Cottage Cheese Recipes

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Are you a cottage cheese fan? Cottage cheese recipes are all over the internet right now. Funny, because it’s as though cottage cheese didn’t exist until TikTok and Instagram said so! Some of us have been eating cottage cheese for decades. It was super popular in the 1970s when it was part of the Atkin’s dieting trend. We’ve tasted and rated some of the most popular cottage cheese brands and determined which are best for eating straight out of the carton, and which brands are great for cooking and baking.

cottage cheese brands.

In the 1980s the popularity of cottage cheese dipped as yogurt became more popular. In 2023, sales rose by 17% when it was featured in several Tic Tok and Instagram recipes. This tangy, creamy dairy product makes a high-protein breakfast, or simple lunch with fresh fruit. Because it has a neutral, creamy texture it is versatile easily switching between savory or sweet depending on the recipe.

Why cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is a high protein food containing 14 grams of protein in a half cup of cottage cheese. It’s also low calorie and in carbohydrates.

What is cottage cheese?

Cottage cheese is a fresh cheese product that has been around for centuries, although the term “cottage cheese” was first used in the mid-1800s. It rose in popularity during the first World War as high protein alternative to meat. 

Testing cottage cheese brands

Because I eat a lot of cottage cheese and cook with it, I thought it would be fun to do a cottage cheese taste testing. I searched for 8 types of cottage cheese that can be found in most major grocery stores, Target, Whole Foods or Sprouts. While I shop at Trader Joe’s often, sadly I omitted their cottage cheese. First of all, not everyone has access to a Trader Joe’s, and second, their brand isn’t that noteworthy. So you’re not missing out.

cottage cheese on spoon.

For consistency, I chose only full-fat over the fat-free cottage cheese. I also made sure if it was specified, to choose the “small curd” over large curd cottage cheese. Then I enlisted 5 additional taste testers. Ok, not official taste testers, my daughters and their friends. They eat a lot of cottage cheese, so I trust their taste buds. 

food club cottage cheese.

Good Culture is available at Target. $5.99.

good culture cottage cheese.

Nancy’s Probiotic available at Sprouts. This cottage cheese was one the most expensive of all at $5.99 a pint.

nancy's cottage cheese.

Daisy available at most grocery stores. $3.49 per pint.

daisy cottage cheese.

Knudsen is probably the most common and easiest to find in any grocery store. Priced at $3.49 is right in the middle of the pack price wise.

knudsen cottage cheese.

Sprouts Original their brand cottage cheese. Another inexpensive brand at $2.49.

sprouts cottage cheese.


365 Whole Foods available at Whole Foods. $3.99 per pint.

whole foods.


Organic Valley 
available at Whole Foods. $4.99

organic valley cottage cheese.

Food Club available at Stater Bros. This was the most inexpensive at $2.49 per pint.

food club.

Testing criteria

I kept it simple. We rated them on the of flavor and texture of the cottage cheese. I also take into consideration that some cottage cheese is worthy of a stand alone bowl, whereas some cottage cheese is just fine if it’s added as part of other ingredients. I also only chose whole milk, full-fat cottage cheese over the low fat or non-fat versions.

Best overall

There were three top cottage cheese brands. Each of us ranked the three as either first, second or third making them all good choices for eating on their own. Nancy’s Probiotic, Good Culture, and Daisy. 

top three rated cottage cheese brands.

This was nearly a toss up with 3 of us preferring Nancy’s for its strong, tangy flavor, and 2 of us ranked Daisy for it’s over-all flavor and texture. On a side note, Nancy’s Greek yogurt is full of probiotics and is delicious!

Best cottage cheese to eat on its own

If you like a cottage cheese with lots of flavor and tang, with a creamy texture, try Nancy’s. We like this one on avocado toast.

nancy's cottage cheese.

If you prefer a milder flavor, try Daisy.

daisy cottage cheese.

If you prefer a creamy cottage cheese Good Culture is the creamiest of the three.

good culture cottage cheese.

Best value

Daisy was the best value. It was in our top three, and is brand that you can easily find in most major grocery stores. 

Using cottage cheese as a substitute for other ingredients

  • Puree cottage cheese in the food processor until smooth and add it to mac and cheese for extra protein, or as a sandwich spread.
  • Puree and add a squeeze of lemon juice as an emergency substitute for sour cream.

Cottage Cheese Recipes

Cottage cheese is a great “secret ingredient in lots of dishes. It packs in protein, calcium,  and adds a creamy texture to a variety of dishes. When it comes to cooking or baking, I use Daisy for its good taste and reasonable price. Save the pricier brands when the cottage cheese needs to stand alone.

Breakfast Recipes

Sweet or savory, cottage cheese takes on the flavors of whatever you add to it. They are a quick and healthy breakfast. 

To sweeten cottage cheese breakfast bowls add a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, and fresh berries. To make a savory cottage cheese bowl, top with Everything But The Bagel Seasoning, or a hard boiled egg, fresh herbs or sliced avocado.

Egg Bites with cream cheese and cheddar cheese make a great grab and go breakfast.

Chile Cheddar Egg Bites

Spinach and Mushroom breakfast casserole.

Spinach and mushroom low carb casserole.

Cottage Cheese Egg Bites from A Joyous Apron

Low carb Blintz Breakfast Casserole

blintz souffle casserole.

Snacks and breads

Greek Tiropitas from Christina’s Cucina

greek tiropitas christina's cucina.

Try this viral Cottage Cheese Flatbread  from Life Currents

cottage cheese flatbread from Life Currents.com.

Cottage Cheese Spinach and Artichoke Dip from Foody Smoody

Dilly Bread from Serena Bakes Simply From Scratch

dilly bread Serena Bakes Simply from Scratch.

Main and Side Dishes

Zucchini Boats with feta and fresh dill.

zucchini boats.

Spinach Stuffed Mushrooms

stuffed mushrooms.

Sweet recipes using cottage cheese

Chocolate Pudding with cottage cheese from Life Currents

Blintz Souffle Casserole is ideal for breakfast, brunch or dessert.

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7 Comments

  1. I would have loved to taste all these brands! Stopped buying cottage cheese on the regular since the kids grew up. Maybe I’ll try some again, although we LOVED the old Trader Joe’s cottage cheese on its own, it was sooo tasty! But apparently it’s different depending on where you are.

      1. I am in Oklahoma, sadly. I can drive 75 miles to a Whole Foods, but I don’t! If I drive to Oklahoma City, I’m visiting my daughter and grand kids. But I will check for Nancy’s next time I’m at Whole Foods!

  2. Hi Cynthia! You wouldn’t believe it. I happened to look around when I was looking at the cottage cheese selection at my local store, and THERE WAS NANCY’S!!! I couldn’t believe it. Of course it was one day before the expiration date, but that’s not surprising! It’s really good!!!!

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