Plus, Janetha’s recipes are always a hit in our house! I love her pumpkin enchiladas almost as much as I love the pictures she posts of her adorable dogs.
Take it away, Janetha! 
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Guest Post: Meals & Moves
Hey Peanut Butter Finger lovers! Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Janetha and I write a blog called meals & moves, where I yammer on about food, fitness and everything in between.
I am so glad I get to yammer on to you guys here on Julie’s blog today while she is exploring Europe. (What a lucky.)
One thing I am always focused on is getting enough protein into my daily diet. By getting enough protein, I have the energy to power through my daily workouts, build lean muscle AND keep that hard earned muscle around for a while!
Because it is not always practical (or appetizing) to eat a chicken breast at every meal, I like to find other ways to get my protein grams in each time it is time to eat. One of my favorite go-to types of protein is cottage cheese.
On average, 100 calories of low fat cottage cheese contains around 15 grams of protein.
The specific kind of protein that the majority of those 15 grams are made up of is casein protein. Casein protein is beneficial because it is a slow digesting form of protein. It supplies a steady stream of protein to your body long after you consume it, meaning it is a high satiety food and keeps you full for longer than other types of protein. Because of this, cottage cheese consumption is optimal to eat before a long night’s sleep or if you have to go a long period of time without eating.
Cottage cheese isn’t just amazing because of the protein content. It is also packed with other great stuff, including calcium. The RDA recommends that women over 19 years old get 1,000 mg daily. One 1/2 cup serving of cottage cheese contains 240 mg of calcium, which is nearly 25 percent of the recommended daily dose (source).
Most brands of cottage cheese also contain live probiotic cultures, just like the ones found in yogurt, which promote a healthy digestive system. Probiotics are “good bacteria” that our bodies need in order to create an environment to ward off the “bad bacteria” that makes us get sick.
In addition to cottage cheese being so nutritionally sound, it is a really inexpensive way to get your nutrients. I buy mine at Costco for $4.99 per 48 ounces. The brand is Darigold and it has 14 grams of protein per serving.
This contains twelve 1/2 cup servings, making each serving a mere 42 cents per serving. Granted, it is probably pricier in other areas (seeing as how I live in Utah, a state with very low prices), but it is all relative and you will find that the price of cottage cheese is much less in comparison to a serving of other types of protein.
Now that I have professed my love for cottage cheese, let’s talk about eating it! While I do love to eat cottage cheese straight from the container, there are lots of other ways to enjoy it. Here are three of my tried and true recipes.. all very different from each other.
Protein Pancakes
I know what you are thinking.. cottage cheese, in pancakes? Well, trust me, you can’t taste it. This is just a WONDERFUL way to add staying power to your morning flapjacks (or evening ones.. I am a big fan of breakfast for dinner!) I have found that plain old pancakes really don’t keep me full for more than, oh, twenty minutes. Add some cottage cheese into the mix and these babies keep me full til’ my next meal time.
The recipe (serves one):
- 1/3 cup old fashioned oats
- 1/3 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1/3 cup (or two) egg whites
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon (or more if you are a cinnamon-crazed maniac like me)
- sweetener of choice, such as stevia, agave, sugar, etc (optional, i never use a sweetener)
- fruit, nuts or other fold-ins like coconut or chocolate chips (again, optional)
Combine all ingredients (except fold-ins) in a blender or Magic Bullet (my personal protein pancake making appliance of choice) and blend until smooth. Fold in any additional ingredients, if desired.
Pour batter onto a heated and oiled pan or griddle and cook just like normal pancakes. These will be nice and fluffy!
Serve with toppers of choice.. my personal favorite pancake topper is Mighty Maple peanut butter and sliced bananas, but anything goes. The pancakes in the photo above are adorned with agave and fresh strawberries, or you can always keep it classic and use butter and maple syrup.
Here’s a tip: triple the batch and freeze or refrigerate the leftover pancakes. When you are ready to eat them, pop them in the toaster (like an Eggo!) and you’ve got a quick and easy meal in minutes.
Approximate nutrition info for recipe base: 200 calories, 20g protein, 21g carbs, 4g fat.
