Dairy | Low Calorie High Protein

Cottage Cheese

Lactis coacto Allergens: Milk
cottage cheese

Sourcing & Taxonomy

  • Family N/A
  • Primary Cuisine Western
  • Seasonality Year-Round
  • Source Milk

The Forktionary Angle

"The humble, protein-packed curd that's more versatile than you think."

Definition

A fresh cheese made from curds of cow's milk, known for its mild flavor and lumpy, creamy texture.

Sensory Profile

TasteMild, Slightly Tangy, Savory
TextureCreamy, Curdy, Lumpy
AromaMilky, Fresh, Slightly Acidic
AcidityMedium

Technical Metrics

Curd Size Variation

Available in small, medium, and large curd varieties, affecting texture.

Production Method

Made by draining cow's milk curds, but not pressing them, resulting in its characteristic texture.

Protein Content

1 cup of 4% fat cottage cheese typically contains about 25g of protein.

Nutrition Facts

Per 1/2 cup (113g)
Calories98 kcal
Total Fat4.3 g
Saturated Fat2.7 g
Trans Fat0.1 g
Cholesterol17 mg
Protein11.5 g
Total Carbohydrate3.4 g
Dietary Fiber0 g
Total Sugars2.7 g
Calcium83 mg
Iron0.2 mg
Potassium110 mg

Chef’s Secret

For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese in a food processor before using in dips or sauces.

Substitutions

Best Match

Greek Yogurt

1:1

Best for texture and protein content in savory dishes or as a spread.

Ricotta Cheese

1:1

Good for baking and lasagna; creamier, less curdy.

Silken Tofu (Crumbled)

1:1

Dairy-free, high protein alternative for savory dishes, requires seasoning.

Farmer's Cheese

1:1

Drier, firmer texture, good for baking and filling.

Buying Guide

Look for expiration dates. Choose fat percentage based on preference.

Flavor Pairings

Fruit granola toast avocado black pepper tomatoes.

Recipes Using Cottage Cheese

Pasta Rice And Grains Served Hot Easy Poultry

3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake

This 3 Cheese Chicken Spinach Pasta Bake is a quick and easy recipe that's sure to please the whole family, even picky eaters! A delightful blend of creamy cheese, tender chicken, and spinach, all baked to bubbly perfection. Get ready for a flavor explosion that's both comforting and irresistible. Inspired by a local cooking show, this recipe is a family favorite!

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European Preparation Time To Make Easy

3 Step Spinach Lasagna

Conquer your spinach aversion with this unbelievably easy 3-step lasagna! We've combined a no-pre-boil noodle recipe with a flavor-packed spinach filling to create a delicious, iron-rich meal ready in under 2 hours. Perfect for busy weeknights, this lasagna is surprisingly simple and incredibly satisfying.

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Main Dish Easy Course One Dish Meal

Alfredo Chicken Lasagna

Indulge in this comforting and flavorful Alfredo Chicken Lasagna! This creamy, cheesy masterpiece layers tender chicken, mushrooms, and rich Alfredo sauce between perfectly cooked lasagna noodles. A family favorite, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready for a taste of heaven!

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Potluck Rosh Hashana Oven Desserts

Almond Crowned Kugel

Indulge in this rich and rewarding Almond-Crowned Kugel, a family heirloom recipe passed down through generations. This incredibly delicious noodle pudding is perfect for special occasions – its creamy texture and crunchy almond topping create a symphony of flavors that's hard to resist. A true taste of tradition, but save it for special moments as it's incredibly rich and satisfying! You've been warned (but you'll thank us later!).

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Pasta One Dish Meal Main Dish Cuisine

American Beauty Lasagna

Rediscover the legendary lasagna recipe that graced American Beauty lasagna noodle boxes! This nostalgic favorite, unchanged for over 25 years, delivers unbeatable cheesy, meaty goodness. Our version is a true throwback, capturing the rich flavors and creamy texture that made it a classic. Get ready for a taste of comfort food perfection!

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North American American North American Midwestern

Amish Breakfast Casserole

This hearty and flavorful Amish Breakfast Casserole recipe, inspired by Taste of Home magazine, is a crowd-pleaser! Imagine crispy bacon (or ham/sausage!), fluffy eggs, and cheesy potatoes baked to golden perfection. Easily customizable with your favorite veggies like bell peppers, this casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast for holidays or busy week mornings. Get ready for a taste of Amish country comfort!

