Ground Beef Casserole

Looking for an easy weeknight meal to feed a crowd? This Ground Beef Casserole is loaded with hearty ingredients like ground beef, pasta, & cheese, all baked in tomato sauce until golden!

Looking for an easy weeknight meal to feed a crowd? This Ground Beef Casserole is loaded with hearty ingredients like ground beef, pasta, & cheese, all baked in tomato sauce until golden!

Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes

Cottage cheese protein pancakes are a great option for a healthy breakfast. Tender, fluffy pancakes with cottage cheese and fresh blueberries. This protein pancakes recipe is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for easy meal prep breakfasts. We lo…

Cottage cheese protein pancakes are a great option for a healthy breakfast. Tender, fluffy pancakes with cottage cheese and fresh blueberries. This protein pancakes recipe is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for easy meal prep breakfasts. We love our pancakes! Whether they are traditional pancakes, oatmeal pancakes or chocolate peanut butter pancakes, we’ve got all of the…

The post Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes appeared first on Tastes of Lizzy T.

Cottage Cheese Creamy Pesto Pasta

Whenever I need an EASY weeknight dinner, I like to make this Creamy Pesto Pasta. It only takes 20 minutes to make and you only need 3 key ingredients. One of the ingredients is a SECRET ingredient…cottage cheese! Cottage cheese pesto pasta is a …

Whenever I need an EASY weeknight dinner, I like to make this Creamy Pesto Pasta. It only takes 20 minutes to make and you only need 3 key ingredients. One of the ingredients is a SECRET ingredient…cottage cheese! Cottage cheese pesto pasta is a lighter alternative to the classic creamy pesto pasta. The cottage cheese…

Homemade Ranch Dip

There’s something universally comforting about Ranch Dip. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a party snack, or simply craving something to pair with your veggies, ranch dip has a way of making everything better. If you’re …

There’s something universally comforting about Ranch Dip. Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a party snack, or simply craving something to pair with your veggies, ranch dip has a way of making everything better. If you’re ready to elevate your snack game and impress your friends, it’s time to whip up a batch of…

Easy Salad Bar Ideas

These DIY salad bar ideas are easy to prep for a satisfying meal! Load up a plate with salad toppings…

These DIY salad bar ideas are easy to prep for a satisfying meal! Load up a plate with salad toppings for an easy dinner on a weeknight or feeding a crowd.

Salad bar ideas

Not everyone loves vegetables. But almost everyone can get behind a good salad bar! We love the concept of salad bar for an easy dinner idea—something about calling it “salad bar” makes it more glamorous!

There are certain salad toppings that scream salad bar and make it even more special, like peas, hard-boiled eggs, or cottage cheese (or bacon bits!). Below, we’re sharing our favorite salad bar ideas so that you can recreate this simple weeknight dinner yourself.

Top salad bar ideas

The key to making a salad bar into a filling meal is to offer good protein options. If you’re making a vegetarian or vegan salad bar, use ingredients with plant based protein like beans, legumes, and nuts. Here are our top salad bar ideas for building your own at home (or jump to the recipe):

  1. Greens: Romaine lettuce, spinach, and mixed baby greens.
  2. Hard boiled eggs: With 6 grams of protein each, eggs are also one of the most nutrient-filled vegetarian protein sources around.
  3. Chicken: Make a recipe of pan seared chicken and slice it into strips of cubes.
  4. Cheese: Cheese is a great vegetarian protein: try shredded cheese, cheese cubes, or cottage cheese.
  5. Legumes: Try green peas, cooked lentils (like brown lentils or French lentils), black-eyed peas, and beans, like garbanzo beans / chickpeas, black beans, lima beans, white beans, or kidney beans.
  6. Whole grains: Try cooked quinoa, barley, farro, bulgur wheat, brown rice, or wild rice.
  7. Nuts and seeds: Try almonds, cashews, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, hazelnuts, pistachios, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, and sunflower seeds.
  8. Raw veggies: Chop raw vegetables for toppings like carrots, broccoli, green onions, cauliflower, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers.
  9. Bacon bits: Bacon bits are classic, as is cubed ham. (We eat mostly vegetarian so we use this coconut bacon).
  10. Salad dressing: Try our list of top homemade salad dressing recipes.
  11. Croutons: Top it all off with crunchy homemade croutons and your salad bar will be a hit.
Salad bar ideas

