Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

If you’re looking for a breakfast that’s both comforting and a little bit special, I’ve got you covered with my **Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe**. These pancakes are soft, slightly tangy from the cheese, and so easy to whip up—you’ll find yourself craving them on lazy weekend mornings or whenever you want a protein-packed treat. Trust me, once you try these, your usual pancakes might just get sidelined!

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Creamy Texture: The cottage cheese melts inside, giving these pancakes a moist, tender crumb unlike any other pancake.
  • Protein-Rich: Using cottage cheese ups the protein, so these keep you full much longer than regular pancakes.
  • Simple Ingredients: You probably have everything in your kitchen already—no complicated shopping needed!
  • Quick Prep: It only takes a few minutes to mix everything, perfect for those mornings when you want something homemade but fast.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients in this cottage cheese pancakes recipe are straightforward, but each one plays a crucial role in delivering that perfect fluffy yet creamy pancake. Here’s a little heads-up on why I use each and what to look for when shopping.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes, healthy breakfast pancakes, protein-packed pancake recipe, easy cottage cheese pancakes, fluffy cheese pancakes - Flat lay of a small mound of fresh white cottage cheese, four whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white bowl of golden vanilla extract, a small white bowl of fine white sugar crystals, a small white bowl of powdery white baking powder, a small pile of sifted white flour, and a small white bowl filled with pale yellow canola oil, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Cottage Cheese: I always go for small curd for a smoother texture and creamy taste.
  • Eggs: They bind everything together and add fluffiness. Fresh eggs make a difference.
  • Vanilla Extract: Just a touch brings a lovely depth, balancing the tang of the cheese.
  • Sugar: It’s subtle sweetness, not overpowering—perfect if you like pairing with syrup or jam.
  • Baking Powder: This is the lift behind fluffy pancakes — don’t skip it or your pancakes will be dense.
  • Flour: I use all-purpose, but you can experiment with whole wheat or gluten-free blends for different textures.
  • Canola Oil: A neutral oil works best here; it fries the pancakes to a golden crisp without adding flavor.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

Over time, I’ve found a few ways to make these pancakes my own. Whether you want to cut back on sugar, add fruit, or make a version for picky eaters, it’s easy to customize this cottage cheese pancakes recipe to fit your tastes and mood.

  • Berry Boost: I like folding in fresh blueberries or raspberries to the batter for a pop of sweetness and color. It’s like waking up to summer!
  • Savory Style: If sweet isn’t your thing, try skipping sugar and vanilla, add chopped herbs or green onions, then serve your pancakes with sour cream or smoked salmon.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend. I’ve done this with no change in texture, just be sure your baking powder is gluten-free too.
  • Less Sugar: You can easily halve the sugar, especially if you plan to serve with sweet toppings—it lets the natural cheese flavor shine more.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Measure Your Ingredients

Start by grabbing your cottage cheese—small curd if you can—and measure out everything else. Having everything ready makes mixing and cooking smooth, and it helps avoid overmixing the batter. In my kitchen, I always keep my eggs at room temperature—they mix better and help the pancakes fluff up nicely.

Step 2: Mix Ingredients in Order

Combine the cottage cheese and eggs first. I like to mix them by hand with a wooden spoon or spatula—no blender needed! Next, stir in the vanilla extract and sugar until just incorporated. Then sprinkle your baking powder on top and continue mixing before folding in the flour slowly. This order helps give the batter the perfect consistency and keeps it from getting tough.

Step 3: Heat Your Skillet and Add Oil

Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a splash of canola oil. Wait a minute or two until the oil shimmers but isn’t smoking. This heat level is crucial—it lets the pancakes cook through without burning the outside.

Step 4: Cook Pancakes to Golden Perfection

I like to use a large cookie scoop (around 3 tablespoons) for even-sized pancakes, about two per serving. Drop the batter onto the skillet gently. Let them cook for 3-4 minutes on the first side—watch for those little bubbles and golden edges before flipping. Then another 2-3 minutes on the other side. Resist the urge to flip too soon; patience makes the difference between gooey and perfectly set inside.

Step 5: Serve Immediately with Your Favorite Toppings

These pancakes are best while still warm with melted cheese inside. Maple syrup is a classic, but I also love a smear of fresh fruit jam or a dollop of yogurt. If you’re going savory, a bit of sour cream or fresh herbs on top is delicious.

