My Favorite Ways to Use Cottage Cheese (GD-Friendly + Seriously Delicious)

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By Julija, HIgedi Founder

Cottage cheese is a fabulous staple in the gestational diabetes (GD) world.

Luckily, I was already a big fan before my diagnosis—this stuff has been with me since childhood. Back then, it was usually just plopped on the plate as a side dish. Nothing fancy. But wow, the world has come a long way—and in the best way possible.

Today, cottage cheese is not just “that diet food” or “the lumpy thing next to tomatoes.” It’s a creamy, protein-packed, incredibly versatile ingredient that I can’t imagine navigating GD without. And honestly? I don’t understand how some people don’t like it. (Okay, okay… if it’s the texture, I get it. But even then—you can blend it. Problem solved.)

Here are my favorite ways to turn this humble hero into something magical:

1. Cottage Cheese Pizza Recipe

This pizza is cozy, cheesy, and feels like a treat, but it’s packed with protein and keeps me (and my husband—hey, he's a big guy) full. I’ve made it on weeknights, weekends, and even turned it into little mini pizzas for snacks.

Don’t get me wrong—it’s not that classic crispy, chewy pizza crust you might be dreaming of… but it totally hits the spot when you want something comforting, warm, and satisfying without the carb crash.

Plus, it’s quick. And GD-mama life needs more of that.

Crust Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese

  • 2 eggs

  • 2 tbsp flour (whole wheat, oat, or any you like)

Toppings:

  • 2 tbsp no-sugar-added tomato sauce

  • Pepperoni (or your protein of choice)

  • 4 oz shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Oregano, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F).

  2. Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and flour until smooth.

  3. Spread the mixture onto a parchment-lined baking sheet into a pizza crust shape—about 1/4" thick.

  4. Bake the crust for ~20 minutes, or until set and lightly golden.

  5. Remove from oven, spread tomato sauce, and add your pepperoni and mozzarella.

  6. Sprinkle oregano, return to oven, and bake for another 10 minutes using bottom-only heat.

  7. Switch to top-and-bottom heat if needed to get the cheese nice and bubbly.

2. Cottage Cheese Dip

This one is a fridge-staple for me—and honestly, it saves snack time. I keep a small container of it prepped and ready for dipping raw veggies, spooning onto sourdough, or scooping up with high-fiber crackers.

It’s creamy, herby, and comes together in minutes. Here’s what I do:

In a blender or food processor:

  • Cottage cheese (start with 1 cup)

  • A spoonful of Greek yogurt (for extra tang and protein)

  • Garlic powder (or fresh if you’re fancy)

  • A splash of lemon juice

  • Whatever herbs are in the fridge—dill, parsley, chives, basil all work

Blend until smooth (or leave a little texture if you like). You can even stir in some finely chopped veggies or mix it with salsa for a fun twist. It tastes like it should be bad for you—but it’s packed with protein and perfect for stable blood sugar.

3. Cottage Cheese-Pesto Sauce

I stumbled on this one recently and let me just say—it’s a keeper.

Just blend:

  • Cottage cheese

  • A big spoonful of pesto (store-bought or homemade)

  • Optional: a little garlic, lemon juice, or nutritional yeast if you want to level it up

That’s it. You end up with this rich, creamy, herby sauce that goes so well with almost anything:
→ Protein pasta
→ Zoodles
→ Chickpeas
→ Quinoa bowls
→ Even as a sandwich spread!

It’s one of those “I can’t believe this is good for me” things! Seriously good.

4. Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles

These are rich, chocolatey, and feel totally indulgent—but they’re protein-packed and blood-sugar-friendly. Basically, a little dream in truffle form.

What you need:

  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese

  • 1/2 cup peanut butter

  • 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder

  • 2 tbsp low-carb sweetener

  • Pinch of salt

  • Dark chocolate for dipping

How to:

Blend the cottage cheese, peanut butter, cocoa powder, sweetener, and salt until smooth. Roll into small truffle-sized balls.

Melt the dark chocolate and dip each truffle until evenly coated. Place on a lined tray and refrigerate until firm—about 30 minutes.