Tips for prep

The key to making a salad bar at home? Allow some prep time for all the vegetables; it does take a bit of time for cleaning and chopping. We like preparing extra veggies to use for lunches or dinners for days later. If you’re a hard-boiled egg fan like we are, make them in advance or leave enough time for easy prep (about 30 minutes total).

Salad dressings for a salad bar

Another key to salad bar dinner is a good salad dressing! We have a whole collection of delicious homemade salad dressings that are perfect for salad bar ideas. Honestly, we like leaning into classic salad bar nostalgia with ideas like Thousand Island and Blue Cheese! Here are some of our favorite salad dressing recipes to use on salad bar night:

Salad bar ideas

Dietary notes

These salad bar ideas are vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, and plant-based (depending on which ideas you use for your salad).

Frequently asked questions

What are some creative salad bar ideas?

Offer seasonal ingredients: berries in summer, apples in fall, etc.

Include cuisine-centered flavors: Mediterranean, Asian, Mexican, etc.

Provide a “build your own” option for customized salads.

Offer pre-made salad combinations for inspiration.

Include a “superfood” section with ingredients like quinoa, chia seeds, and hemp seeds.

How can I make my salad bar more appealing to kids?

Include kid-friendly toppings like grapes, raisins, and goldfish crackers.

Create a separate “kiddie corner” with bite-sized options.

Use colorful bowls and utensils to make it more fun.

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Salad Bar Ideas


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  • Author: a Couple Cooks
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Varies
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Description

These DIY salad bar ideas are easy to prep! A plate loaded with salad toppings is perfect for weeknight dinners or feeding a crowd.


Ingredients


Instructions

  1. Make the hard boiled eggs, according to the Perfect Hard Boiled Eggs or Instant Pot Hard Boiled Eggs methods.
  2. Wash and chop the vegetables; place them in serving bowls.
  3. Drain and rinse the chickpeas or beans, if using.
  4. Make the salad dressing. Serve!

Notes

These salad bar ideas are a meal concept, not a recipe: get creative and customize your toppings based on your preferences and what you have on hand! Add cooked meat for a non-vegetarian option. For a vegetarian option, be sure to include enough protein-filled items to satisfy, like eggs, chickpeas, cheese, and nuts.

  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Raw
  • Cuisine: American

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

These fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes are protein packed, quick to make and absolutely delicious. Take your breakfast routine to the next level and start your morning feeling satisfied and energized to take on the day ahead. The best part? Kids love them too! Why I Love These Cottage Cheese Pancakes Ingredients How to Make Cottage…

The post Cottage Cheese Pancakes appeared first on Weelicious.

These fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes are protein packed, quick to make and absolutely delicious. Take your breakfast routine to the next level and start your morning feeling satisfied and energized to take on the day ahead. The best part? Kids love them too!

cottage cheese pancakes

Why I Love These Cottage Cheese Pancakes

  • Healthy: Packed with protein thanks to the cottage cheese, these pancakes are a great breakfast that will satisfy your cravings for pancakes while keeping you sustained for the day ahead!
  • Easy to Make: There’s no extra fuss when it comes to making this Cottage Cheese Pancakes recipe. They’re just as quick and easy to make as classic pancakes. 
  • Kid-Friendly: Even kids who may have an aversion to cottage cheese love these pancakes. You’d never guess they have cottage cheese in them. The taste and texture is masked entirely. It’s always a win when a pancake recipe can be part of a healthy and balanced breakfast for kids.
  • Versatile and Customizable: A cottage cheese pancake is the perfect canvas for adding your favorite toppings or mix-ins. Customize them to suit your tastes.
ingredients for cottage cheese pancakes

