I’ll be honest—when I first went keto, cottage cheese wasn’t exactly top of mind. Too many memories of sad, watery bowls from 90s diet books. But here’s the thing: once I started cooking with it, I realised cottage cheese is actually kind of a secret weapon. It’s creamy, mild, and does way more than just sit in a tub.
It’s also low in carbs, high in protein, and easy to sneak into both savoury and sweet recipes. Whether you’re making pancakes, casseroles, or mousse, it pulls its weight without making a fuss. Below are 13 of my favourite keto cottage cheese recipes—tried, tested, and actually good.
Why Cottage Cheese Works on Keto
Cottage cheese often gets overlooked on keto—but it’s one of the most versatile, high-protein ingredients you can keep in the fridge. With around 3–4g net carbs per 100g and a mild flavour, it fits well into sweet and savoury dishes alike. Plus, it blends beautifully, bakes well, and adds body without overpowering your recipe.
Tips for Cooking with Cottage Cheese
- Blend it smooth for mousse or dips if the curds bother you
- Use full-fat versions for better flavour and richness
- Strain it for thicker textures (especially in baking)
- Pair with spices like cinnamon or herbs to elevate the taste
13 Keto Cottage Cheese Recipes (Ranked by Usefulness)
| Recipe | Nutritional Info (Per Serve) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Cottage Cheese Pancakes |
|
Prep: 5 min | Cook: 20 min |
| 2. Crustless Quiche |
|
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 45 min |
| 3. Breakfast Muffins |
|
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min |
| 4. Cottage Cheese Spanakopita |
|
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 55 min |
| 5. Sausage Frittata |
|
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 20 min |
| 6. Breakfast Bowl |
|
Prep: 2 min |
| 7. Broccoli Balls |
|
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 25 min |
| 8. Almond Cheesecakes |
|
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min |
| 9. Cannoli Cream |
|
Prep: 5 min |
| 10. Chocolate Mousse |
|
Prep: 5 min |
| 11. Cottage Cheese Cheesecake |
|
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 1 hr |
| 12. Whipped Dessert Cups |
|
Prep: 5 min |
| 13. Jello Fluff Salad |
|
Prep: 10 min | Chill: 2 hr |
1. Keto-Friendly Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Fluffy, filling, and surprisingly easy—these pancakes use almond flour, cottage cheese, and eggs for a high-protein keto breakfast. Add some berries and sugar-free syrup if you’re feeling fancy.
Per serving: 1.3g net carbs, 5g protein, 7g fat, 90 calories.
2. Easy Keto Crustless Quiche
This easy crustless quiche is powered by egg whites and cottage cheese for a seriously high-protein dish. Add diced ham or your favourite veggies.
Per serving: 3.2g carbs, 21.5g protein, 6g fat, 164 calories.
3. Keto Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins
These muffins are cheesy, savoury, and just the right amount of moist. Featuring cottage cheese, bacon, and cheddar—they’re perfect straight out of the oven.
Per muffin: 2g net carbs, 9g protein, 10g fat, 139 calories.
4. Keto Cottage Cheese Spanakopita
This low-carb, high-protein casserole is packed with cottage cheese, spinach, and herbs. Eat it warm or cold for breakfast, lunch, or meal-prepped snacks.
Per serving: 7g net carbs, 20g protein, 11g fat, 222 calories.
5. Keto Cottage Cheese, Egg and Sausage Frittata
Sausage, eggs, cottage cheese, and spinach make this frittata perfect for brunch or meal prep. Add salad or keto toast and you’re set.
Per serving: 2g net carbs, 26.5g protein, 16g fat, 257 calories.
6. Keto Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
Layer cottage cheese with chia seeds, Greek yogurt, nuts, and low-carb fruit for a quick, filling breakfast. Customise it with your favourite toppings.
Per serving: 17g net carbs, 18g protein, 22g fat, 350 calories.
7. Keto Broccoli Cottage Cheese Balls
These savoury bites are great for snacks or sides. Packed with broccoli, spices, and cottage cheese, they’re best served with your favourite dip.
Per serving: 1.6g net carbs, 4.4g protein, 6.7g fat, 85 calories.
8. Mini Keto Breakfast Cheesecakes with Almond Crust
High-protein cheesecake for breakfast? Yes please. These mini cheesecakes combine cottage cheese, cream cheese, and eggs with a crunchy almond crust and berry topping. Decadent but still keto-friendly.
Per 2-piece serve: 5g net carbs, 13g protein, 26g fat, 320 calories.
9. Low-Carb Cannoli Cream
Think dessert ricotta, but keto. This creamy blend uses cottage cheese, cinnamon, vanilla, and chocolate chips for a no-bake treat.
Per serving: 5g net carbs, 12g protein, 10g fat, 160 calories.
10. Keto Chocolate Cottage Cheese Mousse
Whip this up in five minutes for a creamy, chocolatey dessert. Let it sit for even better flavour. Sweetener swaps welcome.
Per serving: 5g net carbs, 12g protein, 5g fat, 125 calories.
11. Keto Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
This rich, baked cheesecake features a hazelnut-coconut crust and a creamy filling with cottage cheese and Greek yogurt. Looks fancy, tastes even better.
Per serving: 4g net carbs, 10g protein, 22g fat, 250 calories.
12. Whipped Cottage Cheese Dessert Cups
Quick, easy, and high in protein. These dessert cups are great for breakfast too—just whip and chill.
Per serving: 5g net carbs, 12g protein, 5g fat, 120 calories.
13. Keto Jello Fluff Salad
A retro keto classic made with cottage cheese, sugar-free jello, and pecans. Sweet, fluffy, and surprisingly satisfying.
Per serving: 2g net carbs, 7g protein, 12g fat, 140 calories.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Taste Better (If You’re Skeptical)
If you’re not totally sold on cottage cheese yet, here are a few ways to zhuzh it up:
- Blend it with cinnamon, vanilla, and a dash of sweetener for a “cheesecake dip”
- Add lemon zest or herbs to use as a savoury spread or dip
- Use as a creamy base for scrambled eggs or protein bowls
Final Thoughts on Keto Cottage Cheese Recipes
Still think cottage cheese is boring? Hopefully these recipes proved otherwise. From quick breakfasts to lazy desserts, it’s a surprisingly useful staple for keto. Let me know if you’ve got a favourite way to use it—I’m always up for experimenting.