If you love a good baked potato but are looking for a higher-protein, satisfying twist, Reddit might have just the answer: cottage cheese. This easy swap is gaining traction as users rave about using cottage cheese instead of sour cream, adding a creamy, slightly tangy topping that also packs in protein. Some keep it simple: just a dollop of cottage cheese on a fluffy, steaming potato. While others go all out, loading up their spuds with shredded cheese, chives and even buffalo chicken. But no matter how you top it, this is one baked potato upgrade you’ll want to try.
The cottage cheese baked potato craze
Baked potatoes are a classic comfort food, but they’re often paired with toppings that don’t offer much in the way of nutrition. Cottage cheese, on the other hand, contains around 12–14 grams of protein per half-cup. It’s also naturally creamy, making it a perfect swap for sour cream.
Recently, Reddit has been buzzing with love for this simple yet genius combination. “I put cottage cheese instead of sour cream on my baked potatoes,” one Redditor shared.
Another user agreed, saying, “It’s higher in protein which is a good reason to do it. I’ve used it as sour cream before too but I blend it and add a touch of lemon juice. It works quite well.” Blending cottage cheese creates a smooth texture that mimics the tangy richness of sour cream, making it ideal for those who might not love the natural curds.
A high-protein hack that keeps you full
Beyond taste, many Redditors swear by this combination for its ability to keep them full for hours without being overly heavy. In the r/1500isplenty subreddit, one user broke down the numbers: “Baked potatoes are the ultimate hack! 215g potato + 15g cheese + 6g light butter = 276 cals and damn it was so filling!! Paired it with some chicken and broccoli and the dinner total was under 500 cals and I was stuffed afterwards.”
Others chimed in, saying they had similar experiences. “Yes, I love baked potatoes. Yesterday I had one with cottage cheese & chives, cooked up some baby spinach with garlic & added that on top. Had it with apple chicken sausage. I was soooo full.” It’s easy to see why people are hooked.
Make your own cottage cheese baked potato
Lesyy
For a simple, satisfying meal, you’ll need just one potato, a ½ cup cottage cheese and any toppings you love. The best potatoes for baking are Russets, thanks to their high starch content, which gives them that light and airy texture when cooked. Yukon Golds work too, especially if you prefer a creamier bite.
Directions:
-
Bake or microwave the potato. For the oven, scrub your potato clean, poke a few holes in it with a fork, rub it with oil and salt. Bake at 400° F for 45-60 minutes until tender. For the microwave, pierce the potato a few times with a fork and cook for four minutes per side, or until soft. If you want the best of both worlds, you can microwave the potato first and then crisp it up in the oven for 10 minutes.
-
Split the potato open and fluff the inside with a fork. Add butter, salt and pepper if desired.
-
Spoon in cottage cheese (you can blend it beforehand until smooth) and let the warmth of the potato slightly melt it. Some Redditors choose to microwave for an additional minute.
-
Top it off! Add shredded cheese, chives, scallions or even salsa for extra flavor.
-
Enjoy immediately—including the crispy, delicious skin.
How to dress up your cottage cheese baked potato
Some Redditors keep things simple, embracing the pure goodness of cottage cheese on its own. But for those who love a loaded potato, there are endless ways to take it up a notch.
One user recommended, “Load on some cottage cheese and top with some fresh herbs. I prefer any combination of chives, scallion, parsley.”
Another suggested mixing in salsa: “Cottage cheese and salsa on a baked potato is really good.” The tanginess of salsa pairs well with the mild creaminess of cottage cheese, making it an unexpected flavor twist.
For a heartier meal, one Redditor shared: “I made a cottage cheese buffalo dip that I mixed with shredded chicken and some green onions. Put that on an open-faced baked potato. Topped with crispy onions. Delicious.” The warm, melty topping with a little crunch sounds like the perfect comfort food.
More cottage cheese recipes:
These Crispy Cottage Cheese Mac & Cheese Bites Are the Perfect Protein-Packed Snack or Party Appetizer
Have You Heard? Cottage Cheese Bowls Are the New Yogurt Bowls—Here’s How to Make Them