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Pro Tips for Making Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

  • Use Small Curds: The smaller the curd in your cottage cheese, the smoother the pancake texture; big lumps can be surprising!
  • Don’t Overmix Batter: Stir until just combined to keep pancakes tender, overmixing can make them rubbery.
  • Control Heat: Medium heat is your best friend here—high heat cooks too fast outside but leaves you with raw centers.
  • Use a Non-Stick Pan or Well-Oiled Skillet: This prevents sticking, helping you flip without losing your perfectly round pancakes.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

Cottage Cheese Pancakes, healthy breakfast pancakes, protein-packed pancake recipe, easy cottage cheese pancakes, fluffy cheese pancakes - The image shows four small, round golden-brown pancakes stacked slightly overlapping on a white plate with a speckled design, each pancake sprinkled with white powdered sugar that lightly dusts the surface. On the right side of the plate, there are three halved bright red strawberries with green leaves, and a couple of whole blueberries, adding contrasting colors. The plate is set on a white marbled textured surface with natural light highlighting the uneven crispy edges and soft centers of the pancakes. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

My favorite garnishes are a drizzle of pure maple syrup and a handful of fresh berries on top. In winter, I swap fresh fruit for warmed spiced apple compote. Sometimes I add a sprinkle of toasted nuts or cinnamon for an extra cozy feel. For savory lovers, a dollop of crème fraîche with chives works beautifully.

Side Dishes

I often pair these pancakes with a simple green salad to balance richness or sautéed mushrooms for brunch. If you want to keep it classic, crispy bacon or smoked salmon adds that salty counterpoint that works perfectly. For a comforting combo, serve alongside scrambled eggs and fresh fruit salad.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun weekend breakfast, try layering the cottage cheese pancakes with nut butter and sliced fruit like a mini pancake stack. I’ve also done a brunch buffet style—letting guests pick their own toppings like nuts, honey, or whipped cream. For holidays, using festive-shaped molds makes breakfast extra special and totally Instagram-worthy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually let leftover pancakes cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They hold their soft, creamy texture nicely without getting soggy, which is a big win compared to regular pancakes.

Freezing

Freezing works great! Just flash freeze the cooled pancakes on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well up to 2 months. It’s a lifesaver on busy mornings when you want something tasty but don’t have time to cook from scratch.

Reheating

I reheat leftover pancakes in a toaster oven or air fryer for a few minutes—that brings back the crisp edges and warms the cheese inside perfectly. If you’re in a hurry, a quick zap in the microwave works too but can soften the edges more.

FAQs

  1. Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta?

    Yes, ricotta can be used in place of cottage cheese for a slightly different texture and milder taste. Your pancakes will still be wonderfully creamy, though ricotta tends to be a bit smoother and less tangy.

  2. Are cottage cheese pancakes gluten-free?

    Not as is, because this recipe uses regular flour. However, you can use a gluten-free flour blend instead, making sure your baking powder is also gluten-free.

  3. How do I keep the pancakes from sticking to the pan?

    Using a non-stick skillet or well-oiled pan and preheating it properly helps a lot. Also, avoid flipping too soon; wait until edges look set and bubbles appear on top.

  4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

    I recommend making and cooking the batter fresh for the fluffiest pancakes. If you must prep ahead, keep the batter refrigerated up to 2 hours, then stir gently before cooking.

Final Thoughts

I truly adore this cottage cheese pancakes recipe because it’s a delightful way to enjoy pancakes with extra protein and creaminess—plus, it’s simple enough to become a weekend staple. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and find yourself making it again and again, just like I do. Honestly, sharing these pancakes around the kitchen table feels like sharing a little comfort and sweetness, and I bet your family or friends will love them too. Happy cooking!

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Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 5 from 33 reviews
  • Author: Taylor
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Fluffy and creamy cottage cheese pancakes made with simple ingredients, perfect for a comforting breakfast served with maple syrup or jam.


Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 2 tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp baking powder
  • 1 cup flour

For Frying

  • 1/4 cup canola oil


Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the cottage cheese first, then crack in the eggs. Mix in the vanilla extract, sugar, baking powder, and finally the flour, stirring well after each addition until fully combined.
  2. Preheat Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the canola oil, allowing it to warm up evenly for frying.
  3. Fry Pancakes: Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons), pour the batter into the hot skillet. Fry each pancake until golden brown on one side, then flip and cook the other side until golden and cooked through.
  4. Serve Warm: Serve the pancakes hot with your choice of maple syrup or jam, enjoying the melted cottage cheese texture inside.

Notes

  • This recipe yields approximately 16 pancakes or 8 servings, with about 2 pancakes per serving.
  • Use a 3-tablespoon cookie scoop for consistent pancake size and even cooking.
  • Make sure the skillet is at medium heat to avoid burning the pancakes while ensuring they cook through.
  • Can substitute canola oil with another neutral oil like vegetable or sunflower oil for frying.
  • For a sweeter variation, add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the batter.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 pancakes
  • Calories: 220 kcal
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 180 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 20 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 12 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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