Cottage cheese has found its way back into the hearts and onto the tables of a new generation – but what makes it so appealing? Cottage cheese is a versatile food that can be enjoyed alone, as well as in both sweet and savory recipes. Not only is cottage cheese delicious, but it is also a great way to add protein to your diet.
There are low calorie and low sodium cottage cheese options available that contain important nutrients like calcium, vitamin A and B vitamins.1 Cottage cheese is fresh, soft cheese with a mild flavor, available in a variety of curd sizes and milk fat percentages that can easily be found in the grocery store.
Pair It
Cottage cheese with fruit is an easy, quick breakfast or snack. Pair with fresh or frozen strawberries, blueberries, peaches or pineapple! Top your bowl of cottage cheese with sliced almonds or granola for some added crunch. This can be a low calorie, protein-rich way to fuel your day and keep feeling satisfied.1
Mix It
For a delicious and protein-packed snack, mix your favorite nut butter with cottage cheese and spread it on whole wheat crackers, or try this Cottage Cheese Toast recipe. If you’re craving something savory, add tomatoes, cucumbers, a drizzle of olive oil and a dash of salt to cottage cheese. Consuming protein as part of a snack can help with stabilizing blood glucose levels.2
Blend It
Add cottage cheese to smoothies or pancake batter for a protein boost, or mix up some Cottage Cheese Ice Cream—a healthier dessert that can be easily made at home! The protein and fat combination in cottage cheese helps create a creamy mouth feel when blended into recipes.
Whip It
Cottage cheese’s creamy texture makes for a great dip – and Whipped Cottage Cheese can be prepared in less than 5 minutes! Try adding popular flavors like buffalo or spinach and artichoke! Whip up this Healthy Avocado Bean Dip using Greek yogurt and cottage cheese and serve with fresh vegetables or pretzels. Incorporating these dairy foods not only adds flavor to your meal but also gives your body essential nutrients to keep you healthy.
Substitute It
If you have a recipe that calls for sour cream, cream cheese or ricotta, and you don’t have any in the fridge, cottage cheese is the perfect substitute. Use cottage cheese in lasagna, as a topping for a baked potato or in this three-ingredient Cottage Cheese Queso.
Cottage cheese is nutritious, delicious and versatile. Whichever way you choose to serve it, cottage cheese always is a great tasting, healthy snack!
Citations:
1. https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-cottage-cheese
2. Cottage Cheese Calories, Protein and Fat Nutrition