Ingredients

  • Large eggs: Eggs keep everything together and add some richness to the pancakes. Plus, they also contribute some protein and essential nutrients.
  • Cottage cheese: The star of the show! Cottage cheese adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the pancakes. It’s also a great source of protein. Feel free to use full fat or low fat cottage cheese. 
  • Vanilla extract: Adding vanilla extract enhances the flavor of the pancakes.
  • Honey or Agave: These natural sweeteners add a touch of sweetness to the pancakes without overpowering their flavor. You can use either one you prefer.
  • All purpose flour: Flour serves as the base of the pancake batter. I haven’t tested other flours, but I’m sure you could substitute whole wheat or a gluten free cup for cup flour if you want.
  • Baking powder: Baking powder helps the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy.
  • Kosher salt: A touch of salt helps balance out the overall flavor of the pancakes. 
  • Oil or Butter: You only need oil or butter to grease the pan.
cottage cheese pancakes recipe

How to Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes

1. Whisk Wet Ingredients:

  • In a bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients—eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and honey (or agave). Whisk until combined.

2. Prepare Dry Ingredients:

  • In a different bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until evenly mixed.

3. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

  • Pour the dry mixture into the bowl of wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.

4. Preheat and Grease:

  • Heat a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with oil or butter to prevent sticking.

5. Cook Pancakes:

  • Pour about 2 tablespoons of the batter onto the preheated griddle for each pancake. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side. You should see bubbles on the surface before you flip.

6. Flip and Cook:

  • Carefully flip the pancakes using a spatula and cook for an additional 2 minutes on the other side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

7. Serve:

  • Once cooked, transfer the pancakes to a serving plate. Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Cottage Cheese Pancakes

The Right Cottage Cheese for Pancakes

Like I mentioned before, cottage cheese is a good source of protein – about 25 grams per cup! When it comes to choosing which kind of cottage cheese for pancakes, there’s no right or wrong answer. You can use full fat or low fat, small curd or large curd. Pick your favorite brand and get to making these pancakes ASAP!

Tips for Making Cottage Cheese Pancakes

  1. Mix Gently: Combine your wet and dry ingredients gently until they’re just mixed. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing the batter can leave you with tough, chewy pancakes. 
  2. Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest a bit before making the pancakes so that baking powder has a little time to activate. This will ensure you get light, fluffy and delicious pancakes. 
  3. Grease the Pan Between Each: Use any oil you prefer to grease the pan – olive, avocado, or vegetable work great. Just make sure you keep reapplying between each batch of pancakes to prevent sticking, ensure even cooking and get those crispy edges we all love. 
  4. Flip Carefully: Cook your pancakes over medium heat, and don’t flip them until bubbles form on the surface for that perfect golden brown finish.
pancakes with cottage cheese

Toppings

Pancakes, in general, have always been a blank canvas for adding delicious toppings, and these pancakes with cottage cheese are no different. Here are some topping ideas:

  • Maple syrup, a tried and true classic pancake topping
  • Fresh berries
  • Sliced bananas
  • Greek yogurt or a drizzle of nut butter for an extra bump of protein

Additions You Can Add to Your Pancakes

Get creative by adding in additional ingredients to your pancake recipe with cottage cheese. Here are some ideas:

  • Chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts
  • Chocolate chips for a little extra sweetness
  • Shredded coconut
  • Your favorite fruit like blueberries or bananas
  • Lemon zest
pancakes cottage cheese oatmeal

Storage and Reheating

To Store: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 

To Freeze: Allow pancakes to come to room temperature, place in a ziploc bag, label and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

To Reheat: To reheat pancakes, warm them in the toaster, oven or microwave until warmed through.

More Tasty Pancake Recipes

Incorporating cottage cheese into your favorite recipes is a really easy way to get some extra protein into your diet! These pancakes are a great recipe to start with as they’re easy to make, tasty and super kid-friendly so the whole family can enjoy them! Let me know in the comments if you have any questions and tag me on social media if you make these healthy cottage cheese pancakes! 

