How to Use Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is a healthy cheese alternative.

Cottage cheese is a cheese curd product with a mild flavor. It is drained, but not pressed, so some of the whey still remains, though much of the calcium drains out, too. It's available as regular, low fat and fat-free. Cottage cheese offers a healthy option -- 82 calories and 14 grams of protein in a 1/2 cup of low fat cottage cheese. Use cottage cheese as an alternative to add to recipes and reduce the calorie count.

Instructions

1. Use it in place of ricotta in a lasagne or stuffed pasta shell recipe to reduce the calories and maintain the consistency of the dish.

2. Increase the protein of a bread or pancake. Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to your regular bread or pancake mix and cook as usual.

3. Use on pizza to bring the calories down. Add together a 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, 1/4 cup mozzarella shredded cheese, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup of finely grated Romano cheese. Mix the cheeses with oregano, parsley and basil. Lightly brush 1 tbsp. olive oil onto a prepared crust. Spread the cheese mixture over the crust evenly and top with sliced plum tomatoes. Bake 15 to 20 minutes and let it rest before serving.

4. Add to a sauce for a low fat, but creamy alternative. Use cottage cheese in pestos and gratins to make a flavorful, creamy sauce that doesn't have as many calories.

References

• The New York Times: Cooking With Cottage Cheese