Cottage cheese, once the domain of grandmas and fad dieters, is now the hip dairy food of Gen Z.
This Old-Fashioned Ingredient Is Making a Comeback
Let’s be honest. For years, cottage cheese seemed a little cringe. It was either something associated with 1980s diet culture (think jazzercise and leg warmers) or it was something your grandmother served as a “side salad” plopped on a piece of iceberg lettuce and topped with canned fruit.
Not anymore. Cottage cheese is one of the hottest food trends on social media, with more than 250 million views for #cottagecheese on TikTok alone. It’s turning up in everything from cottage cheese ice cream to cottage cheese bread.
A good example of the cottage cheese love is this reaction video (with nearly a million views) from TikTok influencer Natasha Bure, who swooned after tasting cottage cheese for the first time in 15 years, saying “IF COTTAGE CHEESE HAS ZERO FANS I AM DEAD. I am forever a CC lover baby.”
@natashabureIF COTTAGE CHEESE HAS ZERO FANS I AM DEAD. I am forever a CC lover baby holy moly its so yummy on everything♬ original sound – Natasha Bure
To all those Boomers and Gen Xers who’d thought they’d seen the last of this dairy product: Just go with it. Right now, it’s cottage cheese’s world and we’re just living in it.
Why Is Cottage Cheese Trending?
Some say that millennials and Gen Z have gotten tired of Greek yogurt, which has dominated the dairy space for more than a decade. Also, since cottage cheese has a more neutral flavor than Greek yogurt, it lends itself more to the DIY nature of younger cooks.
By blending cottage cheese with various spices, honey, fruit or other flavors, cottage cheese can go sweet or savory, and cooks can customize their cottage cheese as they like it. “Consumers are engaging a lot with new ways to use cottage cheese—whether blended and frozen as a high-protein ice cream alternative or as an ingredient in recipes such as savory breakfast toast, pasta dishes or post-workout smoothies,” Corey Christofel, cultured brand manager of Kemps dairy company, told the New York Post.
What Is Blended Cottage Cheese?
Dietician Samar Kullab explains in her TikTok that blending cottage cheese in the food processor can smooth out the chunky texture, which turns some people off. Cottage cheese also doesn’t have the tart or tangy flavor of yogurt or sour cream and Kullab insists it can work better in dips, dressings and sauces. I followed Kullab’s advice and blended cottage cheese with oregano, sumac, onion powder, ground coriander, salt and a squeeze of lemon juice and it made for a very simple, tasty dip for carrots and celery.
@chicago.dietitian Cottage cheese is 🐐 #whippedcottagecheese #cottagecheeserecipe #dietitian #nutrition #learnontiktok #fyp #healthyrecipes ♬ Me Porto Bonito – Bad Bunny & Chencho Corleone
Is Cottage Cheese Good For You?
No one ever disputed that cottage cheese was good for you. It’s full of protein and is a solidly low-carb snack. Cottage cheese has been found to promote a healthy weight. Studies also found that eating cottage cheese can reduce post-meal blood glucose levels—the measure of your blood sugar after eating that is crucial for preventing and managing diabetes.
So what are you waiting for? Give cottage cheese a new spin.
Cottage Cheese Recipes You'll Love
Want to know how to make lasagna for a casual holiday meal? You can't go wrong with this deliciously rich meat lasagna recipe. My grown sons and daughter-in-law request it for their birthdays, too. —Pam Thompson, Girard, Illinois
Cherry Cheese BlintzesThese elegant blintzes can be served as an attractive dessert or a brunch entree. The bright cherry sauce gives them a delightful flavor. I sometimes substitute other fruits, such as raspberries, blueberries or peaches. —Jessica Vantrease, Anderson, Alaska
Mexican Egg CasseroleTomatoes and green chiles give color and zip to this extra-cheesy egg bake. It's a favorite for breakfast or brunch but it can be enjoyed for lunch or supper, too. —Mary Steiner, West Bend, Wisconsin
Makeover Traditional CheesecakeThough softer than a full-fat cheesecake, this lightened-up dessert has all of the original's delectable flavor. It's sure to make any special event more festive. —Anne Addesso, Sheboygan, Wisconsin
Ham & Gruyere Mini QuichesWhen you make this in muffin cups, each person gets a quiche. I have also doubled the recipe and used jumbo muffin cups; bake about 10 minutes longer. —Gena Stout, Ravenden, Arkansas
Blintz PancakesBlending sour cream and cottage cheese, ingredients traditionally associated with blintzes, into the batter of these pancakes gives them old-fashioned flavor. Top these family favorites with berry syrup to turn an ordinary morning into an extraordinary day.—Dianna Digoy, San Diego, California. Learn how to make cottage cheese biscuits.
Spinach TurnoversThe flaky cream cheese pastry adds sensational texture to these hot appetizers—and just wait until you taste the wonderful filling. I usually fix a double batch and freeze some to have on hand in case unexpected guests drop by. — Jean von Bereghy, Oconomowoc, Wisconsin
Chocolate Swirl CheesecakeFew desserts are as luscious and impressive as a chocolate swirl cheesecake. We'll show you how to master cheesecake-baking techniques so you have a stunning, crack-free cake.