Images by Gerry Speirs

Cottage Cheese Pancakes
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Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes are fluffy, protein packed delights that are quick and easy to make. Plus, kids love them! 
Course Breakfast
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 10 pancakes
Calories 76kcal

Equipment

  • Large saute pan or griddle

Ingredients

Instructions

  • In a bowl, combine the first 4 ingredients—eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and honey (or agave). Whisk until combined.
  • In a different bowl, whisk together the dry ingredients—flour, baking powder, and salt—until evenly mixed.
  • Pour the dry mixture into the bowl of wet mixture. Stir gently until everything is just combined, being careful not to overmix. The batter should be slightly lumpy.
  • Heat a large sauté pan or griddle over medium heat. Lightly coat the surface with oil or butter to prevent sticking.
  • Pour about 2 tablespoons of the batter onto the preheated griddle for each pancake. Cook for approximately 2 minutes on the first side. You should see bubbles form before you flip.
  • Flip the pancakes and cook for 2 more minutes on the other side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
  • Serve warm with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

Notes

To Store: Leftover pancakes can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. 
To Freeze: Allow pancakes to come to room temperature, place in a ziploc bag, label and freeze up to 3 months.
To Reheat: To reheat pancakes, warm them in the toaster, oven or microwave until warmed through. 
Mix Gently: Combine your wet and dry ingredients gently until they’re just mixed. A few lumps are okay! Overmixing the batter can leave you with tough, chewy pancakes. 
Let the Batter Rest: Allow the batter to rest a bit before making the pancakes so that baking powder has a little time to activate. This will ensure you get light, fluffy and delicious pancakes. 
Grease the Pan Between Each: Use any oil you prefer to grease the pan – olive, avocado, or vegetable work great. Just make sure you keep reapplying between each batch of pancakes to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.  
Flip Carefully: Cook your pancakes over medium heat, and don’t flip them until bubbles form on the surface for that perfect golden brown finish.

Nutrition

Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 53mg | Sodium: 186mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 0.2g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 101IU | Vitamin C: 0.02mg | Calcium: 50mg | Iron: 1mg

The post Cottage Cheese Pancakes appeared first on Weelicious.

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

This cottage cheese mac and cheese is a protein-packed, delicious twist on the classic comfort food that’s surprisingly satisfying! It’s…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

This cottage cheese mac and cheese is a protein-packed, delicious twist on the classic comfort food that’s surprisingly satisfying! It’s easy to whip up this creamy spin in a blender.

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Cottage cheese has become a trendy ingredient lately, and luckily here at A Couple Cooks Alex and I have always been super fans of this protein-packed cheese. Here’s our latest idea for what to make with it: cottage cheese mac and cheese!

The curds whip up into a deliciously creamy sauce that’s protein-packed and makes a silky coating for noodles. It’s so simple to whiz up the sauce in a blender. I must admit Alex wasn’t on board with my idea for this recipe at first, but once he tasted it he became a believer. We hope you’ll love it just as much as we do!

Jump to the recipe—now.

The 7 ingredients you need for cottage cheese mac and cheese

You might be thinking, cottage cheese in pasta? Turns out, these white curds blend up perfectly when combined with cheddar cheese and a few spices. I’ve found it’s best to add a bit of cornstarch to the mix to help the sauce thicken up nicely, otherwise it has less body and doesn’t coat the noodles as well. It works similar to a roux in a standard cheese sauce. Here are a few notes on the ingredients:

  • Short pasta: Any type of short noodles work for mac and cheese, with the standard being macaroni. We used cavatappi here. Other shapes that work well are shells, penne, rigatoni, and spirals.
  • Cottage cheese: We recommend 4% milkfat cottage cheese, which has the richest flavor and most milkfat. The 2% milkfat option also works, but avoid fat free cottage cheese since the flavor is not as robust.
  • Milk of choice: Use whatever milk you have on hand. We typically use 2% milk, but whole milk works too!
  • Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the sauce and add a silky body, similar to the flour and butter-based roux in most traditional mac and cheese recipes (like this one).
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar helps to add thickness and texture to the sauce, as well as add that expected mac and cheese flavor.
  • Garlic powder and paprika: These spices round out the mix! The paprika is optional but helps to make a more vibrant color.
Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Tips for blending the sauce

