Who eats cottage cheese? Probably more people now than ever before since cottage cheese recipes are such a trend on social media. Previously an often-overlooked dairy food, cottage cheese is now being touted for its mild flavor, versatility, and nutritional value among cooks.

What is Cottage Cheese?

The term cottage cheese first began to be used in America in the mid-19th century when cooks in farm “cottages” began making cheese out of fermented milk. Cottage cheese today is made commercially by adding an acid to milk to separate the milk solids (curds) from the whey. Cottage cheese is sold in a variety of curd sizes and can be found creamed, whipped, lactose-free, and sodium-reduced.

Cottage Cheese Provides Complete Protein and More

Cottage cheese is high in protein, similar to Greek yogurt, but with a milder flavor. A half-cup serving of 1% milk-fat cottage cheese provides just 80 calories and up to 19 grams of high-quality protein (depending on the brand), in addition to other essential nutrients like calcium, B12, and iodine. With lower calories and increased nutrients, cottage cheese makes a good substitute for higher-fat items, such as mayonnaise. If the texture bothers you, just blend cottage cheese for a few minutes in the blender to have a smooth texture.

Try These Cottage Cheese Recipes

Football season is a great time to try out some trendy and nutritious cottage cheese recipes. Who doesn’t like Cheesy Guacamole or Queso with chips? This Pizza Toast made with Whipped Italian Cottage Cheese is the perfect pickup food for gameday. And don’t forget dessert!

Savory or sweet, cottage cheese can be used in so many ways. Any way you try it, you will have your family and friends smiling and saying “cheese” when you add cottage cheese to the menu.

Donna Speed, MS, RDN

For many dads, back-to-school comes with early mornings, packed lunches, after-school pickup, homework, and practices. The daily race to get everyone out the door on time, mixed with juggling life demands, makes healthy eating challenging. Despite this, the busy back-to-school season also brings an opportunity to play an active role in building healthy habits at home.