One Bowl Faux Lasagna
Do you ever just crave lasagna but don’t want to take the time to bake a whole flippin’ pan of the stuff?! No? Just me? Or is it you, too? Well, if you ARE like me and sometimes just want a single serving of lasagna, try this recipe and it is sure to satisfy your Italian craving immediately. Don’t be scared of eating your cottage cheese hot. I promise, it’s tasty.
The recipe (serves one):
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1 cup steamed spaghetti squash
- 1/4 cup marinara sauce (jarred or homemade)
- sprinkle of parmesan or mozzarella cheese (Optional, but highly suggested. I love cheese.)
Simply combine the cottage cheese, squash and sauce in a bowl, mix well and microwave for about two minutes or until it is warmed through. Top with cheese, if desired.
Sometimes I like to get fancy and add diced mushrooms or fresh basil to the bowl. You can also sub out the squash and use noodles instead. What makes this seem like lasagna is the cottage cheese.. it totally mimics the ricotta that is found in traditional lasagna recipes. Don’t be afraid to have fun with your ingredients!
Approximate nutrition info for recipe base: 180 calories, 18g protein, 17g carbs, 3g fat.
Triple C Mixup
The three C’s in this equation are Cottage Cheese & Chickpeas. The combination of protein packed cottage cheese and fiber filled chickpeas will keep your hunger at bay for hours on end. The different textures of the two main ingredients will keep your mouth entertained and you can always keep the dish fun and new by throwing in different add-ins. This one is eaten cold and is a great item to pack for lunch if you don’t have access to a range or microwave come meal time.
The recipe (serves one):
- 1/2 cup low fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup canned chickpeas
- 1 tsp ranch seasoning
Mix the three ingredients together and eat as is, or feel free to throw anything else into the mix.
This base is very versatile and lots of things go great when mixed in! Some of my favorite add-ins have been diced cucumbers, quartered grape tomatoes, black olives and steamed broccoli. It is safe to say that you could throw in any veggie(s) you have lying around and it would work out perfectly.
Approximate nutrition info for recipe base: 190 calories, 21g protein, 25g carbs, 4g fat.
There you have it.. three different and delicious ways to enjoy cottage cheese. As you can see, all three recipes are low in calories, so please use them as a blank canvas and add your custom ingredients to amp them up and make them a full meal. They are all super protein-packed as is.. so even if you don’t make any additions, these are all bound to fill you up.
You could always combine your cottage cheese with fruit and eat it as a sweet treat. This is a VERY popular way to eat cottage cheese, but my taste buds won’t go there so I couldn’t promote that method in my post. Hey, different strokes for different folks, right?
Hope you enjoyed my cottage cheese rambles. If you feel the urge to continue reading my randomness, head on over to meals & moves. There is plenty more where this came from.
Questions from Janetha
- Do you like cottage cheese?
- What is your favorite way to eat it?
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I usually HATE cottage cheese with a passion. But I’m going to buy it on my next grocery trip and give it another try, esp w/ that lasagna recipe! looks great! Thanks for sharing =)
Same here! I can’t remember ever being a big fan (texture thing for me), but I’m loving the lasagna idea!
TOTALLY agree!! I HATE the texture of cottage cheese but I’m not sure I can ignore that lasagna recipe!!
I love cottage cheese and am looking at how to make it on line now. u can make your own and i am going to try, i have lost 9 lbs lately back on eating much cottage cheese and lots of water. One of my favorite tricks is,, a half cup cottage cheese, a squeese of lemon , or lime and a packet or few drops of stevia. wa la you have a lemon cheese cake or a key lime pie. try it youll love it.. if you really want the key lime pie effect crumble on some graham crackers. I LOVE COTTAGE CHEESE…..
Oh my, well that seems promising!! Thanks for the idea =)
Also, where can I get spaghetti squash from? Is it dried and store bought or do you make it yourself from cooked squash?
You buy it in the produce section! Just chop it in half, scoop out the seeds, wrap each half tightly in Saran wrap and microwave for 10 minutes. Let it cool then scrape out the squash with a fork and discard the skin.
LOL silly me, it’s the name of the vegetable, not spaghetti made out of squash!! So embarrassing =P btw, I tried it per your lasagna style! It turned out great =) thanks!!!!
Wow, I would never in a million years have thought of that instant lasagna, that looks great! I normally eat my cottage cheese with apple sauce or straight up.