Making mac and cheese with cottage cheese is so simple: all you have to do is cook the pasta to al dente and blend the sauce while the pasta is cooking. You should have plenty of time to whip up the sauce while the pasta cooks. If the pasta happens to take longer or you pre-cook your pasta, make sure to toss it with a bit of olive oil or it will stick to the pan.

We use a high-speed blender for our blended recipes, which blends the sauce into a creamy texture in a few seconds. A standard blender and food processor can work here as well. A small blender can work depending on its size capacity.

Bake it for even more flavor!

This cottage cheese mac and cheese is ready in just 20 minutes if you cook the pasta, then toss it together with the blended sauce. We go for this option for quick weeknight dinners.

If you have slightly more time, baking the mac and cheese adds even more flavor! It helps the sauce to permeate the noodles, making it taste richer and more savory. Pour the pasta into a baking dish and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.

Note for serving a crowd

This recipe works well doubled for serving a crowd. You can use the 2x button in the recipe below to quickly double the quantities. Using 1 pound of pasta, you can pour it into a 9 x 13″ baking dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F before serving.

Bowl of cottage cheese

What are the benefits of cottage cheese?

Why put cottage cheese into your mac and cheese, anyway? According to Healthline, this cheese is a healthy option when compared to other types of cheeses. Here are some of the benefits of cottage cheese:

  • It’s a lower calorie cheese compared to many others. A 1-cup serving has just 163 calories.
  • It’s very high in protein. 1 cup has a whopping 28 grams of protein, over half your daily need. Impressively, the protein accounts for over 70% of the calories.
  • It’s also packed with nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Quick ways to make it a meal

Is mac and cheese a main or a side? To us it’s usually a main dish: but this cottage cheese spin works either way! I love this one either way, as a quick weeknight meal or baked up in a big pan as a side for entertaining. If you’re eating it as a main dish, here are a few quick ways to make it into a meal:

Cottage cheese mac and cheese

Storing leftovers

Cottage cheese mac and cheese lasts refrigerated for up to 3 days. To reheat it, place it in a pan on the stovetop and gently reheat, adding a splash of milk or pinch of salt if necessary. 

A few more cottage cheese recipes we love

We love cottage cheese! You can make killer pancakes, delicious breakfast bowls, toast, scrambled eggs, and everything in between. Here are a few favorite recipes to get started:

01

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

This cottage cheese pancakes recipe is the best genius trick! It makes a protein packed pancake that tastes like French…

02

Cottage Cheese Dip

This cottage cheese dip tastes just like ranch dip, but it’s made with a few spices and this healthy cheese!…

03

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls

These cottage cheese breakfast bowls are a healthy and easy breakfast! Top them with berries or apple, cinnamon and a…

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Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese

Cottage Cheese Mac and Cheese


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4

Description

This cottage cheese mac and cheese is a protein-packed, delicious twist on the classic comfort food that’s surprisingly satisfying! It’s easy to whip up this creamy spin in a blender.


Ingredients

  • 8 ounces short pasta*
  • 1 cup 4% milkfat cottage cheese
  • ¾ cup milk of choice (we used 2%)
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and boil until al dente (check a few minutes before the package instructions indicate). Drain the pasta.
  2. Meanwhile, in a blender, blend the cottage cheese, milk, cornstarch, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and kosher salt. Pour the cheese mixture into a skillet and heat for 5 minutes, until thickened. Once it is thickened, remove from the heat until the pasta finishes.
  3. When the sauce is finished, add the cooked and drained pasta. Stir to combine. Taste and add a pinch of salt if necessary.
  4. Serve immediately, or allow it to sit for a few minutes to absorb the sauce flavors (you can also transfer to a baking dish and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F for even more flavor). If desired, top with seasoned panko or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping. Leftovers last up to 3 days refrigerated; reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of milk or pinch of salt if necessary.

