8 Viral TikTok Cottage Cheese Recipes That Make It Easy to Get More Protein

Cottage cheese ice cream, you say?

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If you’ve been on TikTok recently, you’ve probably seen one or more recipes using cottage cheese. Once considered bland and uninspiring, with a lumpy texture that can be quite polarizing, this refrigerated food is now more than ready for its turn in the spotlight. While it’s unclear what exactly is responsible for cottage cheese’s notable rise in popularity, TikTok users have gravitated toward the dairy aisle staple for several reasons.

For starters, cottage cheese is packed with health benefits. Specifically, it’s an excellent source of protein, with just one cup containing about 25 grams of the muscle-building nutrient. In contrast, the same amount of similar foods, like Greek yogurt and sour cream, don’t contain as much protein. As you’ll soon see, lightly flavored cottage cheese is also loved for its versatility and can be used in everything from ice cream to pasta sauce. And while cottage cheese’s naturally lumpy texture isn’t for everyone, TikTok users have proven that a quick spin in a blender transforms uneven foods into a silky smooth delight. Just note that when purchasing cottage cheese, versions made with whole milk will yield the richest, creamiest end products.

Here are some TikTok-approved cottage cheese recipes to try at home the next time you need a snack.

Cottage cheese ice cream

Sure, ice cream made with cottage cheese isn’t exactly like eating a pint of mint chocolate chips, but it’s a decidedly healthier alternative to the popular frozen dessert. To make cottage cheese ice cream, simply mix cottage cheese with some of your favorite mix-ins until it has the consistency of ice cream. Then you can top it with some of your favorites, like chocolate chips or cookie crumbles. For example, in the TikTok above, user @feelgoodfoodie mixes cottage cheese with frozen strawberries and honey to sweeten the final product. She then tops the mixture with strawberry slices and graham crackers, for even more texture and flavor.

TikTok user @thetastefuldiet took a slightly different approach and flavored their ice cream with almond butter and honey. She then mixed in chopped dates, cinnamon and dark chocolate chips. Finally, TikToker @erekasfood opted for a banana cream version by mixing cottage cheese with banana slices, maple syrup and vanilla, and mixing in cookies and even more banana slices.

Cottage Cheese Flatbread

If you’re looking for a protein-rich alternative to flatbread, make it with cottage cheese. With just two ingredients (just eggs and cottage cheese, plus your favorite spices to taste), this cottage cheese flatbread recipe is super easy to make and so versatile. TikTok user @kalejunkie adds spinach to her recipe for an extra boost of nutrients. Try filling it with your favorite lunch wrap ingredients, or stack it with your favorite toppings as an alternative to traditional pizza crust.

Cottage Cheese Dip

Everyone loves dipping, and the festive snack has become even easier to prepare thanks to cottage cheese. All you need to do is substitute sour cream and/or cream cheese for cottage cheese in cream-based dips, like Caramelized Onion Dip or Artichoke Dip. In the TikTok above, user @joeywellness creates a healthier version of the latter using cottage cheese, minced garlic, lemon, artichoke hearts, tahini, olive oil olive, salt and black pepper. Once the dip is mixed, you can top it with a sprinkle of some of your favorite herbs and spices.

For an option using seasonal tomatoes, try @kb.rd.nutrition’s dip, which combines sautéed cherry tomatoes with cottage cheese, paprika and other spices.

Cottage cheese cheesecake

Cheesecake is usually made with ingredients like cream cheese and/or sour cream, but as TikTok has shown us, the classic American dessert can also be made with cottage cheese. In fact, in the TikTok above, user @lilsipper_official proves that you only need three ingredients to whip up a healthier version of the beloved treat. To make cottage cheese cheesecake, all you have to do is mix cottage cheese, egg, and protein powder and then bake.

For a version that’s a little more like the real deal, follow some tips from TikTok user @theproteinchef. It builds on the previous three-ingredient recipe by adding vanilla extract, a little sugar, and Greek yogurt to the mix, and also makes a delicious crust using graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. To flavor your cheesecake, consider adding cocoa powder or canned pumpkin to the cheesecake batter.

Cottage cheese pasta

For a spicy but still easy to make pasta sauce, opt for cottage cheese. This popular ingredient works in any sauce in which you can use cream or a similar ingredient. In the TikTok above, @jakecohen combines cottage cheese with onions, garlic, olive oil, salt, crushed red pepper flakes, tomato paste and vodka to coat your noodles in a protein-rich vodka sauce.

Advice

As TikTokers @feelgoodfoodie and @kitkeenan proved, you can also use cottage cheese to make creamy tomato sauce and pesto.

Cottage cheese toast

Everything is better on toast, and that’s especially true with cottage cheese. Many TikTok users, including @brooklynsbite in the video above, spread mashed avocado on their toast before adding a layer of cottage cheese. Next come the toppings, like chili oil, green onions, and lemon zest. You can also follow the lead of TikTok user @laurensbalancedbites and top the toast with fresh tomatoes, lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper.

Cottage Cheese Banana Bread

Instead of turning to protein powder for healthier banana bread, TikTok user @fitfoodiefinds says to opt for cottage cheese instead. Not only does it add protein, it will help preserve the banana bread, but she says it will be “extra moist, extra moist and so delicious.” TikTok user @healthyfoodiegirls explains that cottage cheese banana bread is super unique because even though it doesn’t contain oil or butter, the banana bread is soft as if it were.

Baked cottage cheese crisps or chips

This recipe literally requires only one ingredient, you guessed it: cottage cheese. Simply spread the cottage cheese on a baking sheet and bake for a few minutes until golden brown, as TikTok user @katieaustin explains, saying it’s great as is, eaten like a warm, cheesy crisp. TikTok user @lilsipper_official shows off a giant crispy brown cottage cheese chip straight from the oven, saying this recipe will “satisfy that snack attack.”

Related: 8 Healthy, Satisfying, Sleep-Promoting Nighttime Snacks

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