These Savory Cottage Cheese Bowls Are Your New Protein-Powered Breakfast

Divisive statement alert: cottage cheese is the most delicious thing in the world.

Okay. Now that I’ve got that out there, yes I am one of those people who absolutely adores cottage cheese. Trust me, I know some of y’all aren’t about it. Memories of weird curds of cheese at a brightly lit salad bar come to memory or maybe the texture just completely weirds you out. I see you and I hear you. I was one of you for a long time too.

And then I discovered the joy of a full fat cottage cheese and my world changed.

I’m in the camp of people that now believes if you don’t like cottage cheese, it’s because you haven’t tried the right cottage cheese. Because when it comes down to it, this is not about eating cottage cheese straight from the carton, which, no lie, I have done. This is about creating a bowl that lends itself to being the perfect canvas for tons of delicious toppings making it the perfect savory protein-packed meal you could ask for.

I know the January health push can be a bit of an eye roll and I’ve never been a fan of cutting out foods that are yummy to me. Instead, I think it’s about finding new ways to incorporate nutritious and delicious foods into our everyday. That means combining crunchy vegetables, fresh greens, yummy protein, and healthy fats in a way that leaves me satisfied.

Luckily, the base of this bowl covers two of the four, as cottage cheese is packed with both protein and healthy fats. Again, let me reiterate: you need to use the full-fat version of cottage cheese here. I love brands like Nancy’s and Good Culture that are mild in flavor but whose creamy texture makes the eating experience feel so much more luxurious and rich. Plus the added probiotic benefit in those brands makes this bowl an even more impactful meal.

Okay, now that I’m done gushing about the cottage cheese itself, let’s chat topping options! I came up with two bowl varieties that I’ve been rotating between.

The Pickled Egg

My go-to bowl for a protein pack breakfast that keeps me full for hours! I’ve done a couple of iterations of this version and the below is my go-to:

• Cottage cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped cilantro (or any other fresh herbs)
• A fried egg
• Kimchi or achaar – I’ll swap between the two for that extra pickly and savory bite, kraut would also be a good option here
• Top with lemon juice, flakey salt, and fresh ground black pepper

The Green One

Ya, I know this one doesn’t have that original of a name, but it’s delicious either way!

• Cottage cheese
• Sliced avocado
• Chopped cucumbers
• Roasted green vegetable – I love roasted broccolini or broccoli, but any roasted green like asparagus or Brussels would also be delicious
• A drizzle of really good olive oil
• Top with lemon juice, hot sauce, everything bagel seasoning, chili flakes, flakey salt, and fresh ground black pepper

As with any bowl, use what you’ve got on hand and what you really love! It’s about using food that you actually enjoy and find delicious, and elevating it all together to create a delicious and nourishing bowl of goodies that makes you feel good.