Notes

*This recipe is easy to double for a crowd, then place in a 9 x 13 pan and bake for 15 minutes at 350°F .

  • Category: Main dish
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Vegetarian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Cottage cheese mac and cheese, mac and cheese with cottage cheese

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

15 Genius Cottage Cheese Recipes

These cottage cheese recipes are the best ways to eat this healthy ingredient! Try it in pancakes, dips, pasta and…

A Couple Cooks – Recipes worth repeating.

These cottage cheese recipes are the best ways to eat this healthy ingredient! Try it in pancakes, dips, pasta and more.

Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese is a powerhouse when it comes to nutrition: it’s packed with protein with relatively low calories. Believe it or not, it’s also an incredible versatile ingredient in the kitchen! You can use it in baked goods, dips, pasta…even pancakes! What to eat with cottage cheese? Here are all the best cottage cheese recipes for using this healthy ingredient! We’ll admit: we’re a bit obsessed with the stuff. (Also, those pancakes!) Ready to get started?

And now…the best cottage cheese recipes to try!

What to eat with cottage cheese

Cottage cheese is an endlessly versatile ingredient to incorporate in your cooking. What to eat with cottage cheese?

  • Fruit: Add fresh berries, peaches, bananas, or apples and cinnamon.
  • Vegetables: Make it into a lunch bowl with chickpeas, cucumber and tomato
  • Salad: Try a dollop in your salad for extra protein
  • Granola: Top it with granola for breakfast
  • Smoothies: Add a dollop to a smoothie recipe to add protein, like a strawberry smoothie or blueberry smoothie
  • Lasagna: Use it as a substitute for ricotta in lasagna
  • Toast: Add a spread on toast and top with savory toppings
  • Pancakes: Use it in pancake batter
  • Muffins: Use it in muffin batter
  • Scramble eggs: Throw it into scrambled eggs to add flavor and stretch the serving size

Cottage cheese nutrition

Is cottage cheese healthy? According to Healthline, this cheese is a great option if you’re looking to eat diary. Here are some of the benefits of cottage cheese:

  • It’s a low calorie cheese. A 1-cup serving has just 163 calories.
  • It’s very high in protein. 1 cup has a whopping 28 grams protein, over half your daily need. Impressively, the protein accounts for over 70% of the calories.
  • It’s also packed with nutrients like B vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, and selenium.

Ready to get to those cottage cheese recipes? Pick one above…or of course, just eat it with a bowl and spoon!

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Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Cottage Cheese Pancakes (& More Recipes!)


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 4-inch pancakes

Description

This cottage cheese pancakes recipe is the best genius trick! It makes a protein packed pancake that tastes like French toast.


Ingredients

  • 4 eggs
  • 1 ½ cups small curd* cottage cheese
  • 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for serving
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¾ cup all purpose flour
  • ½ tablespoon baking powder
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, cottage cheese, maple syrup and vanilla (if you see very large clumps of cottage cheese, try to break them up or smash them with a fork).
  2. In another bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder and salt. Add it to the bowl with the wet ingredients and mix until a smooth batter forms.
  3. Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat, then add a bit of butter to coat. Scoop out ¼ cup portions of batter and cook the pancakes until golden brown on one side, adjusting the heat so it doesn’t brown too fast. Flip and cook until cooked through and no longer gooey at the edges (the batter will ooze out a bit at the sides; just keep cooking until it is fully cooked, adjusting the heat as necessary so it doesn’t brown too fast). Place the pancakes in a stack under an overturned bowl, and cook the second batch of pancakes. 
  4. Serve immediately, topped with pure maple syrup.

Notes

*Small curd cottage cheese is important for getting the right texture where the cheese melts into the pancake. Some brands labeled as “small curd” have fairly large curds, so the size varies based on brand. Experiment and find a brand that works for you! But don’t sweat it too much: you can make this recipe with any size curds, you just may end up with an appearance with some white flecks.