These make the perfect grab-and-go snack or post-dinner sweet bite.

5. Bowls! (Ordinary or Extraordinary)

Cottage cheese bowls are my ultimate “use what you’ve got” hack—and honestly, I live for them. Whether it’s lunch, snack time, or a fridge-is-bare moment, I just start with a scoop of cottage cheese and build from there.

You can go savory, sweet, or somewhere in between.

Savory Bowls

  • Cottage Cheese + Sliced Cucumbers + Dill + Olive Oil + Salt and Pepper: Cool, crunchy, and refreshing.

  • Cottage Cheese + Chopped Tomatoes + Basil + Balsamic Vinegar: A little Caprese energy, minus the carbs.

  • Cottage Cheese + Roasted Red Peppers + Pine Nuts + Olive Oil: Sweet, nutty, and fancy-feeling.

  • Cottage Cheese + Olives + Cherry Tomatoes + Feta + Oregano: Mediterranean and satisfying.

  • Cottage Cheese + Sliced Radishes + Green Onions + Black Pepper: Crisp, peppery, and so fresh.

  • Cottage Cheese + Avocado + Lime Juice + Cilantro: Creamy, zesty, and hits the spot.

  • Cottage Cheese + Roasted Beets + Arugula + Walnuts: Earthy and bold—great for fall.

  • Cottage Cheese + Pickled Jalapeños + Cilantro + Lime: Spicy, tangy, and snacky.

  • Cottage Cheese + Sautéed Mushrooms + Thyme + Olive Oil: Hearty, warm, and super satisfying.

  • Cottage Cheese + Shredded Carrots + Sunflower Seeds + Parsley: Crunchy, colorful, and packed with texture.

Sweet Bowls

  • Cottage Cheese + Fresh Berries + Almond Slices + Honey: Classic, sweet, and super satisfying.

  • Cottage Cheese + Pineapple Chunks + Toasted Coconut: A tropical escape in a bowl.

  • Cottage Cheese + Chopped Nuts + Drizzle of Maple Syrup: Cozy and nutty.

  • Cottage Cheese + Diced Apples + Cinnamon + Walnuts: Feels like apple pie, without the crash.

  • Cottage Cheese + Grapes + Chopped Pecans: Simple, sweet, and totally snack-worthy.

  • Cottage Cheese + Passion Fruit Pulp + Almond Slices: Bright, fresh, and a little fancy.

  • Cottage Cheese + Pear Slices + Almond Butter: Light, buttery, and so good.

  • Cottage Cheese + Kiwi Slices + Chia Seeds: Tangy, fun, and nutrient-packed.

These bowls are honestly lifesavers—GD-friendly, protein-rich, and endlessly customizable. Some days I prep one for lunch and one for dessert. Balance, right?

6. Mini Cottage Cheese ‘Cheesecake’ Cups

These are my sweet tooth meets blood sugar balance kind of treat. They’re cute, high in protein, super snackable, and feel like dessert. I love keeping a few in the fridge for that “I need a little something” moment.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese

  • ½ cup Greek yogurt

  • 1 large egg

  • ½ cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)

  • 1–2 tbsp sweetener of choice (e.g., stevia, allulose — adjust to taste)

  • Optional: splash of vanilla extract or pinch of cinnamon

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C).

  2. Blend all ingredients (excepts blueberries) in a food processor or blender until completely smooth.

  3. Fold in blueberries.

  4. Pour mixture into a well-greased or lined ramekins (or muffin tins).

  5. Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until centers are just set (they’ll firm up more as they chill).

  6. Let cool at room temperature, then refrigerate.

Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt, sprinkle of cinnamon, or a few extra berries on top.

7. Warm Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

Cozy. Cheesy. Lazy-night perfection.

Here’s what I do:

  • Scoop of cottage cheese

  • Grated cheese (any kind—I go for mozzarella)

  • A spoon or two of no-sugar-added pizza sauce

Microwave until warm and melty, then:

  • Add your toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives—go wild)

  • Sprinkle more cheese on top

  • Microwave again until bubbly and glorious

Serve it with crusty sourdough, whole wheat crackers, or low-carb tortilla strips. It hits that pizza craving spot without the blood sugar drama. Bonus: it's ready in under 5 minutes.