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Time To Make North American Beginner Cook Technique

Amish Dry Lime Gelatin Salad Dessert Jello

This incredibly easy Amish recipe for lime gelatin salad is a nostalgic delight! Perfect for kids to make (with supervision), this no-bake dessert features a vibrant lime flavor and creamy texture. A simple combination of cottage cheese, pineapple, whipped topping, and nuts creates a surprisingly delicious treat. Easily adaptable to other gelatin flavors like cherry or strawberry – ideal for Valentine's Day! Ready in under 10 minutes (plus chilling time).

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Beef Casseroles Ground Beef 60 Minutes Or Less

Anytime Beef Casserole

This easy, 50-minute casserole tastes just like cannelloni, but skips the pasta for a lighter, faster weeknight meal! Enjoy a comforting, cheesy beef and spinach bake that's perfect for busy families. No pasta? No problem! This recipe delivers all the flavor without the fuss.

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4 Hours Or Less Seasonal Weeknight Winter

Au Gratin Hash Browns Potatoes

This ridiculously easy Au Gratin Hash Brown Potato recipe was a potluck sensation! Get ready for rave reviews – it's fast, simple, and unbelievably delicious. Crispy, cheesy perfection in under an hour! Perfect for brunch, a side dish, or even a comforting weeknight meal.

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Low Carb Healthy 2 Mexican Low Calorie

Avocado Green Salad

A vibrant and refreshing avocado green salad, inspired by a 2006 Mexican culinary adventure! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for a light lunch, side dish, or a healthy snack. The creamy avocado pairs beautifully with crisp lettuce and zesty lime, creating a fiesta of flavors in your mouth.

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Time To Make High Calcium Main Ingredient Occasion

Baked Eggs With Green Chilies

Spice up your breakfast, lunch, or dinner with this incredibly easy and customizable Baked Eggs with Green Chilies recipe! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend brunch. Imagine tender eggs baked to perfection, infused with the savory heat of green chilies, and melted cheese. Easily doubled for a crowd, you can experiment with different cheeses, veggies, and spices to create your own signature dish. Try adding spinach, sundried tomatoes, and cheddar with a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick! Get ready for a flavor explosion in every bite!

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Equipment Main Dish Italian Time To Make

Baked Lasagna

This legendary lasagna recipe, passed down through generations from a cherished River Road Recipes junior league cookbook, delivers unbeatable flavor. Experience the rich, cheesy layers of comfort food perfection that has made this dish a family favorite for years! Get ready for the ultimate baked lasagna experience.

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Gluten Free Spreads Dietary Appetizers

Bavarian Cheese Dip Obatzda Gluten Free

Craving authentic Bavarian Obatzda without the hefty price tag of gluten-free beer? This recipe delivers the creamy, tangy goodness of traditional Obatzda, completely gluten-free and surprisingly easy to make! Skip the beer and enjoy this simple, yet flavorful cheese dip perfect for parties or a cozy night in. Made with Camembert or Brie, sharp cheddar, and just the right amount of spice, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For longer storage, simply omit the shallot and serve with thinly sliced red onion instead.

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Ground Beef Beef Tex Mex Low In Something

Beef Enchiladas

Indulge in our incredibly rich and flavorful Beef Enchiladas! This crowd-pleasing recipe features tender beef simmered in a luscious homemade sauce, all wrapped in warm tortillas and baked to perfection. Get ready for a taste sensation that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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One Dish Meal Pasta Pasta Rice And Grains One Dish Meal

Beef Taco Noodle Bake

Craving comfort food with a Mexican twist? This Beef Taco Noodle Bake is a cheesy, saucy, and satisfying twist on classic tacos! Think of it as a hearty, noodle-based taco lasagna – layers of flavorful ground beef, creamy cottage cheese, and perfectly cooked noodles baked to golden perfection. Get ready for a family-friendly favorite that's quick to make and even quicker to disappear!

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Course Time To Make Main Ingredient Meat

Noodle Free Lasagna

This family favorite recipe gets a protein-packed makeover! Perfect for those following a high-protein diet, this Noodle-Free Lasagna is bursting with flavor and surprisingly easy to make. Say goodbye to carb overload and hello to a satisfying, cheesy, and meaty meal that's ready in under an hour. Skip the noodles and enjoy the rich flavors of ground turkey, spinach, and creamy cottage cheese layered to perfection!

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Preparation Low In Something Equipment Main Ingredient

Spinach And Feta Cheese Quiche

Flaky crust cradles a creamy, savory filling of spinach, tangy feta, and subtly sweet onion in this irresistible Spinach and Feta Cheese Quiche recipe. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner, this quiche is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser!

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One Dish Meal Preparation To Go Easy

Zucchini And Rice Casserole

This nostalgic zucchini casserole recipe is a family favorite, passed down through generations! Tender zucchini, savory beef, and creamy cheese combine in a comforting baked dish perfect for a weeknight meal or potluck. Get ready to experience a taste of home!

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