  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Keywords: Cottage cheese recipes

A Couple Cooks - Recipes worth repeating.

Egg Muffins

These super easy and delicious high protein egg muffins are the perfect meal prep breakfast to make weekday mornings a breeze.

The post Egg Muffins appeared first on Budget Bytes.

It’s that time of year when we all try to get back into the groove of daily life, make a fresh fresh start, and rebuild good habits after the chaos of the holidays. Meal prepping has always been one of the things that really helps me save time, stay on budget, and keep overwhelm to a minimum. Especially meal prepping breakfast. Knowing that I don’t have to put any mental energy into breakfast every morning is a godsend! These super simple and versatile egg muffins have been my go-to meal prep breakfast for a few months now. With endless add-ins and flavor possibilities, I never get sick of this egg muffin recipe. Plus, they help me use up the odds and ends in my refrigerator every week!

Overhead view of egg muffins lined up in a grid on a blue background.

What Are Egg Muffins

Egg muffins, also known as egg bites, are eggs baked into a muffin tin with add-ins like vegetables, cheese, or meat. You can think of them like individual mini-sized frittatas! They’re small enough to be handheld and don’t require any utensils, so they make the perfect grab-and-go meal prep breakfast. They’re a great way to use up odds and ends in your refrigerator and since you can toss in just about any ingredient, and your taste buds will never get bored.

Ingredients for Egg Muffins

Egg bites are super simple and you’ll only need a few ingredients! Here’s what we use to make our soft and tender egg muffins:

  • Eggs: We used large eggs for this recipe, so make sure you have the correct size egg to keep the proportions the same.
  • Cottage Cheese: Mixing cottage cheese into the eggs adds more protein, more flavor, and helps keep the egg muffins super soft and tender (instead of rubbery). If you don’t like the texture of cottage cheese, don’t worry! It gets blended until smooth and creamy and you won’t even notice it.
  • Salt & Pepper: The eggs are seasoned simply with salt and pepper, but you could always experiment with other seasonings if you prefer.
  • Add-ins: We used a variety of add-ins below, like vegetables, cheese, and meat. We scavenged our fridge for this batch and made four flavors: spinach & feta, sausage & onion, broccoli & cheddar, and red pepper & goat cheese. See our suggested list of flavor combinations below!

How to Keep Egg Muffins Soft

Eggs tend to get rubbery if overcooked, so we use some tricks to keep these egg muffins soft and smooth instead of rubbery or spongey. Blending cottage cheese into the eggs helps the eggs cook more evenly and it helps stabilize the proteins a bit so they don’t get quite as stiff. It’s also important to keep a close eye on the egg muffins while they’re in the oven. The longer they cook, the more spongey they will become. Remove the egg muffins from the oven as soon as they are puffed in the center, no longer look wet in the center, and are just barely golden on the edges. If they’ve browned a lot on top, chances are they’re overcooked inside.

Egg Muffin Flavor Ideas

The fun part about egg muffins is that you can make so many different flavors! Here are some of my favorite ingredient combinations and flavor ideas:

  • Broccoli cheddar
  • Red pepper and goat cheese
  • Bacon and onion
  • Spinach and feta
  • Ham and cheese (cheddar or Swiss)
  • Sausage and onion
  • Spinach and tomato (sun dried or grape tomatoes)
  • Mushroom and onion

How to Store and Reheat Egg Muffins

After allowing the egg muffins to cool, they can be stored in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for about four days. To reheat, simply place the egg muffins on a plate and microwave for a brief 30 seconds on high power, or until heated through. Take care not to overcook the egg muffins while reheating, or they can become rubbery.

