Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs (High Protein Recipe!)

by Kayla Berman on July 3, 2024 0 comments

If you’re on the hunt for an easy, high-protein breakfast idea, try my Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs! Made with little more than just eggs and cottage cheese in just 5 minutes, this simple, endlessly customizable recipe is the absolute best way to start your day.

Love cottage cheese as much as I do? You’ll want to check out my Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl, Cottage Cheese Buffalo Chicken Dip, or Cottage Cheese Toast next.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe For Cottage Cheese Eggs

It’s a lightning-fast breakfast made with just 5 staple ingredients—perfect for any day of the week. The easiest way to start the day!
I don’t know about you, but two eggs for breakfast isn’t enough to keep me full till lunch. Making scrambled eggs with cottage cheese quickly bumps up the protein content and results in deliciously creamy, fluffy eggs.
This non-recipe recipe is endlessly customizable with whatever additions you crave. I offer tons of ideas in this comprehensive guide!
Since they’re low-carb, gluten-free, and high-protein, my cottage cheese scrambled eggs fit into nearly any diet.

Cottage Cheese Egg Recipe Ingredients & Substitutions

Eggs – If possible, opt for pastured eggs for the greatest nutritional benefits. Can’t do real eggs? Try a vegan liquid egg substitute like JUST Eggs instead.
Cottage Cheese – I prefer using full-fat, small curd cottage cheese for the creamiest flavor and best mouthfeel. The added fat (in combination with protein) also helps to keep me fuller for longer! However, you’re welcome to swap in low-fat cottage cheese and/or use a large curd variety if you prefer.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper – At the very least, you need basic seasoning. Freshly cracked black pepper has a more potent taste than pre-ground, and I feel like it’s harder to oversalt when you use Kosher salt. If you’re on a low-salt diet, try swapping in a salt-free seasoning blend like Mrs. Dash.
Butter – Again, I’m not afraid of fat, and a little butter makes these cottage cheese scrambled eggs taste especially luxurious. Feel free to use a heart-healthy oil like avocado oil or EVOO (extra virgin olive oil), or use a squirt of cooking spray if you’re on a low-fat diet.

Equipment

Mixing Bowl
¼ Cup Measure (optional, you can totally eyeball it.)
Whisk
Non-Stick Pan
Rubber Spatula

How To Scramble Eggs With Cottage Cheese

This breakfast recipe comes together as quickly as regular scrambled eggs with just a few simple ingredients! Here’s how it’s done:

Step 1: Whisk. Add the eggs and creamy cottage cheese to a small mixing bowl. Season with salt and black pepper. Whisk thoroughly.

Step 2: Heat. Add the butter, oil, or cooking spray to the bottom of a small nonstick pan over medium-low heat. Make sure to let the pan heat up before adding the eggs.

Step 3: Cook. Pour the egg mixture into the pan. Use a rubber spatula to scrape the outer edges of the eggs towards the middle as the bottom starts to set. Continue to stir and gently fold until the eggs are fully set, but still have a creamy soft texture.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

two whole eggs and a scoop of cottage cheese in a small bowl.

fork in the bowl of whisked eggs and cottage cheese.

nonstick pan with cottage cheese and egg mixture added.

cottage cheese scrambled eggs are starting to firm up and you can see the white curds of cottage cheese.

Optional Variations & Dietary Adaptations

As much as I love this cottage cheese and eggs recipe just the way it’s written, there are plenty of ways for you to make it your own. Here are a few ways you can customize this easy high-protein breakfast:

Extra Cheesy: The only thing better than cottage cheese in eggs? Adding even more cheese, of course! I tend to lean towards melty cheddar for a touch of sharpness, but feel free to branch out—mild jack or Havarti, fiery pepper jack, smoked gouda, or nutty gruyere are all welcome additions.
Extra Protein: Want to amp up the protein content even further? Add a few egg whites to the mix! To make it really easy, opt for liquid egg whites in a carton. While plain egg white scrambles are pretty boring IMO, adding them to whole eggs with cottage cheese for richness is a whole different thing.
Veggies – Scrambled eggs and cottage cheese are great, but you’re welcome to add a pop of color and fiber by throwing your choice of vegetables in the mix. Sweet peppers and onions, spicy jalapeños, earthy mushrooms—the world is your oyster. Just make sure you cook whatever veggies you choose first, before adding the eggs to the pan. Why? Raw veggies have a lot of water, so cooking them first ensures they won’t make your scramble all watery.
Fresh Herbs – Adding chopped fresh herbs is an instant upgrade for nearly any savory meal. Try lemony parsley, grassy dill, or earthy cilantro as a garnish before digging in. It’s the little luxuries, amirite? Green onions are great too.
Seasonings – Feel free to shake things up beyond the basics. Add a few shakes of herbes de provence or Italian seasoning for herbaceousness, garlic or onion powder for sweet allium complexity, or crushed red pepper flakes for heat. You can even swap out the salt for your favorite taco seasoning—a delightful twist that’s perfect for breakfast burritos.

