If you think about cottage cheese, you would probably say it’s a simple, boring, lumpy food from diet trends of the past. However, now cottage cheese is back and food influencers on Instagram and TikTok use it in many creative ways. According to The New York Times, in July 2023, Google searches of ‘’cottage cheese’’ were higher than in 2004. This dairy product has more benefits than we may think, so let’s find out more about it and see how we can use it, shall we?
Cottage cheese
It is a dairy product made of curds from milk. Its mild flavor and soft texture make it versatile. Historically, it was often associated with low-fat diets, and many people thought it was boring or unappetizing. However, trends have changed, and now it’s considered a healthy and adaptable ingredient.
People use cottage cheese in both sweet and savory dishes, which shows how flexible it can be in cooking. Its nutritional benefits, including protein and calcium, make it especially appealing for those looking for healthier alternatives.
Gaining popularity again
The comeback of this dairy product happens because people are realizing it is:
Adaptable: able to replace cream cheese or improve the texture of foods.
Nutritious: providing protein, calcium, and vitamins.
Versatile: usable in spreads, desserts, savory dishes, and even baked goods.
Its return in popularity is a reminder that simple, mild ingredients can have many uses and can be healthier alternatives to more processed options.
A nutritious alternative
One of the most surprising uses of this dairy product is as an alternative to cream cheese. This makes it a healthier option for breakfast or making desserts.
For cold applications like a bagel spread, you can blend cottage cheese until smooth to mimic the creamy texture of cream cheese. If it feels too runny, adding heavy cream or half-and-half can thicken it. You can also mix in flavors like chives, scallions, dill, or even leftover fried onions from a green bean casserole.
For desserts that call for cream cheese, you can use a one-to-one ratio of strained cottage cheese and heavy cream. Its mild flavor won’t overpower cakes, muffins, breads, or other baked goods, making it perfect for sweet recipes.
Unexpected uses
Apart from baking or spreading, this cheese can improve texture, flavor, and nutrition of many dishes, for example:
Recipe developer Carolina Gelen uses cottage cheese to make tender sandwich bread with added protein.
Some people add it to scrambled eggs to make them fluffier and higher in protein.
Cookbook author Hetty Lui McKinnon adds it to pasta with mushrooms, creating a light, silky texture and rich flavor.
Annie Hammang, writing in Slate, reported that in one San Francisco suburb, it was even used to detoxify carcinogenic groundwater left behind by a factory decades ago.
So…
Next time you open your fridge, remember that this simple ingredient has a lot to offer. By including it in your recipes, you’re not only adding nutrition, but also creativity and new textures to your meals. Small changes like this can make cooking more fun and your dishes healthier. Would you have a go at this dairy product now?
Dining and Cooking