The Cottage Cheese Craze
Cottage Cheese Craze
Beyond the Bowl
Social media has revitalized interest in cottage cheese by showcasing its versatile and creative uses. Influencers toss it onto pizza, whisk it into pancakes, spread it on toast, drizzle it with hot honey and even blend it into ice cream. For some, the trend offers a sense of nostalgia, allowing them to rediscover a childhood staple in adventurous new ways.
Key factors driving the cottage cheese comeback include:
- High protein content: The surge in popularity of cottage cheese aligns with a broader consumer trend toward high-protein diets, which are linked to satiety, weight management and muscle health.
- Other nutritional wins: In addition to being packed with protein, cottage cheese is a low-sugar, low-calorie ingredient and snack – and, of course, it's a good source of protein! At least 40% of Americans, including up to 85% of kids, don't get enough of this essential nutrient. At every stage of life, calcium is crucial for strong bones, healthy muscles and nerve function.
- Versatility: Influencers have demonstrated that cottage cheese can be used in sweet, savory and spicy dishes, moving beyond its traditional, more limited uses, particularly as a snack.
Tame the Texture
- Whip it for creaminess. To use cottage cheese in sauces, dips and baked goods, use a traditional blender, food processor or immersion blender to whip it until it's completely smooth.
- Control the moisture. For recipes sensitive to excess moisture, such as cheesecake or baked goods, drain the cottage cheese in a sieve or squeeze it in a cheesecloth before blending.
- Maximize whole curds. Leave the cottage cheese unblended in dishes where texture is desired, like scrambled eggs or lasagna. The curds will soften as they cook, adding a rich, creamy consistency.
Tips by Recipe Type
Breakfast bowls and parfaits:
Serve whipped cottage cheese topped with fresh fruit, granola, nuts, and a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a quick, high-protein breakfast or snack.
Dips and spreads:
Whipped cottage cheese is an ideal base for dips and spreads. Blend it with herbs, garlic and spices to serve with chips or veggies, or spread it on toast with your favorite fruity jam or fresh accompaniments, as in our recipes for Cottage Toast and High Protein Taco Dip (shown).
Fritters:
Cottage cheese adds protein and moisture to fritters and savory pancakes. Combine it with grated zucchini, flour, egg and herbs for an even heartier meal.
Eggs:
Stirring cottage cheese into scrambled eggs or an omelet makes them extra fluffy and creamy.
Pancakes and waffles:
Mixing blended cottage cheese into pancake or waffle batter yields a fluffier, more satisfying breakfast option.
Smoothies:
For a creamy, protein-dense smoothie, add a scoop of cottage cheese. It adds smooth texture without the need for yogurt or protein powder. Try it out in our recipe for Raspberry Cheesecake Protein Shake (shown).
Desserts:
When whipped, cottage cheese transforms into a smooth base for high-protein treats. Mix it with ingredients like cocoa powder and honey for a delicious alternative to chocolate mousse, as in our recipe for High Protein Chocolate Raspberry Mousse (shown).
Creamy pasta sauces:
Blended cottage cheese can replace or supplement cream cheese, sour cream or Alfredo sauce for a higher-protein, lower-fat alternative.
Lasagna and stuffed pastas:
Cottage cheese works perfectly in baked pasta dishes as a lighter, higher-protein substitute for ricotta.
Baked goods:
Substitute cottage cheese for some of the fat and liquid in baking recipes, such as muffins, scones, bread and cookies. It will increase protein and help retain moisture.
Try this swap in our recipes for Chocolate Chip Cottage Cheese Muffins, White Chocolate Raspberry Cottage Cheese Scones and Cottage Cheese Biscuits (shown).
Good Question: What exactly is cottage cheese?
Cottage cheese is a fresh, unripened cheese made from pasteurized cow's milk. It's produced by adding an acid or culturing agent to the milk, causing it to curdle and separate into solid curds and liquid whey. The curds are cooked, rinsed and drained, then mixed with cream and salt to produce a creamy, moist consistency. Varying amounts of cream and different curd sizes result in the many types of cottage cheese found in the Dairy Aisle.
Selection and availability of products and ingredients vary by market.
