Protein Boost: 7 Ways To Add Cottage Cheese To Your Favorite Recipes
Eating a diet rich in essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals will ensure that your body functions well.
Protein — an essential macronutrient — maintains muscle mass, boosts your metabolism, and keeps you feeling full longer. Cottage cheese is a versatile, protein-packed ingredient that you can easily add to your meals to help keep you feeling full and strong.
Why do you need more protein in your diet?
Protein is a fundamental part of a healthy lifestyle. Most healthy adults should try to eat a maximum of two grams of protein per approximately two pounds of body weight daily. If you often do high-intensity workouts, you may benefit from increasing your protein intake to promote muscle growth, speed recovery, and burn fat.
You should prioritize nutrient-dense meals as you age, which is why cottage cheese is a great addition to your everyday diet. There are plenty of easy meals and snacks that incorporate cottage cheese for a quick protein boost.
Here are seven creative ways to enjoy cottage cheese:
1. Mango Whipped Cottage Cheese
This tropical-inspired dish is as simple as it is satisfying. Combine cottage cheese with fresh mango and a dollop of honey for a smooth, creamy, protein-packed breakfast or a tasty post-workout snack. Add a sprinkle of cinnamon or coconut for some extra flavor. You can serve the cottage cheese whip in a bowl or spread it on whole-grain toast for a satisfying treat.
2. Eggs, Mushrooms and Cottage Cheese
If you love scrambled eggs, give them an upgrade! Pair your morning scramble with delicious cottage cheese and fresh mushrooms (which contain 3.1g of protein per 100g). For a balanced breakfast, your protein-packed eggs with a side of fresh microgreens and some whole-grain avocado toast.
3. Cottage Cheese Pancakes With Raspberries
A protein-packed breakfast is the best way to start any day. Try making fluffy, flavorful pancakes with cottage cheese, eggs, and oats. Top them with fresh raspberries and a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet flavor with a hint of tang.
4. Spaghetti Squash Pizza
Spaghetti squash pizza is a wonderfully flexible recipe — you can combine your squash with cottage cheese and any other complementary ingredients for an endless array of flavor profiles. One of the best combos is spaghetti squash, cottage cheese, eggs, and a dash of Italian seasoning — a tasty low-carb, high-protein alternative to traditional spaghetti dishes.
5. Texas-Style Lasagna
Swap ricotta for cottage cheese in your favorite lasagna recipe to add a rich texture and increase the meal’s protein content without sacrificing flavor. Pair the dish with lean ground turkey and corn tortillas for a healthier take on a comfort food classic. For extra depth, layer sauteed spinach, onions and zucchini — a healthy, satisfying twist.
6. Mac and Cheese Makeover
Macaroni and cheese is a nostalgic favorite, so if you love your macaroni but want an alternative boxed mix, add some cottage cheese to the sauce. Cottage cheese makes your mac and cheese extra creamy and adds extra protein. Add caramelized onions, roasted garlic, and a dash of smoked paprika to elevate this potluck-ready dish.
7. Cottage Cheese Bread
You may not think to put cottage cheese in your favorite bread recipe, but it may become your new go-to. Cottage cheese gives bread a deliciously moist texture that pairs perfectly with soups, salads or a simple smear of butter. Mix rosemary or garlic into the cottage cheese for even more flavor depth.
Adding cottage cheese to your meals is a simple way to boost your protein intake and keep your dishes tasty and satisfying. Its versatility lets you quickly incorporate it into breakfast, lunch or dinner, and what’s better than that? Cottage cheese is the high-protein ingredient that’ll support all of your healthy lifestyle goals.