Cottage cheese has long been hailed as the dieter’s food of choice, and for a good reason. It’s packed full of protein and calcium, while remaining low in calories, fat and carbs. But the best part? It’s deliciously creamy and salty flavour goes wonderfully in menu dishes, making a great substitute for ‘naughtier’ ingredients like cream, mozarella or bechamel sauce in lasagne. Here, we’ve pulled together some tasty ways to use more of it, from sweet slices, cheesecakes and muffins, to savoury frittatas, pies and breakfast fritters.
Looking for more cheese delights?
Asparagus frittata
Make the most of summer asparagus with this easy, quick frittata. You could add a handful of thinly sliced swiss brown mushrooms when you cook the asparagus.
Spinach and cheese snails
Perfect lunch or dinner for two.
Lemon and blackberry cottage cheesecake
With zesty lemon and blackberries, this gorgeous cheesecake from The Australian Women’s Weekly’s ‘Eat Well Live Well’ cookbook is more tangy than sweet and is as delicious as it is pretty.
Spinach pie
The Aussie pie gets a healthy, vegetarian twist with this delicious recipe. Crunch through layers of pastry to enjoy the silken combination of spinach, cottage cheese and crumbly feta.
Sweet onion and cottage cheese tart
To get that golden glow, spray oil between the layers instead of using butter.
Big green fritters with cayenne honey
A surplus of kale in the garden inspired this innovative take on an old favourite.
Tomato and rocket bruschetta
This tomato and rocket bruschetta would make a lovely fresh starter to your next summer barbecue. For a variation, replace the dill with basil and add a little garlic.
Corn and asparagus fritters
Replace the asparagus with frozen peas or coarsely grated zucchini. Note
Baked sour cream cheesecake
Most cheesecakes benefit from being made a day ahead; the flavours develop and the texture becomes firm.
Berry pavlova cheesecakes
A berry cheesecake filling sits atop a crisp meringue nest in this impressive dessert.
Cauliflower, pea and paneer balti
Taking the name from Baltistan, a mountainous region in northern Pakistan, balti curries often include paneer.
Tofu and avocado dressing
It is important to use silken tofu for this recipe to get the right texture. Note
Cottage cheese lasagne
The lasagne can be made a day ahead; store, covered, in the refrigerator. Note
Middle-eastern egg and cheese sandwich
This delicious open sandwich is great for breakfast, lunch and everything in-between. The combination of creamy scrambled eggs and nutty Middle-Eastern spices is a match made in heaven.
Pineapple cream slice
Pineapple cream slice
Rye toast with roasted tomato and basil
If taking this meal to work, roast tomato and prosciutto the night before; store in the fridge. Reheat in a microwave oven, on HIGH (100%), about 1 minute or until heated through. Toast the bread and assemble just before serving. Note