Made with just three simple ingredients, these nutritious Cottage Cheese Pancakes are a healthy breakfast for kids you make in under 10 minutes. They’re loaded with protein and healthy fats—and are also fluffy and delish.
Cottage Cheese Pancakes
I love making quick and nutritious breakfasts that my kids will actually eat and these Cottage Cheese Pancakes have been in regular rotation lately.
Everyone at my table enjoys them, they have whole grains, healthy fats, and protein, and the batter comes together so quickly in the blender!
I love them since they are filling, but they also have a really tender texture. They’re soft and moist enough for babies to eat, but are also satisfying for older kids and grown ups.
We like to have them with a side of fruit, but any of your favorite pancake toppings work!
TIP: These are a wonderful baby pancake as they have a very tender texture and are free from added sugar.
Ingredients You Need
To make this recipe you’ll need these ingredients so you know what to have on hand or pick up at the store.
- Rolled oats: This takes the place of flour here and adds complex carbohydrates as well as fiber. Look for rolled oats, or “old-fashioned oats” to use here.
- Cottage cheese: This is an unusual ingredient in a pancake, but it’s the key here as it adds substance and body to the pancakes. I prefer to use full-fat cottage cheese for the healthy fats that little kids need. (If you have low-fat on hand, you can use it.)
- Eggs: The eggs help create the fluffy texture and hold the batter together so it cooks through nicely.
Ingredient Substitutions
- To make this recipe gluten-free, simply choose certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- You can add cinnamon and/or vanilla extract to the batter if you like for more flavor.
- Feel free to add toppings such as applesauce, maple syrup, jam, or butter. Or serve with fresh berries.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the very simple process involved in making this recipe so yo know what to expect. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe.
- Add the ingredients to a blender
- Blend very smooth.
- Cook the pancake batter in a warmed nonstick or cast iron skillet or griddle in butter.
- Flip over to finish cooking.
TIP: I prefer to cook my pancakes in butter as I prefer the flavor and taste, but you could also use a neutral oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you can find it, 4% cottage cheese is really delicious in this recipe. 2% works well too. I would advise against using nonfat cottage cheese as the flavor and texture won’t be as good.
They work best if you make the batter in a blender because it smooths out the texture of the cottage cheese and adds air to the batter.
Yes, simply let cool and freeze in a single layer (or multiple layers with parchment paper in between) in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can before sealing.
How to Store
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm briefly before serving.
You can also store them stacked between pieces of parchment paper in a freezer bag. Reheat in 15 second increments in the microwave to warm up.
Best Tips for Success
- To make these gluten-free, use certified gluten-free rolled oats.
- Use 2% or 4% fat cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Try using ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for another variation.
- Serve topped with applesauce, apple butter, jam, or maple syrup—or warmed frozen fruit like blueberries.
- Make the pancakes small to medium in size so they’re easy to flip over.
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I’d love to hear what your family thinks of these if you try them, so please comment below to share!
Quick Cottage Cheese Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% milk fat)
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- berries, applesauce, maple syrup, and/or jam to serve
Instructions
- Blend on high until super smooth.
- Warm a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add half of the butter and let melt.
- Add a small amount of the batter at a time, spreading thinly and cook for about 3 minutes per side. You want to see little bubbles and for the top to be mostly set before you flip each over to ensure they are cooked through.
- Melt the remaining butter and repeat to cook the remaining batter. Serve warm with desired toppings.⠀⠀
Video
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Warm briefly before serving.
- Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese if desired.
- Serve topped with applesauce, apple butter, jam, or maple syrup.
- Make the pancakes small to medium in size so they’re easy to flip over.
Nutrition
This post was first published in December 2019.
I was hoping these would be a hit but my kids were not a fan. I didn’t love the flavor but the texture was good. Next time will add some honey or maple syrup to the batter.
These came out great. I added 2 grated apples. I made them for my 10 month old but I am snacking on them too as they are very tasty!
Super quick and loved by my 13 month old, my husband and myself!
SO delicious and easy. Another favorite recipe for both my 10 month old and toddler!!!
These were hit with my toddler who loves savory! I added him, nutritional yeast, and Italian spices.
Ham
Great versatile pancake recipe! I use this as the base recipe for a variety of different flavor pancakes for my 8 month old. I add in different puréed fruits for different flavors, sometimes I add a little peanut butter, the possibilities are endless!
So glad!
My toddler just finished off her plate of these. Great pancakes and I feel good giving them to her. I love the simple ingredient list and love that she’s getting her fats and proteins in. Another great recipe to add to the books. Thanks Amy!
I’m so glad to hear it!
Have you ever tried these as a sheet-pan pancake?
I haven’t and worry they wouldn’t cook right since they are a thinner pancake than traditional batter. Let me know if you try it though
I haven’t tried this yet but would love to try for breakfast Tom. Can you tell me if there’s any leveaning agent needed? Would it fit fluff up even without baking soda?
They do well without it, but you can add 1/4 teaspoon baking powder if you’d like.
I can’t get over how quick and easy these cottage cheese pancakes are to make. Whenever I feed these to my son I feel like mom of the year because he’s having such a healthy, well rounded breakfast. These freeze and reheat well!
My kiddos loved these! This is our new favorite pancake recipe. Lots of flavor and I love the ingredients. I added a touch of maple syrup to the batter, which ended up being a bit thin. However, I let it sit for about 5 minutes and it thickened up perfectly. Thanks Amy!
These are great. If you want something reminiscent of lemon ricotta pancakes, throw a wedge of lemon (peel included) and a tablespoon or two of sugar or honey into the blender with everything else (including the vanilla). Extra yummy😘
Love this recipe because it’s easy to make and also nutritious . I make them for my son and he loves them .
Our favorite pancakes ever. Super easy , tasty and nutritious! Thank you Amy for your recipes. It and changed my life as a new mom
Please tell me I can freeze these?!
Of course! Just place in a single layer in a freezer bag and put wax paper or parchment between the layers so they don’t stick together.