I’m a big cottage cheese fan! My mom got me started on it when I was younger just by topping it with sugar (not so great!). Now I love it with fresh fruit.
Those pancakes look GREAT – usually protein pancakes are too thin, but they look perfect. Great post, Janetha!
Yum! I only discovered that I like cottage cheese about a year ago, when I too was looking for ways to get my daily protein grams. When I was younger, my mum would always mix it with fruit and yogurt and I thought it was the most hideous combination ever – why would you want to eat clumpy runny cheese?? But now, I’m totally converted! I love it in pancakes, or with fruit in it that has been previously frozen. It lets its juices go as the fruit thaws, so it sweetens the cottage cheese. Love the lasagna idea!
I love cottage cheese but my stomach is really sensitive to dairy at times so now I avoid it 🙁 That lasagna bowl looks so delicious!
Oh I love the faux lasagna idea! I love cottage cheese and went on quick the kick with it during my early pregnancy. So salty and delish 🙂
That lasagna recipe looks amazing! Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE cottage cheese! I usually just eat it by itself because I don’t like it with fruit either…but I have never tried it in a savory kind of way. I am totally trying out these recipes, and I am totally checking out your blog!
I love love ALL of these recipes, especially the pancake one. I’ll have to try it soon. I made spaghetti squash last night and wish I would have had some cottage cheese around because that looks delicious 🙂
Wow, I am in love with this post! Such great info and ideas! I’ll be stopping by your blog for sure! Thanks! 🙂
Have you ever tried Whipped Cottage Cheese. IT IS AMAZING!
I love cottage cheese, especially as a salad topper, on crisp bread, mixed w cinnamon as a dip for apple slices, and with baked beans and sweet potato! Its so versatile and delicious!!
Hi Janetha! 😉 I have actually had the pancakes, from your site, and love them. You’ve also converted me to having it on sweet potatoes. Hmm, need to get some more, it’s been awhile.
I’ve never actually tried cottage cheese. I’ve only just become someone who’ll try anything but I haven’t gotten around to cottage cheese. All three of these recipes sound great, so I think it’s time. 🙂
I love cottage cheese! I’ve been trying to figure out ways to incorporate it into meals. Thank you for these recipes 🙂
Mix the cottage cheese with tuna and some sliced red onions. Put it on top of a whole wheat cracker and you’ve got the perfect midmorning snack (or midday, whatever you prefer) 🙂
I like to mix dark cocoa powder and a little dash of vanilla and cinnamon with my cottage cheese.. makes for an excellent treat!!!
What fun uses for cottage cheese!!
I love it with a bit o’ pumpkin and the pie spice, crushed grahams on top – voila! = faux pumpkin pie!
LOVED THIS POST AND LOVE COTTAGE CHEESE! Can’t wait to try out all the ideas. So this may sounds strange but don’t knock it till you try it…my favorite way to eat Cottage cheese is with cereal! I usually mix it with bran flakes and special k with strawberries! I don’t know what it is but I love the salty sweet combo! TRY IT!
I go through phases of loving cottage cheese and then hating it but my favorite is definitely the protein pancakes! The discovery of that recipe was life-changing! 😉
I’m super excited to try the faux-lasagna now. I love spaghetti squash “pasta” !
Great post! I’ve been having this stuff for snack all week – so filling! My favorite way to eat it is in lasanga instead of ricotta cheese. I like the mild flavor, and I like that I can get 1% fat free without sacrificing flavor, not something you can do with most cheese!
Cottage cheese and tuna…hands down my fave-o way to eat it. Deeelish!
I love cottage cheese! Amazing post! Ill definitely be trying it all three of those ways. I love it on a piece of toast, topped on salads, or mixed with dry cereal…I basically eat it with or on anything 🙂
cottage cheese, squash, and marinara? I would have never thought about that. Looks delicious!
mmmmmmmm!! Cottage cheese is my favorite!
I LOVE that protein pancake recipe. I’ve eaten it at least once a week in the last few months. It keeps me full for awhile too.
My costco doesn’t sell cottage cheese, wish they did!
Love the black and red plate and your HUGE mixer.
I love cottage cheese on my salads or with some fruit on top!
