want a quick snack or a filling meal, cottage cheese recipes can fit your needs. It’s simple to prepare and pairs well with many ingredients.

You can easily customize your dishes to your taste.

1) Cottage Cheese and Spinach Stuffed Shells

Stuffed shells with cottage cheese and spinach are easy to make. The creamy cottage cheese mixes well with cooked spinach for a tasty filling.

Add shredded mozzarella for extra flavor if you like. First, cook jumbo pasta shells until they are soft but still firm.

Mix the cottage cheese, spinach, and seasonings in a bowl. Spoon the mixture into the shells and place them in a baking dish.

Cover the shells with marinara sauce. Bake until hot and bubbly.

This dish is a comforting, meat-free meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 20 jumbo pasta shells
• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup cooked chopped spinach
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• 1 cup marinara sauce
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions; drain and cool.
3. Mix cottage cheese, spinach, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
5. Spread a layer of marinara sauce in a baking dish.
6. Place stuffed shells in dish and cover with remaining marinara.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.

2) Lemony Zucchini Pasta with Cottage Cheese

You can make a light and tasty meal with zucchini and cottage cheese. Slice the zucchini into thin ribbons to use as noodles.

Cottage cheese adds creaminess without heavy sauces. Lemon zest and juice give the dish a fresh, bright flavor.

Fresh basil or mint adds a nice herbal touch. This recipe uses just a few ingredients.

It’s quick to prepare and perfect for a summer meal. Serve it warm or cold.

Ingredients

• 2 pounds zucchini
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• A handful of fresh basil or mint
• Salt to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice the zucchini into thin ribbons using a peeler.
2. Mix the cottage cheese with lemon zest, juice, and salt.
3. Toss the zucchini ribbons with the cottage cheese mixture.
4. Add fresh basil or mint for flavor.
5. Serve immediately or chill for later.

For a similar recipe, see lemony zucchini pasta with cottage cheese.

3) Spiced Cottage Cheese Dip with Jalapenos

Make a tasty and healthy spiced dip using cottage cheese and fresh jalapeños. This dip is creamy with a little heat, perfect for snacking or parties.

It’s higher in protein and lower in calories than many traditional dips. Add cilantro, salsa verde, and ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

Whip the cottage cheese until smooth and light. This helps the dip hold together well.

Serve this spicy dip with veggies or baked chips. It’s quick and easy to make.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1-2 fresh jalapeños, chopped
• 2 tablespoons salsa verde
• 1 tablespoon chopped cilantro
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend the cottage cheese until smooth.
2. Stir in chopped jalapeños, salsa verde, cilantro, and ranch seasoning.
3. Chill for 30 minutes before serving.

4) Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl with Fruit and Honey

This breakfast bowl is quick to make and packed with protein. Start with a creamy base of cottage cheese.

Add fresh fruit like berries, peaches, or apple slices. Drizzle honey for sweetness.

Sprinkle granola or nuts for crunch and a bit of saltiness. This mix is simple and satisfying.

Try mixing different fruits to keep it interesting. You’ll have a nutritious breakfast ready in minutes.

Ingredients

• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup fresh fruit (berries, peach slices, or apple)
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 2 tablespoons granola or nuts (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Spoon cottage cheese into a bowl.
2. Top with fresh fruit of your choice.
3. Drizzle honey over the top.
4. Add granola or nuts if you like some crunch.
5. Enjoy right away or chill for a few minutes before eating.

5) Creamy Cottage Cheese and Herb Spread

This creamy cottage cheese and herb spread is easy to make and tastes fresh. Blend cottage cheese with garlic and your favorite herbs.

It’s perfect for sandwiches, crackers, or as a veggie dip. Whip it until smooth for a light, fluffy texture.

Add a little sour cream or olive oil to make it creamier. Try fresh parsley, chives, or dill for the best flavor.

This spread is a healthy, protein-packed option that’s quick to prepare. Serve as a snack or a simple appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, chives, dill)
• 1 tablespoon sour cream or olive oil (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Place cottage cheese, garlic, and herbs in a blender or food processor.
2. Blend until smooth and creamy.
3. Add sour cream or olive oil if needed and blend again.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Chill for 15 minutes before serving.

6) High-Protein Cottage Cheese Lasagna

If you want a lasagna that’s tasty and packed with protein, try this cottage cheese version. It uses cottage cheese instead of ricotta for more protein and less fat.

Add ground beef or turkey sausage for extra flavor and protein. This version is lighter than traditional lasagna but still creamy and filling.