An egg muffin cut in half and held in a hand to show the inside.
Cooked egg muffins lined up in a grid on a blue surface.
Print

Egg Muffins

These super easy and delicious high protein egg muffins are the perfect meal prep breakfast to make weekday mornings a breeze.
Course Breakfast
Cuisine American
Total Cost $2.01 recipe / $0.34 serving
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 28 minutes
Servings 6 (2 each)
Calories 137kcal

Ingredients

  • 10 large eggs $1.47
  • 1/2 cup cottage cheese* $0.50
  • 1/2 tsp salt $0.02
  • 1/4 tsp pepper $0.02
  • 1.5 cups chopped or shredded add-ins** prices vary

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Finely chop or shred your chosen add-in ingredients. Add 2 Tbsp of add-ins to each well of a non-stick 12 muffin tin. If your non-stick pan is older or the finish is a bit worn, you may want to grease the wells first with butter or oil.
  • Add the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper to a large blender. Purée for about 30 seconds or until smooth.
  • Pour the egg mixture into the wells of the muffin tin, dividing evenly between each well. It should fill them almost to the top.
  • Bake the egg muffins in the preheated oven for 18 minutes, or just until the centers no longer look wet and they are barely golden around the edges. Avoid overcooking the egg muffins or they'll become spongey. The egg muffins will puff up quite a bit as they bake and deflate as they cool. This is normal.
  • Allow the muffins to cool in the muffin tin just enough to handle, then loosen them gently with a knife and remove them from the tin. Allow the egg muffins to finish cooling on a wire rack. Enjoy warm or refrigerate until ready to eat.

See how we calculate recipe costs here.

Notes

*4% milkfat cottage cheese creates the softest egg muffins. You can use a lower fat cottage cheese, but it will affect the texture slightly.
**To make this recipe as budget-friendly as possible, check your fridge for any leftover ingredients that can be used as add-ins. You can use any meat, cheese, or vegetables. You’ll need 2 Tbsp total for each muffin. Make sure they’re finely chopped or shredded. We used spinach & feta, sausage & onion, broccoli & cheddar, and red pepper & goat cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 2muffins | Calories: 137kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 12g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 367mg | Fiber: 0.02g

How to Make Egg Muffins – Step by Step Photos

Cheese, meat, and vegetables in muffin tin.

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Next, decide what add-ins you’d like in your egg muffins. You’ll need about 2 Tbsp of finely chopped or shredded add-ins per muffin well. We did spinach & feta, breakfast sausage (leftovers) & onion, broccoli & cheddar, and red pepper & goat cheese. Make sure to use a non-stick muffin tin. If the muffin tin is older and the non-stick surface is worn, you may want to grease the tin with butter or oil. We did not use any butter or oil.

Eggs and cottage cheese in a blender.

Add 10 large eggs, ½ cup of cottage cheese, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp pepper to a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds, or until smooth.

Egg mixture poured into the muffin tin.

Pour the blended egg mixture into the muffin tin, dividing equally between all twelve wells. It should come close to filling each well up to the top.

Baked egg muffins in the muffin tin.

Bake the egg muffins in the preheated 375ºF oven for about 18 minutes, or just until they no longer look wet in the center and they are barely golden around the edges. Be careful not to overcook the egg muffins or they’ll become spongey. The egg muffins will puff up quite a bit as they cook but will deflate back down as they cool. This is normal.

A stack of egg muffins on a blue background.

Allow the egg muffins to cool just until cool enough to handle, then gently wiggle them from the muffin tin and allow them to finish cooling on a wire rack (to prevent condensation). Enjoy warm or refrigerate until ready to eat!

Cooked egg muffins lined up in a grid on a blue surface.

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14 Healthy Cottage Cheese Recipes

These 14 healthy cottage cheese recipes are easy to make that are high in protein and are super good for you. Cottage Cheese Recipes Cottage cheese is an underrated ingredient. Most people don’t realize how delicious it is or how many ways you can use …

These 14 healthy cottage cheese recipes are easy to make that are high in protein and are super good for you. Cottage Cheese Recipes Cottage cheese is an underrated ingredient. Most people don’t realize how delicious it is or how many ways you can use it in recipes. You can eat it plain, make cottage