Expert Tips

Equipment Smarts – Of all the many things that stick to a pan, eggs are some of the worst offenders. To ensure every bit of this protein-packed breakfast makes it to your plate, make sure you choose a non-stick pan for the best results. Worried about Teflon and PFAs? There are tons of non-toxic options like carbon steel or ceramic pans on the market these days. I’m personally obsessed with my Our Place Always Pan. Also, don’t forget to use a rubber/silicone spatula to prevent damage to the non-stick coating.
Fat is Your Friend – Make sure to add plenty of oil, butter, or cooking spray to the pan to help the eggs release cleanly.
Preheat – Don’t add your cottage cheese eggs to a cold pan. Preheating it is another key element in preventing sticking and to ensure even cooking. That said…
Don’t go nuts on the heat! Going low and slow over medium-low heat will produce the best texture. If the pan is too hot, the eggs dry out and the cottage cheese gets kinda funky.
Blend It – Not a fan of cottage cheese? If texture is the issue, simply add the cottage cheese with eggs to a blender and blitz until smooth (like my cottage cheese alfredo!). The flavor is super mild, adding only creamy richness to the mix.
It’s All In The Wrist – Prefer larger curds for your scrambled eggs? Make large, wide figure 8 shapes with the spatula. Like ‘em super small? Make tight, rapid circles moving your way around the pan.

Serving Suggestions

While I’ve certainly housed a plate of these cottage cheese eggs with zero adornment—hectic mornings are a thing—adding some companions to the plate helps round out your breakfast. After all, who says breakfast has to be boring? Not this gal.

Here are some of my favorite combinations:

Diner Vibes: Kickstart your morning with the ultimate diner-style breakfast duo and pair your cottage cheese scramble with your favorite breakfast sides. Start with crispy breakfast potatoes or toasty hash browns. Then add a slice of whole grain toast, bagel bites, a short stack of pancakes, or a sweet blueberry muffin on your plate for an extra carby boost. Don’t forget to throw in some fresh fruit – mixed berries, crisp apple slices, or zesty kiwi to get those sweet, tangy flavors popping! Truly my favorite way to start the day.
Meat Up Your Morning: Crank up the protein with some epic breakfast meats. Whether it’s chicken sausage, turkey bacon, classic bacon, or juicy ham, these protein-packed meaty add-ons turn your cottage cheese with scrambled eggs into a full-blown feast.
Taco ‘Bout Awesome: Wrap those cheesy eggs in a soft tortilla for an out-of-this-world breakfast taco or burrito. Splash on some hot sauce, scoop on some chunky guac, and sprinkle cilantro to max out the flavors. For an added boost of texture, fiber, and protein, consider throwing some black beans in the mix.
Breakfast Sammie: Stuff those fluffy cottage cheese eggs into a toasted bagel, flaky croissant, or your fave toast. Add a layer of melty cheese, a slice of breakfast meat, and a smear of something fancy like pesto or mayo for extra yum.
How Low Can You Go?: Watching your carbs? Pair your eggs with some extra protein and toss in some greens or crunchy veggies for a fresh, filling, low-carb start to your day.
Protein Power-Up: Short on time but long on hunger? Double down on protein with a quick side of Greek yogurt mixed with berries—creamy, dreamy, and totally satisfying. Now that is what I call a high protein morning meal!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Generally speaking, fried and scrambled eggs are best served immediately. I made the recipe small enough for just one serving, so you shouldn’t have leftovers!
If you do end up with some extras, you can pop them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, or use them to make a pre-assembled breakfast sandwich/burrito and pop it in the freezer for up to a month.
To reheat, the microwave is probably your best bet. Just make sure to work in short 30-second bursts so you don’t overdo it and make the eggs rubbery.

FAQs

What brand of cottage cheese is the best?

I personally like Daisy full-fat cottage cheese the best. But any type of cottage cheese should do the trick!

Are cottage cheese and scrambled eggs good for you?

That sort of depends on what your definition of healthy is. Generally speaking, both cottage cheese and scrambled eggs are considered nutritious, as they’re packed with high-quality protein and essential nutrients. However, if you have specific dietary needs (e.g. you’re lactose intolerant or are on a strict low-cholesterol diet), you might want to consult with an RDN to find some alternatives.

Why add cottage cheese to eggs?

For me, putting cottage cheese in scrambled eggs is an easy and delicious way to increase my protein intake first thing in the morning. High-protein and moderate-fat meals are excellent for satiety. But beyond my macros, putting cottage cheese in eggs is also yummy! It adds a lovely creamy richness and makes the eggs super tender.

Why are my cottage cheese eggs watery? Why are my eggs watery when I add cottage cheese?

The liquid in cottage cheese tends to separate when first heated, but don’t fret. As the eggs cook, any excess liquid should evaporate with no problem.

How much protein is in scrambled eggs with cottage cheese?

It depends on the cottage cheese you use and the size of your eggs. That said, mine is typically 18 grams of protein (12 grams from 2 large eggs and 6 grams from Daisy full-fat cottage cheese).

Can you put cottage cheese in scrambled eggs?

Heck yeah, you can! It’s delicious!

What do cottage cheese scrambled eggs taste like? What does cottage cheese taste like in eggs? Is it good?

These scrambled eggs with cottage cheese have a mildly cheesy, creamy flavor that I find crave-worthy. Feel free to amp up the flavor with different seasonings, added veggies, or extra cheese.

Related Recipes

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If you make this eggs and cottage cheese recipe or any of my other recipes, I would absolutely love to know! Tag me @wellnessbykay on Instagram so I can see and share your recreations.

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