Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats

Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats are a surprising and delightful snack made by crisping up seasoned cottage cheese into golden bites of cheesy goodness. They’re high in protein, crunchy on the outside, and tender inside. I love how simple they are to make with just a few ingredients and how easily they satisfy my craving for something savory and crispy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love these treats because they turn humble cottage cheese into something crunchy and addictive. They’re quick to prepare, endlessly customizable, and perfect as a low-carb snack or a fun appetizer. Whether I’m looking for a healthy bite or something to dip into sauce, these deliver on both flavor and texture.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cottage cheese (small curd works best)

• Egg

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Garlic powder

• Onion powder

• Salt and pepper

• Olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing)

• Fresh herbs or chili flakes (optional, for topping)

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greased.

2. In a bowl, I combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

3. I scoop small spoonfuls of the mixture onto the baking sheet, spacing them out slightly.

4. I flatten them gently with the back of the spoon to form small rounds.

5. I bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the edges are golden and crispy.

6. I let them cool slightly before removing from the sheet—they firm up as they cool.

7. I garnish with herbs or chili flakes if I want extra flavor and serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 12 small treats, or 2 to 3 servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20–25 minutes to bake, so I have them ready in under 40 minutes.

Variations

• I sometimes add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives to the mix for a fresh taste.

• A sprinkle of shredded cheddar or mozzarella adds a cheesy twist.

• For a spicy kick, I mix in cayenne or chopped jalapeños.

• I’ve added a spoonful of almond flour to firm up the texture if I want a thicker bite.

• I serve them with marinara, ranch, or Greek yogurt dip for extra fun.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I place them in a 375°F oven for about 5–7 minutes or in a skillet to regain crispiness. I avoid microwaving since it can make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?

Yes, I’ve used low-fat cottage cheese, but the full-fat version gives better texture and flavor.

Do I need to drain the cottage cheese?

If it’s very wet, I drain it slightly using a fine mesh strainer or pat it dry with a paper towel for a firmer result.

Can I air fry these?

Yes, I air fry them at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, checking for golden edges and crispness.

Are these good for meal prep?

Definitely. I make a batch and reheat them as needed. They hold up well and keep their flavor.

Can I freeze them?

I don’t recommend freezing as the texture can change once thawed. They’re best fresh or refrigerated for a few days.

Conclusion

Crispy Cottage Cheese Treats are a fun, creative way to use up cottage cheese and enjoy a savory, protein-packed snack. I love how customizable they are and how they come out crisp and flavorful with very little effort. Whether I’m enjoying them as a quick bite or serving them with dips for guests, they’re always a hit in my kitchen.