Today, we’re diving into healthy high-protein savory cottage cheese snacks, and I have 5 delicious options to show you.
There are so many different types of cheeses, and cottage cheese is at the top of my list for many different reasons. As a registered dietitian I recommend cottage cheese to my clients because it offers eight vital nutrients that contribute to overall wellness. These are all essential for building and maintaining strong bones. Additionally, cottage cheese snacks supply selenium and vitamin B12, which help support a robust immune system along with its protein content.
It is a rich source of protein which helps keep us feeling full and satisfied. It’s a versatile ingredient that pairs well with both savory and sweet flavors, making it a perfect addition to your snacking routine. This is why we’re focusing on simple ways to whip together a snack that can help you with your health goals.
I’ve partnered with the National Dairy Council to demonstrate how easy it is to create a cottage cheese snack full of flavor, nutrients, and color.
Tips for Healthy Cottage Cheese Snacks
The base of each of these snacks is low-fat cottage cheese. Since I work helping my clients with weight management, I recommend choosing low-fat varieties to reduce the calories. If you can find a cottage cheese that has been cultured, meaning it contains probiotics, then go for it. This can help your digestive health as well. I have plenty of recipes using yogurt and kefir containing probiotics so check them out on my blog.
Cottage cheese is naturally high in protein, making it an excellent choice for snacks that keep you full and satisfied between meals. This also makes it a great food to include in various eating patterns to help you reach your weight goals.
How to Eat Cottage Cheese as a Snack
Cottage cheese can be enjoyed in many ways, from simply eating it straight out of the container, to incorporating it into various recipes. Pairing cottage cheese with fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, legumes, or nuts and seeds enhances its nutritional profile, providing a balanced mix of protein, fiber, and healthy fats.
Here are five creative and tasty high-protein savory cottage cheese snacks that you can easily prepare.
1. Cottage Cheese and Tomato Bruschetta
Cottage Cheese and Tomato Bruschetta is a healthy choice because it combines protein-rich cottage cheese with antioxidant-packed tomatoes and fiber-rich whole-grain bread.
2. Herbed Cottage Cheese Dip
Many pre-packaged dips can contain excessive calories and sodium and not much nutrition. Herbed cottage cheese dip to the rescue! It’s great for dipping veggie sticks or whole-grain crackers and is much higher in protein than your typical dips.
3. Cottage Cheese and Avocado Bowl
This snack is creamy and satisfying with high-quality protein. It also provides healthy fat from the avocado, creaminess, and savoriness from the cottage cheese, and a refreshing flavor from the lime juice and cilantro.
4. Cottage Cheese and Nut Mix
For a sweet and crunchy snack, try this mix. Cottage Cheese and Nut Mix is a healthy choice as it combines protein-rich cottage cheese with nutrient-dense nuts, offering a balanced snack high in protein, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. The drizzle of maple syrup or honey and a dash of cinnamon provides a perfect balance of savory and sweet.
5. Cottage Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers
And last but not least, Cottage Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers. Start by roasting the bell pepper halves until they’re tender – likely about 20-25 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit (or even faster in the Air Fryer). These stuffed peppers are not only high in protein but also delivers flavor and nutrients.
Time to Enjoy These Healthy Snacks
And there you have it—five high-protein savory cottage cheese snacks that are nutritious and delicious. Explore these ideas and more to make the most out of cottage cheese as a versatile and nutritious snack option at US Dairy.
