Tasty Ways To Eat Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a form of casein, which means it will be slower digesting in the body than some of the other protein sources. Cottage cheese also supplies a good dose of calcium to your diet, helping those who typically lack this critical nutrient. Cottage cheese, when you choose the lower fat variety, doesn’t contain a great deal of calories or saturated fat, making it a solid selection to add to your diet.
The problem with cottage cheese for many is the taste or texture. They can’t seem to keep cottage cheese down, so they avoid eating it altogether. With a little creativity however, it’s more than possible to find a way to add cottage cheese to your diet so you can reap the benefits this food has to offer, while keeping your taste buds satisfied.
Here are some of the options to consider.
Cottage Cheese Mousse
For those who like something sweeter tasting, transform your cottage cheese into a mousse.
Simply prepare one package of sugar-free Jell-O using one cup of hot water and let set (omitting the second cup of water). After that, blend this together with one cup of cottage cheese and then let set once again in the fridge until ready to serve. It should have a mousse-like consistency.
Protein Pancakes
Whipping up some protein pancakes using cottage cheese allows you to improve your nutritional intake of this morning meal while getting a solid dose of protein and calcium. Simply combine 2-3 beaten eggs with one cup of cottage cheese and then stir in a small amount of honey and one cup of uncooked oatmeal. Once all ingredients are mixed together, pour onto a lightly sprayed pan and cook just as you would any another pancake.
If you’d like additional ways to add flavor to your pancakes, consider adding in a banana, sprinkling on some cinnamon, adding a bit of vanilla extract, or tossing in some frozen blueberries.
Cheesy Tomato Pasta
Mixing your cottage cheese in with a tomato sauce is a very good way to help disguise the taste, while making your typical dinner protein packed and more complete.
Simply heat up ½ cup of your favorite low-sodium tomato pasta sauce, then stir in ½ cup of cottage cheese. Add in some Parmesan cheese if desired, and toss over one cup of prepared pasta. Those on a low-carb diet can use this recipe replacing the pasta with spaghetti squash instead.
‘Amped Up’ Protein Powder Cottage Cheese
A simple way to eat cottage cheese when you’re in a hurry is to mix it up with your favorite protein powder for flavoring. Usually you will also want to add your preferred sweetener for taste (Splenda, honey, or a sugar-free flavored syrup). This snack will be a significant source of protein, making it a very convenient way for non-meat eaters to reach their daily needs.
Cottage Cheese On A Baked Potato
The classic topping most people use on their baked potato is sour cream, but consider replacing this with cottage cheese instead. It’ll still add flavor and will reduce the fat content while increasing the protein content. With cottage cheese added, sprinkled with a small amount of low fat cheddar cheese and possibly some chives, you’ll have a well -balanced snack that takes minutes to prepare.
Cottage Cheese Cheesecake
While traditional cheesecake is loaded with fat and calories, cheesecake made using cottage cheese is lower in fat and a much healthier option. Sure, it may not taste exactly the same as the traditional high-fat, high-sugar variety, but the difference it will make to your diet is outstanding.
One recipe is to combine 2 cups dry pressed cottage cheese, 3 eggs, ½ cup vanilla low-fat yogurt, 1/3 cup honey, and 1-2 tsp of vanilla until smooth. Then pour into a pan and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees until finished. Cool and place in the fridge for a couple of hours before serving topped with your favorite fruit.
Scrambled Eggs With Cottage Cheese
Another great way to start your day is with scrambled eggs mixed with cottage cheese. Prepare the scrambled eggs as you normally would (adding cheddar cheese if desired) and then scoop on a few spoonful's of cottage cheese. The heat from the eggs will cause the cottage cheese to melt slightly, improving the texture that bothers most people who don’t like to eat cottage cheese.
Oatmeal and Cottage Cheese
Some people enjoy mixing their cottage cheese with oatmeal. To do this, you’ll first want to prepare your oatmeal as normal, and then stir in half a cup of cottage cheese and whatever other flavoring you prefer (cinnamon, maple syrup, protein powder, milk, etc). The addition of cottage cheese will help balance the meal so you’re getting both a carbohydrate and protein source, while adding a creamier taste to the dish