8. Cottage Cheese Ice Cream

This one went viral for a reason. And yes, it’s legit.

Just blend:

  • Cottage cheese

  • Frozen fruit

  • A little sweetener

  • Optional extras: cinnamon, vanilla, nut butter

My favorite combo


🍑 Cottage cheese + frozen peach + cinnamon + dash of vanilla
Freeze it for 30–60 minutes after blending if you want it scoopable. Or eat it soft-serve style straight from the blender—no judgment.

It’s cold, creamy, and hits the ice cream craving hard. Bonus: it's packed with protein and completely GD-friendly.

More Fun Cottage Cheese Ideas to Try

Aka: when you’ve got a tub in the fridge and want something different. These are all easy, protein-packed, and blood-sugar friendly. Some are sweet, some are savory—just how I like it.

  • Mini Bell Peppers with Cottage Cheese & Dill
    Slice mini bell peppers in half and fill with cottage cheese, lots of fresh dill (hi, my favorite), salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of toasted sunflower seeds. Crunchy, herby, satisfying.

  • Cottage Cheese Chia Pudding
    Blend:

    • ½ cup strawberries (or peach, blueberries…)

    • ½ cup cottage cheese

    • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk
      Stir in:

    • 2 tbsp chia seeds

    • ¼ cup Greek yogurt (once it sets)

    • Dash of vanilla
      Top with coconut & berries. Chill overnight for the perfect grab-and-go breakfast or afternoon pick-me-up.

  • Cottage Cheese Smoothie (My Current Favorite!)
    Think creamy mocha milkshake, but protein-packed.

    • ½ cup cottage cheese

    • ½ cup unsweetened almond milk

    • 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

    • 1 tsp instant coffee granules

    • Optional: sweetener, ice, whipped cream on top
      Blend until frothy and enjoy! Perfect for that 3pm slump or post-lunch treat.

  • Protein Pancakes (That Actually Keep You Full)
    Blend:

    • ½ cup cottage cheese

    • ½ cup steel-cut oats

    • 2 eggs

    • Dash of cinnamon

    • Optional: sweetener + handful of spinach (yes, really—it doesn’t change the flavor!)
      Cook on low-medium heat until golden. Great with nut butter or berries on top.

  • Savory Breakfast Toast
    Spread cottage cheese on your toast and top with:

    • Sliced avocado + Everything Bagel seasoning

    • OR Roasted Peppers + Sunflower Seeds + Olive Oil + Salt and Pepper

    • OR Cottage Cheese + Canned Tuna + Boiled Egg + Pickle + Salt and Pepper (yep, a full-on power toast)

  • Nut Butter Cottage Cheese Dip
    Blend with almond or peanut butter, cinnamon, and a tiny splash of maple syrup or vanilla. Dip apple slices or spread it on rice cakes. Sweet, creamy, balanced.

  • Cottage Cheese Quesadilla
    Spread blended cottage cheese on a high-protein tortilla, sprinkle with shredded cheese, add sautéed spinach or onion, fold and pan-fry. Melty, crunchy, done in minutes.

  • Cottage Cheese “Frosting”
    Blend with Greek yogurt, a little sweetener, and a dash of vanilla or lemon zest. Fluffy, tangy, perfect on pancakes, cupcakes, or spooned over fruit.

  • Savory Egg Scramble Boost
    Add a spoonful of cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs right before they’re done cooking. Extra creamy, protein-y, and perfect with greens or chopped veggies.

Final Thoughts

If you're managing gestational diabetes and haven’t yet embraced cottage cheese, this is your sign. It’s protein-rich, super versatile, and can go sweet or savory depending on your mood.

And if you think you don’t like it… try blending it. 😉 Trust me, there’s a version out there for everyone.

What’s your favorite way to use cottage cheese? Share your creations on the HIgedi app—other GDMamas (including me, of course!) would so appreciate the inspiration.

With love from the GD trenches,
Julija, HIgedi Founder 💛