These Cottage Cheese Waffles are easy, nutritious, and so yummy. They are great topped with maple syrup, nut butter, jam, or fresh fruit, too.
I started added cottage cheese to waffles many, many years ago not because it was trendy, but because it blends into the batter so well to add nutrition.
And these Cottage Cheese Waffles are proof that waffles can have crisp edges, tender middles, and be packed with nutrition including protein and calcium.
I love that this healthy breakfast recipe for kids help us stay full a little longer and that they store so well in the fridge or freezer for future easy breakfasts.
Why this Recipe Works
By blending cottage cheese into the wet ingredients of waffle batter, you can add protein and calcium while delivering the classic waffle texture the kids want. They taste as good as store-bought frozen waffles, but for a fraction of the price.
(You may like my Yogurt Waffles and Whole Wheat Waffles, too, as more easy toddler breakfast ideas.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Cottage Cheese Waffles so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.
- All-purpose flour: I use all-purpose flour here since it helps the waffles stay light and tender. You can use any brand or swap in whole wheat pastry flour for slightly more whole grains, if you prefer.
- Baking powder: Be sure to use fresh baking powder since that is the key to the fluffy interior of the waffles.
- Cottage cheese (2% or 4%): I typically buy cottage cheese made with whole milk, which is usually 4% milkfat. A lower-fat cottage cheese will work, too, if you prefer.
- Egg: Adding an egg to the waffle batter helps the batter cook through properly and the waffles have nice structure. (If you can’t do eggs, check out my Vegan Waffle recipe.)
- Vanilla extract: I have started using artificial vanilla flavor since it’s much less expensive and tastes the same, but you can use pure vanilla if you prefer or if that’s what you have.
- Milk: I prefer to use whole milk since the fat can help to keep us full longer, but this recipe will work with lower fat milk or nondairy milk.
- Butter: I use unsalted butter in my baking so I can control the salt.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a preview of how to make these Cottage Cheese Waffles so you know what to expect from the process. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full information, including the amounts and the timing.
Step 1. Add the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, butter, and milk to a blender and blend until smooth.
Step 2. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl.
Step 3. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and gently combine.
Step 4. Warm the waffle iron. Coat with nonstick spray. Add batter and cook. Transfer to a plate and serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cottage cheese adds extra protein and makes the waffles tender and fluffy without changing the flavor too much. It also makes the waffles more filling, which helps prevent the kids asking for a snack right after breakfast!
If you want a smoother texture, you can blend it. If you don’t mind a little texture, you can mix it right into the batter. (If you don’t blend it, you might see small pieces of the cottage cheese curds in the final waffles.)
Absolutely. Let them cool completely on a wire rack, which helps ensure they don’t continue to steam as they would if set on a plate. Then store in the fridge for a few days or freeze for quick breakfasts later. Or you can freeze for longer. See the Notes for the full storage info.
How to Store
To store, let Cottage Cheese Waffles cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds to serve.
To freeze, store cooled waffles in a zip-top storage bag, with as much air removed as possible, for up to 3 months. Warm on a plate in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, turning over halfway through, or in the toaster oven.
Best Tips for Success
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter for additional flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 style of gluten-free baking mix or use buckwheat flour, adding up to an additional ¼ cup milk as needed to make a batter that’s easy to stir and dollop.
- Dairy-free: Look for a lactose-free or vegan cottage cheese if needed.
- I have this basic, but very reliable Cuisinart Waffle Maker.
Related Recipes
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Healthy Waffles (with Raspberries)
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Favorite Yogurt Waffles
Breakfast
Favorite Banana Waffles
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Cottage Cheese Waffles (So Good!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4%)
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1¼ cups milk
- ¼ cup unsalted butter (melted and slightly cooled)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Add the cottage cheese, egg, vanilla extract, butter, and milk to a blender and blend smooth.
- Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt, in a large bowl. Add the blended cottage cheese mixture and stir gently to combine.
- Warm the waffle iron. (I use the 4 out of 5 setting on my waffle iron.) Coat with nonstick spray.
- Place ½ cup batter in each center of the waffle iron. Close the waffle iron and cook until done.
- Transfer to a plate and serve, or to a baking sheet in a 225 degree F oven to keep warm until the batch is done.
- Repeat to finish the batch. Serve waffles with desired toppings.
Equipment
Notes
- To store, let waffles cool on a wire rack and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 15-30 seconds to serve. To freeze, store cooled waffles in a zip top storage bag, with as much air removed as possible, for up to 3 months. Warm on a plate in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, turning over halfway through, or in the toaster oven.
- I prefer to use cottage cheese with either 2% or 4% milk fat.
- Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the batter for additional flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use a 1:1 style of gluten-free baking mix or use buckwheat flour, adding up to an additional ¼ cup milk as needed to make a batter that’s easy to stir and dollop.
- I have this basic, but very reliable Cuisinart Waffle Maker.
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