Why You’ll Love These High-Protein Cottage Cheese Pancakes

If you’re looking for a nutritious breakfast that packs a ton of protein, you have to try these high-protein cottage cheese pancakes.

These healthy pancakes made with simple ingredients like oats, egg, and cottage cheese, delivering over 25 grams of protein in a serving.

Whether you’re into fitness, looking for a high-protein meal, or love delicious pancakes, this recipe is for you. Trust me, these are so simple to make – these pancakes will become a new favorite.

I used to avoid cottage cheese because I didn’t enjoy its taste or texture. However, after purchasing a large tub inspired by Fitspo recipes on TikTok, I struggled to incorporate it into my meals. I didn’t want to waste it so, I made pancakes with it.

Surprisingly, you can’t even taste the cottage cheese! Instead, it adds a creaminess without any detectable cottage cheese flavor or texture.

Ingredients

For these high-protein pancakes, you’ll only need a few ingredients:

• 1/2 cup oats or oat flour
• 1/2 cup cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 2 teaspoons of maple syrup (or sweetener of choice) ~optional

The oats give you energy and fiber, while the egg and cottage cheese add protein, perfect for building and repairing muscles.

Oats: The base or “flour” for the pancakes. Use rolled oats, quick oats, or oat flour to keep it gluten-free. You can also sub for other flours you have on hand.

Cottage Cheese adds protein and moisture to the pancakes, helping to create a fluffy texture and boost their nutritional value. I used 2% Good Culture Cottage Cheese.

Whole Egg:  The whole egg and healthy fats and protein. Note: Using the whole egg is a must. I tried this recipe several times with egg whites and they continued to stick to the pan. The whole egg adds a little extra fat that helps the batter not stick.

Baking Powder: acts as a leavening agent, helping the pancakes rise and become light and fluffy when cooked.

Vanilla: adds flavor and depth to the pancakes, enhancing their overall taste without adding extra calories or macronutrients.

Cinnamon adds warmth and a hint of spice to the pancakes.

Maple syrup is added to the batter to enhance sweetness. Honey or monk fruit sweetener are also good options.

​How to Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes

• Blend the Ingredients: Add oats, whole egg, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, cinnamon, sweetener, and baking powder into a food processor or blender. Blend until you get a smooth batter but don’t overmix. If you don’t have a food processor or blender, you can use oat flour instead of oats and combine in a bowl.
• Preheat the Pan: Heat a nonstick or nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil, like coconut or avocado, to ensure the pancakes don’t stick.
• Cook the Pancakes: Pour a small amount of batter onto the pan to form each pancake. Cook on medium-low heat until bubbles form on the surface, then flip and cook until both sides are golden brown. This should take about 2-3 minutes per side. Adjust the heat to medium-high if needed, but be careful not to burn them.

• Serve: Once the pancakes are cooked, serve them warm. Top with fresh fruit, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for added flavor and nutrition.
• Storage: If you have any leftover pancakes, store them in an airtight container. You can reheat them in a toaster oven or microwave for breakfast the next day.

Macros

These high-protein cottage cheese pancakes have a great macronutrient ratio, with a good balance of protein, carbs and fats. They also make an excellent pre-or post-workout snack.

Calories: 320

Protein: 26 grams

Carbohydrates: 33 grams

Fat: 10.5 grams

Related: How To Count Macros The Easy Way: Complete Beginner’s Guide

My Mistakes

Don’t make the same mistakes I did! It took me a few tries to get this recipe right. My first few batches were either too runny, stuck to the pan, or didn’t taste right.

1. Don’t forget the baking powder! I tried the recipe without baking powder – nope, it needs it. It’s what gives it a fluffier texture.
2. Use whole egg vs. egg whites. I originally had the recipe with 1/4c of egg whites but 1) they stuck to the pan and 2) they didn’t taste as good.

Recipe Tips and Modifications 

Making these high-protein cottage cheese pancakes is pretty straightforward, but here are some tips and modifications to help you customize and perfect your pancakes:

1. Blender or Food Processor: Use a blender or food processor for the smoothest batter. This helps break down the oats and cottage cheese, resulting in a consistent texture. Don’t overmix. If you don’t have these appliances, use oat flour instead of whole oats.
2. Add Protein Powder: Add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the batter for an extra protein boost. Adjust the liquid slightly to maintain the right consistency.
3. Sweeteners: Feel free to adjust your sweetener based on your preference.  Honey, maple syrup, or monk fruit sweetener work well. Careful with liquid stevia and be sure to add a little less because it’s so concentrated.
4. Mix-ins: Feel free to customize your pancakes with mix-ins like fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a handful of chocolate chips. These additions can make your pancakes even more delicious and nutritious.
5. Cooking Fat: Using a decent amount of oil, such as coconut or avocado, which helps prevent the pancakes from sticking and adds a nice crisp edge. Alternatively, you can use cooking spray for a lower-fat option.
6. Texture: Let the batter sit for a few minutes before cooking for fluffier pancakes. This allows the baking powder to activate and create a fluffier texture.
7. Storage and Reheating: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They can also be frozen—place them in a freezer-safe bag with parchment between each pancake to prevent sticking. Reheat in a toaster oven or microwave for a quick breakfast.
8. Low Carb Option: If you’re watching your carb intake, you can replace the oats with almond flour to make these pancakes lower in carbohydrates.
9. Dairy Variations: Feel free to use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese based on your dietary preferences. Full-fat cottage cheese will make the pancakes richer, while low-fat keeps them lighter.

With these tips and modifications, you can tailor this high-protein pancake recipe to suit your needs. 

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