Cottage Cheese Bowl with Everything Seasoning (140 calories, 16g protein)

I was halfway through my third cup of coffee, staring blankly into the fridge, when inspiration struck. There it was—a lonely tub of cottage cheese begging to be transformed into something exciting. That’s how this Cottage Cheese Bowl with Everything Seasoning was born. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but takes less than five minutes to throw together, packs a protein punch, and satisfies those savory cravings without weighing you down. Perfect for rushed mornings, post-workout refueling, or when you just need a snack that doesn’t taste like “diet food.”

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another sad “healthy” snack—it’s creamy, crunchy, salty, and ridiculously satisfying. Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

140 calories and 16g of protein per serving? Yes, please. It keeps you full without the crash.
Zero cooking required. Just scoop, sprinkle, and devour.
Endlessly customizable. Swap toppings based on what’s in your pantry or fridge.
Kid-friendly. My picky eater thinks the everything seasoning is “confetti.” (I’m not correcting her.)
Meal-prep hero. Assemble it in a jar for grab-and-go lunches all week.
Uses pantry staples. No fancy ingredients—just real food you likely already have.

Ingredients For Cottage Cheese Bowl with Everything Seasoning

Here’s the beauty of this bowl: it’s a blank canvas. Start with these basics, then riff like a jazz musician:

1/2 cup full-fat cottage cheese (I love Good Culture for its creamy texture, but any brand works—just avoid the watery stuff at the bottom of the tub).
1 tsp everything bagel seasoning (Trader Joe’s or homemade—more on that below).
1/2 tsp olive oil (optional, but it adds a luxurious richness).
Pinch of flaky sea salt (Maldon makes everything taste fancy).
Freshly cracked black pepper (because life’s too short for pre-ground).
Optional toppings: Sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, smoked salmon, microgreens, or a drizzle of hot honey for sweet heat.

Step-by-Step Instructions For Cottage Cheese Bowl with Everything Seasoning

If you can stir, you can make this. Here’s how to build your bowl like a pro:

Scoop the cottage cheese into a shallow bowl. Use the back of your spoon to swirl it into an even layer—this creates little valleys for the toppings to nestle into.
Drizzle with olive oil (if using). A little fat helps carry the flavors and makes the texture silkier.
Shower with everything seasoning. Don’t be shy—those sesame seeds, garlic, and onion flakes are the stars here.
Add your toppings. Keep it simple with just seasoning, or go wild with veggies, proteins, or herbs. (Pro tip: If using avocado, squeeze a little lemon juice on top to prevent browning.)
Finish with salt and pepper. Taste as you go—cottage cheese brands vary in saltiness.
Dig in immediately. The longer it sits, the softer the crunchy bits get. Though, let’s be real—it probably won’t last that long.

Timing

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT5M

Want to prep ahead? Keep individual portions of cottage cheese in airtight containers, then add toppings fresh. The seasoning stays crunchy for days if stored separately in a spice jar.

Substitutions & Variations

This bowl bends to your whims. Try these twists:

Dairy-free? Swap cottage cheese for thick coconut yogurt or blended silken tofu.
Extra protein: Fold in a scoop of unflavored collagen peptides or top with a soft-boiled egg.
Sweet version: Skip the savory toppings and mix in berries, granola, and a dash of cinnamon.
Homemade everything seasoning: Combine 2 tbsp sesame seeds, 1 tbsp poppy seeds, 1 tbsp dried minced garlic, 1 tbsp dried minced onion, and 1 tsp sea salt.
Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dot of sriracha.

Mistakes To Avoid

Even the simplest recipes can go sideways. Here’s how to keep yours perfect:

Don’t use watery cottage cheese. Drain excess liquid or opt for a dry, small-curd style.
Skip the pre-ground black pepper. Freshly cracked makes a world of difference.
Don’t overdo the salt. Taste before adding more—everything seasoning is already salty.
Avoid soggy toppings. If packing for lunch, keep wet ingredients (like tomatoes) separate until ready to eat.
Don’t skimp on texture. The crunch from seeds or veggies is what makes this bowl addictive.

You May Also Like : 15 High Protein Low Calorie Breakfast Recipes

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store assembled bowls (without wet toppings) for up to 2 days. The cottage cheese may release liquid—just stir before eating.
Freezer: Not recommended. Cottage cheese gets grainy when thawed.
Reheating: Best served cold, but if you prefer it slightly warm, microwave for 10-15 seconds max.

What to Serve It With

This bowl stands alone, but if you’re building a meal, pair it with:

A slice of toasted sourdough or whole-grain crackers for scooping.
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette.
Iced green tea or a sparkling water with lime.
For brunch, add a side of smoked salmon or turkey bacon.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Bowl with Everything Seasoning is proof that eating well doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s my go-to when I need something fast, filling, and flavorful—no fancy skills required. Give it a try, tweak it to your taste, and let me know how you make it your own. (And if you sneak extra everything seasoning straight from the jar… I won’t judge.)