That instant lasagna looks yummy. I’m going to have to try that 🙂
Cottage cheese has always been a favorite of mine! I am the only one in my family that loves it though, everyone else hates the texture
I usually like to enjoy it as a sweet dish rather than a savory, but lately I have been putting a scoop on top of my salads and it’s great!
I also enjoy putting cottage cheese with cinnamon on toasted cinnamon raisin bread, such a tasty combo 🙂
Awesome recipes…def bookmarking! I like it with cinnamon and blueberries mixed together! yummmm
Love these ideas! I cannot stomach sweet or fruity cottage cheese. My favorite way to eat it is mixed with salsa. Then I either dip chips into it, or add some beans and cheese for a sort of mexican style lasagna. Need to put cottage cheese on my grocery list now!
You and me both! Blech to sweet cottage cheese!
I’ve eaten cottage cheese plain since I was a kid. I didn’t even understand til age 22 that some people have an aversion to ‘runny cheese’.
And I’ve always, ALWAYS eaten it savory. I attempted cottage cheese and pineapple once. Never, ever doing fruity cottage cheese again.
Give me lots of black pepper and my cottage cheese and I’m all set.
What awesome ideas!!! Definitely going to try the lasagne one. Love it !! Thank you 🙂
LOVE cottage cheese. I also add it to pasta dishes and have been doing it for years! Cottage with a few spices, and sriracha also is good too. Thanks for the post!
I have never been a big cottage cheese fan, but the pancakes look delicious!!
I love cottage cheese and apprecaite these new recipes! Can’t wait to try them out!! I love combining cottage cheese, chia seeds, and pineapple and rolling it up in a whole wheat tortilla! YUM!
I LOVE cottage cheese. It takes everything in me not to eat a huge tub of it.
I absolutely love cottage cheese!! These recipes look amazing. I’m good at being creative with cottage cheese when making sweet meals, but not so much savory, so these recipes are perfect for me! My favorite way to eat cottage cheese is with some PB, banana slices, and some cereal, like Cheerios! Thanks, Janetha!
Awesome. I actually tried to find cottage cheese in the grocery store and seriously couldn’t find it anywhere.. Hmm.
I would check your local cottage…They always seem to be stocked with it
Add 1 tbsp of cottage cheese to a traditional Green Monster (1 frozen banana, lots of spinach, 1 cup of milk blended together). It really takes it to the next level and makes the smoothie extra thick!
I can’t wait to try these recipes! I love cottage cheese but only ever eat it mixed with grape jelly. Especially excited for the lasagna! Can’t wait to check out your blog next 🙂
How many pancakes does your recipie make? and what size are they? It says serves one but….
You can make as many as you want.. the bigger they are, the less there will be. Just make the batter and have at it. Sometimes I make 5 little dudes and other times I make 2 giant ones!
We actually made vegetarian lasagna yesterday usuing cottage cheese and it was really yummy!! I love cottage cheese but CANNOT eat it plain. It grosses me out unless I have *something* mixed in.
I like cottage cheese on salads! And in smoothies 🙂
Cold as possible with it freezing and then add a generous amount of Garlic Powder mixed in
I LOVE pretty much all cheese….except cottage cheese. The texture and smell both remind me baby puke….on the upside my husband loves the stuff. I already make spaghetti squash with spaghetti sauce all the time…soooo good and it is a huge hit with the hubby so I will have to add in the cottage cheese for him and maybe do a half-and-half with ricotta for me 🙂 which is what I generally do for lasagna otherwise its super expensive. Sadly, I highly dislike chickpeas as well…unless they are mashed up and called humus (another texture thing) but again the hubs loves them so I am super excited to try this recipes out on him 🙂
I’m not sure I could do the chickpeas…that texture combo sounds so weird! But thanks for the ideas! 🙂
The faux pasta dish is such a great idea! My favorite way to eat cottage cheese is mixed with fruit or jam.
I like cottage cheese for lunch with a boiled or baked potato and either frozen spinach or broccoli. Add some garlic salt and heat it all up together. Filling and yummy. I also like the potato/cottage cheese combo with salsa and corn.
Great ideas!!!!!! I looove cottage cheese, except we don’t have it here….:(
I used to eat cottage cheese and apples for a snack, or top a turkey wrap w/ some!!