7 Reasons Why Cottage Cheese Should Be On Your Grocery List (plus culture’s favorite brands)

Roman Empire epicure Marcus Gavius Apicius once noted the harmonious pairing of honey and cottage cheese, and even its use as an early rendition of cheesecake. A couple thousand years later, the seventies proved to be PR disaster cottage cheese. Low-fat diet fads unfairly claimed cottage cheese as its own. Fading was the archaic mystique of cottage cheese. But, we at Culture argue true cheese lovers have always doted this creamy curd. Cottage cheese has made an undeniable comeback the past few summers—and it’s here to stay. 

Nutritional Benefits of Cottage Cheese

It’s no wonder ancient civilizations were in love with cottage cheese—it’s full of nutritional value! Cottage cheese contains 4g more protein than an equal serving of greek yogurt. The type of protein in cottage cheese is mostly casein protein, and compared to whey protein, casein protein facilitates a slower absorption of amino acids, making you feel satiated for longer. Also, a cup of cottage cheese holds about a third of your daily phosphorus needs, which helps maintain strong bones and teeth; it is also loaded with selenium which reduces the risk of depression and type 2 diabetes. 

Here are 7 recipes that kick up the curd: 

@healthylittlepeach The viral cottage cheese flatbread blew my mind. It grossed me out when I first saw it, but now that I’ve tried it, it’s AMAZING! Thanks @healthymumway for creating this amazing recipe. I also sqw @Shredhappens version. 10/10! 1 cup cottage cheese 2 eggs 1/2 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp onion powder 1.5 tsp Italian seasoning -Add to a blender or food processor. Blend well. Line a small baking pan with parchment paper. Pour the cottage cheese mixture in and spread out evenly. -Bake on 350F for 40 minutes! -Use as bread and build a sandwich! I am using Tzatziki, chicken, tomatoes, arugula and red onion! #cottagecheese #cottagecheeseflatbread #healthyrecipes #lowcarbrecipes #viralrecipe ♬ original sound – Mac

1. Cottage Cheese Flatbread by healthylittlepeach

This protein-packed cottage cheese flatbread is the most simple and nutritious flatbread you can make with cottage cheese. The best part is, you can top with anything in the fridge! The original recipe calls for tzatziki sauce, arugula, red onions, and chicken (perhaps leftovers from the night before). Or, spice it up with caramelized onions, charred shishito peppers, and a spicy, brown-butter gochujang sauce-glazed sweet potatoes. Yum!

@foodswelovetoeat We all see cottage cheese having a moment and i am here for it! I used to think it was gross but as soon as i started treating it like ricotta/Burrata, a whole new world opened up! So here are 3 totally delicious ways to get yourself hooked! Also, this is not sponsored by any brand but i do have to say that my fav flavor/texture/consistency is currently @good_culture cottage cheese! It’s honestly so good and it’s packed full of protein which im loving right now! Got a flavor combo you’re digging? Drop it in the comments to share! ⭐️Cottage Cheese Toast Flavor Combos⭐️ 1️⃣ @aldiusa Protein bread, cottage cheese, @kansascitycanningco crispy chili oil, honey & flaky salt 2️⃣ Olive oil griddled sourdough rubbed with fresh garlic, cottage cheese, tomato bruschetta & balsamic glaze 3️⃣ Toasted sourdough, cottage cheese, @dalmatia_spreads fig jam, honey, toasted pistachios & flaky salt #cottagecheese #cottagecheesetoast #cottagecheeserecipes #highprotein #cheese #cheeselover #toast #cheesetoast #easybreakfast ♬ original sound – FOODS WE LOVE TO EAT

2. Cottage Cheese, Fig, and Pistachio Toast by foodswelovetoeat

This scrumptious and fresh cottage cheese, fig jam, pistachio toast is perfect for those mornings when you need, perhaps hastily, a creative release. Grab a slice of your favorite bread (mine’s a lightly toasted French brioche). Next, a healthy dollop of cottage cheese followed by fig jam (like this one from Mejerda Valley, Tunisia) and chopped pistachio. Finish it off with the best olive oil in your kitchen. Pro tip: try swapping fig jam for raspberries! 

3. Maepole Mac and Cheese by Chef Peter Dale

If you prefer a little more comfort in your application of cottage cheese, worry not. This Maepole Mac and Cheese by Chef Peter Dale who runs four restaurants in Athens, Georgia, is ideal for when “you just need some comfort food to make your day.” Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient behind the gooey goodness of the Maepole mac and cheese. 

4. Brussels Sprout Salad with Raisins, Homemade Cottage Cheese, and Mushroom and Charred Onion Vinaigrette recipe by Top Chef Finalist Dan Jacobs

This Brussels Sprout Salad with Raisins, Homemade Cottage Cheese, and Mushroom and Charred Onion Vinaigrette recipe by Top Chef Finalist Dan Jacobs will scratch every itch of a gastronomic DIY-fanatic. Choose a rainy afternoon and make your own cottage cheese. Just make sure you have all the ingredients beforehand. 

5. Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Strawberries by Cowgirl Creamery

These Cottage Cheese Pancakes with Strawberries come courtesy of Cowgirl Creamery’s founder Sue Conley, who was a breakfast cook at Bette’s Oceanview Diner before launching the iconic West Marin creamery. Her recipe uses a two-day process to make Clabbered Cottage Cheese, and when mixed with egg whites, this fluffy breakfast concoction hits it outta the park.

6.  Jell-O and Cottage Cheese Salad by Molly McDonough

Did someone say throwback? For a retro dessert option that would make your grandma proud, check out this Jell-O and Cottage Cheese Salad from our former Senior Editor Molly McDonough. 

@lainiecooks Peanut butter cheesecake ice cream… I’m freaking out #proteinicecream #probiotics #hacksoflife ♬ Calm Dooowwnnn Lalalaaa (Remix) – FAITAH NADA

7. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream by lainiecooks 

Healthy? Yes. Easy? Yes. Delicious? Yes. Customizable? Yes. This cottage cheese and honey ice cream is the real deal. Blend a full-fat, grass-fed cottage cheese like this one from Good Culture with honey. The original recipe calls for peanut butter and chocolate chips. But we say throw in whatever you want! Frozen bananas, pecans, cinnamon, nutmeg, or shot(s) of espresso. Go nuts. 

Keep an eye out for these Culture cottage cheeses favorites!

1. Try California-based Cowgirl Creamery and their “clabbered” cottage cheese!
2. Good Culture’s grass-fed, single-serve cottage cheese that does not drip when flipped!
3. Indiana-based Traders Point Creamery for cottage cheese that doesn’t taste like cottage cheese you had growing up!
4. For a lactose-free option, check out Green Valley Creamery from Sebastopol, California!

Philip Han

Philip Han is a food writer and filmmaker based in Seoul and Lewiston, ME. A rising senior majoring in Philosophy at Bates College, he has worked for the Cumberland County Food Security Council, Rogers Collection, and UpPortland. When not in the field covering his next story, you might find him playing squash or snowboarding down the treelines of Maine. He is also banned from using his roommates’ communal fridge after storing epoisses for two months.