Green Chili Egg PuffGreen chilies add a touch of Southwest flavor to this fluffy egg dish. The cottage cheese offers nice texture, and people always love the gooey Montery Jack cheese melted throughout. —Laurel Leslie, Sonora, California
Makeover Traditional LasagnaI’ve never been quick to pass along my special recipes, but this one is so good that it’s become our family’s Christmas Eve tradition! —Michelle Behan, Littleton, Colorado
Cheesy Egg PuffsMy father loves to entertain, and these buttery egg delights are one of his favorite items to serve at brunch. The leftovers are perfect to reheat in the microwave on busy mornings, so Dad always stashes a few aside for me to take home once the party is over. —Amy Soto, Winfield, Kansas
Spinach ‘n’ Broccoli EnchiladasI like to top this wonderful meatless meal with lettuce and serve it with extra picante sauce. It's quick, easy, filled with fresh flavor and definitely satisfying! —Lesley Tragesser, Charleston, Missouri
Cheese-Stuffed ShellsWhen I was living in California, I tasted this rich cheesy pasta dish at a neighborhood Italian restaurant. I got the recipe and made a few changes to it in my own kitchen. I'm happy to share it with you. —Lori Mecca, Grants Pass, Oregon
ButterhornsThis recipe is an unusual but delicious way to use cottage cheese. Friends of ours make these every year for a party that follows our fall cattle drive. They are so delicious they're always the first food to disappear.
Baked ZitiBaked ziti is a cozy pasta dish that features layers of meat sauce, tender noodles and creamy ricotta cheese. This freezer-friendly recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd.
Amish Breakfast CasseroleWe've enjoyed a few hearty breakfast casseroles while visiting an Amish inn. When I asked for a recipe, one of the ladies told me the ingredients right off the top of her head. I modified it to create this quick and easy breakfast casserole my family loves. —Beth Notaro, Kokomo, Indiana
Cottage Cheese Ice CreamThis cottage cheese ice cream is enriched with peanut butter and sweetened with a drizzle of honey, but it can be customized to fulfill all your healthy ice cream fantasies, whether that's fruity or studded with chocolate chips.
Cheesy SpinachMy daughter often serves this cheese and spinach blend at church suppers. Even people who don't usually eat spinach like this flavorful dish once they try it. There is never any left. —Frances Moore, Decatur, Illinois
Garden Veggie Egg BakeLooking for a healthy day-starter? Children will actually enjoy eating their veggies when they’re baked into this cheesy, nutrition-packed egg dish. —JoAnne Wilson, Roselle Park, New Jersey
Beef Noodle CasseroleSavory, creamy and satisfying—you'll be so happy you found this easy beef noodle casserole recipe. Packed with diced veggies, egg noodles and cheese, it's a cinch to make any time you need some hearty comfort food.
Spinach Pie ParmaFor a hearty pie with a lovely Italian flavor, try this recipe. Spinach has never tasted so good! —Nancy Reichert, Thomasville, Georgia
Cottage Cheese CheesecakeYou'll never believe this cottage cheese cheesecake doesn't contain any cream cheese. Instead, it gets its creamy and thick texture from high-protein, pureed cottage cheese. —Lauren Habermehl, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Favorite Baked SpaghettiThis yummy baked spaghetti casserole will be requested again and again for potlucks and family gatherings. It's especially popular with my grandchildren, who just love baked spaghetti with all the cheese. —Louise Miller, Westminster, Maryland
Stuffed Shells with MeatThis easy stuffed shells with meat and ricotta recipe is warm and comforting after a long day. Prep the meat-stuffed shells the day before, then just pop the dish in the oven after work.
Creamy Seafood EnchiladasShrimp and crab plus a flavorful sauce add up to outstanding enchiladas. I made them for an annual fundraiser, and now they’re always in demand. Spice up the recipe to your taste by adding more green chiles and salsa. —Evelyn Gebhardt, Kasilof, Alaska
Florentine Spaghetti BakeThis plate-filling sausage dish appeals to most every appetite, from basic meat-and-potatoes fans to gourmets. My daughter, a Montana wheat rancher's wife, says she serves it often to satisfy her hardworking family. —Lorraine Martin, Lincoln, California
Garden Tuna Pita SandwichesA well-balanced meal packed into a pita is a breeze to whip up. Not a fan of tuna? Try canned chicken. —Rebecca Clark, Warrior, Alabama
Sloppy Joe PastaSince I found this quick-to-fix recipe a few years ago, it's become a regular part of my menu plans. Everyone loves the combination of sloppy joe ingredients, shell pasta and cheddar cheese. —Lynne Leih, Idyllwild, California
Cheesy Green Chili RiceThis creamy rice dish is a nice addition to a spicy meal. When I first tried it at a church potluck, I knew I had to have the recipe.—Laurie Fisher, Greeley, Colorado
Pear Cottage Cheese SaladPerfect any time, this quick-fix snack makes a great pack-along lunch, too! —Jeannie Thomas, Dry Ridge, Kentucky
Hacienda Hash BrownsI use a clear glass dish to show off my hash brown bake. The bold pepper, cilantro, cumin and garlic make this potato-egg casserole extraordinary. —Jeanne Holt, Mendota Heights, Minnesota
Chiles Rellenos SouffleAfter we spent the night at our friends’ house in Arizona, we awoke to the tantalizing aroma of an egg soufflé. It brings back wonderful memories. —Pat Coyne, Las Vegas, Nevada
