By Sydney Goldberger

The internet is putting cottage cheese on everything, and we mean everything. Eggs, ice cream, pasta, toast–no dish is safe. So, is it actually that good, or is the internet lying again?

Spoiler: the internet is not lying.

Cottage cheese is making its way to the top of the dairy aisle for a reason. It’s high in protein, low in effort, and quite frankly, delicious. From sweet to savory, it’s taken over TikTok. Below are some of our favorite viral recipes, unexpected fails, and underrated ways to use cottage cheese that will have you questioning why you ever questioned eating it in the first place.

Creamy Cottage Cheese Pasta

We are starting off strong with one of the most viral trends. It’s really easy, all you have to do is blend cottage cheese with garlic, lemon juice, and a little pasta water until it’s smooth and saucy (this is a clump-free zone). Toss it in with your favorite noodle shapes (we recommend spaghetti or fusilli) and top with chili flakes or fresh herbs. It’s cozy, rich, and your new favorite 20-minute dinner.

Try this: Mix in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or grilled chicken if you’re feeling fancy. Or just eat it straight out of the pot. We won’t judge.

Cottage Cheese Ice Cream 

Now for a sweet take on this trend: a must try sweet treat. Blend cottage cheese with honey, vanilla, and frozen berries. Pop it in the freezer for a few hours and boom: protein ice cream that actually tastes like dessert. Add whipped cream, sprinkles, chocolate chips, hot fudge, whatever your heart desires. This is the ultimate way to elevate your usual sundae scoop. TikTok wins again.

Pro tip: Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture, low-fat versions can make it icy or weirdly chalky, and we want you to enjoy your dessert.

Savory Cottage Cheese Toast

Forget avocado toast, cottage cheese toast is the new brunch “it girl.” Slather it on toasted sourdough or english muffins before piling on toppings like cherry tomatoes, hot honey, berry compote, or cinnamon sugar. It’s the perfect base for whatever toppings you have on hand, consider it DIY. 

Underrated combo: Cottage cheese+peanut butter+smashed raspberries. Trust us.

What NOT To Do

Let’s be clear: we are NOT saying cottage cheese belongs in every recipe or with every meal. Some people are out here blending it with mustard or baking it into cookies. While it is delicious in some recipes or on its own, cottage cheese doesn’t need to be in everything. Some combos are criminal.

Our Top Cottage Cheese Picks

Good Culture: Smooth, creamy, and super high in protein. The only con is it’s impossible to find on shelves, everyone is fighting for their own container! 

Nancy’s: Has lots of gut health of probiotics and a tangier flavor than other brands.

Trader Joe’s: Cheap, reliable, and very neutral in flavor making it perfect for both sweet and savory recipes.

Final Verdict

Worth the hype? Yes. Overhyped? Definitely not. Cottage cheese is the talk of the town, but it deserves it. Whether you’re using it in recipes or eating it straight out of the container, cottage cheese is worth becoming a staple in your fridge. Maybe skip the cottage cheese cookie dough, though.