“There’s still a lot to learn about the connection between dairy and cancer prevention,” Zumpano says. “But it’s clear there are protective benefits to including dairy in a balanced diet.”

Potentially Negative Effects

Despite containing plenty of vitamins and minerals, cottage cheese is also high in sodium. Now, the body needs some sodium to function properly. However, excessive amounts can lead to high blood pressure or hypertension. It’s easy to accidentally have high sodium intake because its present in many packaged and canned goods and fast foods. So if you are concerned about your intake, look for low-sodium cottage cheese brands.

Plus, cottage cheese is a dairy product and therefore not suitable for people with lactose intolerance.

Breakfast Cottage Cheese Bowls

You can enjoy cottage cheese on its own, or with some sweet toppings like chopped up fruits, berries, toasted nuts, spices, and honey or maple syrup if desired. Or you can go the savory route and add vegetables like tomatoes, grated cucumbers, tomatoes, along with a dash of salt, pepper, spices, and olive oil. You can even stir in a tablespoon or two of salsa.

Keep in mind, if you don’t like the texture of cottage cheese, you can blend it until it reaches a yogurt-like consistency. But if you’re sick of the cottage cheese-based bowls, feature it in other recipes.

More Ways to Enjoy Cottage Cheese

• Add to scrambled eggs
• Blend into alfredo pasta sauce
• Spread into lasagna instead of ricotta cheese
• Mix in seasoning and use as a chip dip or veggie dip
• Add to a smoothie
• Spread over toast (or avocado toast)
• Add to a green salad
• Wrap into breakfast burritos
• Add to quiches
• Add to casseroles
• Pour over baked potatoes
• Add to grains like rice and quinoa
• Bake it into pancakes, like in the following recipe:

Honey-Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Pouring maple syrup over Honey-Lemon Cottage Cheese Pancakes with blueberries on top

Ingredients

• 6 eggs, lightly beaten
• One 16-ounce carton cottage cheese
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
• 2 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Butter, maple syrup, and/or berries

Directions

1. In a large bowl, mix the eggs, cottage cheese, honey, butter, vanilla, and lemon zest. Add the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir just until combined. (Batter should be slightly lumpy).

2. Pour about 1/4 cup of the batter onto a hot, lightly greased griddle or heavy skillet. Cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes.

3. Flip the pancake when the top is bubbly and the edges are slightly brown. Cook for an additional 2 minutes or until both sides are brown.

4. Keep the pancakes warm in a 200°F oven while cooking the rest of the batter.

5. Serve warm with butter, maple syrup, and berries, if desired

6. Yields 16 pancakes