Introduction
The humble cottage cheese bowl has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, evolving from a 1970s diet staple to a modern keto superstar. This protein-rich dairy product has been a favorite among athletes and health enthusiasts for decades, but it's found new life in the keto community as a versatile base for nutrient-dense meals. During the rise of the ketogenic diet in the late 2010s, creative food enthusiasts began elevating this simple ingredient by pairing it with premium nuts and seeds, transforming it from a plain dairy product into a gourmet breakfast option that's both satisfying and nutritionally complete.
Ingredients
• 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (4% milkfat)
• 2 tablespoons raw pumpkin seeds
• 2 tablespoons raw sunflower seeds
• 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 pinch sea salt
• 1 teaspoon coconut oil (for toasting nuts and seeds)
Step 1:
Heat coconut oil in a small skillet over medium heat until melted
Step 2:
Add pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, and sliced almonds to the skillet. Toast for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until golden brown and fragrant
Step 3:
Remove skillet from heat and stir in chia seeds, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. Let cool for 1 minute
Step 4:
Place cottage cheese in a serving bowl and stir in vanilla extract
Step 5:
Top cottage cheese with the toasted seed and nut mixture
Q: Can I make the nut and seed mixture in advance?
A: Yes, you can toast the mixture in advance and store in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Q: Is this recipe truly keto-friendly?
A: Yes, with only 8g of net carbs per serving, it fits well within keto diet guidelines
Q: Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
A: Full-fat is recommended for keto, but low-fat can be used if preferred, though it will affect the macronutrient ratio
• Choose cottage cheese with visible curds for better texture.
• Raw nuts and seeds can be substituted with pre-roasted versions (omit toasting step).
• Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese for a different protein option.
• Avoid sweetened or flavored cottage cheese varieties to keep carbs low.
• Store unused toasted nuts and seeds in an airtight container.
• Recipe is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly.
• Contains tree nuts and dairy allergens.
Serve immediately while nuts and seeds are still warm, or at room temperature
Best consumed fresh. Store leftover toasted nut mixture separately from cottage cheese in an airtight container for up to 1 week
Toast nuts and seeds while measuring other ingredients to optimize time
- Watch nuts and seeds closely while toasting as they can burn quickly
- Allow nut mixture to cool slightly before adding to prevent warming the cottage cheese
- Use room temperature cottage cheese for best texture and flavor
Try adding sugar-free sweetener or fresh berries for sweetness, or swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a different texture
Pair with unsweetened coffee, tea, or sparkling water with lemon
Year Round
Contains dairy (cottage cheese) and tree nuts (almonds). May contain traces of other tree nuts depending on seed processing facilities