It includes tomato sauce, spinach, and a mix of cheeses for extra taste. You can make this dish in about an hour.

It’s perfect for meal prep or family dinners.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef or turkey sausage
• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes or marinara sauce
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 9 lasagna noodles, cooked and drained
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Brown the ground beef or sausage in a pan, drain excess fat.
3. Mix cottage cheese with spinach, salt, and pepper.
4. Spread a layer of meat and tomato sauce in a baking dish.
5. Add a layer of noodles, then cottage cheese mixture, and mozzarella.
6. Repeat layers, ending with mozzarella and Parmesan on top.
7. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
8. Remove foil and bake another 10 minutes until cheese is golden.
9. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

For a similar recipe, visit this high-protein cottage cheese lasagna.

7) Cottage Cheese Tuna Salad Sandwich

This sandwich is an easy way to enjoy a high-protein meal. Instead of mayo, use cottage cheese to keep it light and creamy.

You’ll get a fresh taste with herbs and a bit of mustard. Start with flaked tuna and mix it with smooth cottage cheese.

Add a little garlic or Dijon mustard for extra flavor. Chopped veggies like celery or onion add some crunch.

Use whole-grain bread for a healthy touch. This sandwich comes together fast.

You can even spice it up with a dash of hot sauce if you like.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 can tuna (drained)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• 2 slices whole-grain bread
• Optional: chopped celery or onion

Cooking Instructions

1. Blend or mix cottage cheese until smooth.
2. Add tuna, mustard, and garlic to the cottage cheese. Stir well.
3. Mix in optional veggies if using.
4. Spread the mixture evenly on the bread slices.
5. Close the sandwich and enjoy!

8) Whipped Cottage Cheese with Fresh Berries

Whipped cottage cheese is light, creamy, and easy to make. Top it with fresh berries for breakfast or a snack.

Berries add sweetness and flavor without extra sugar. Use any berries you like, such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries.

Whipping the cottage cheese gives it a smooth texture, making it feel more like a dessert. This dish is high in protein and low in carbs.

It’s a quick way to enjoy a healthy treat.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/2 cup mixed fresh berries
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place cottage cheese in a bowl.
2. Whip with a hand mixer or blender until smooth.
3. Gently fold in half of the berries.
4. Spoon into a serving bowl.
5. Top with remaining berries and drizzle honey if you like.

For more ideas, check out this berry whipped cottage cheese breakfast bowl.

9) Roasted Mushroom and Cottage Cheese Kale Salad

This salad is a healthy and tasty way to enjoy cottage cheese. Start by roasting mushrooms to bring out their rich flavor.

The mushrooms pair well with fresh kale and creamy cottage cheese. Add fresh herbs like basil and chives for extra flavor.

The salad is light but filling, perfect for lunch or a side dish. Roast the mushrooms at 400°F (200°C) to keep them juicy and tender.

Mix kale, roasted mushrooms, and cottage cheese for a great balance of textures. Enjoy the crisp kale with the smooth, mild cheese.

This simple salad is easy to make and feels special.

Ingredients

• 8 oz (225 g) mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh basil, chopped
• 1 tsp fresh chives, chopped
• 3 cups kale, chopped
• 1 cup cottage cheese

Cooking Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Toss mushrooms with olive oil, garlic, basil, and chives.
3. Spread mushrooms on a baking tray lined with baking paper.
4. Roast for 15-20 minutes until tender.
5. In a bowl, combine kale, roasted mushrooms, and cottage cheese.
6. Toss gently and serve immediately.

10) Savory Cottage Cheese and Parmesan Omelette

This omelette is a tasty way to enjoy cottage cheese with a savory twist. The cottage cheese adds creaminess while the Parmesan gives a rich, nutty flavor.

You can add spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. The eggs and cheese blend smoothly for a light, fluffy texture.

Start by beating your eggs. Mix in cottage cheese and Parmesan.

Cook the mixture gently in a pan until set but still soft. This makes a great breakfast or quick lunch.

Ingredients

• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped mushrooms (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions

1. Beat eggs in a bowl until smooth.
2. Stir in cottage cheese and Parmesan.
3. Add salt and pepper.
4. Heat butter in a pan over medium heat.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the pan.
6. Add spinach and mushrooms if you want.
7. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the edges set.
8. Fold the omelette.
9. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until done.
10. Serve warm.

For more ideas, check a savory cottage cheese omelette recipe.