Name: Crispy Cottage Cheese Chips
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 cup whole milk small curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat for best results); 1 teaspoon garlic powder (granulated preferred); 1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked); 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt; 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional); 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Last week, my teenage son caught me making what he called “weird cheese circles” in the kitchen. When I told him they were cottage cheese chips, he gave me that look – you know the one. But after trying just one crispy, golden chip, he was back ten minutes later asking if I had more. That’s when I knew these cottage cheese chips were going to be a game-changer in our house.

I’ve been experimenting with high-protein snacks since my competition prep days, but nothing quite satisfied that craving for something crunchy and salty like regular chips. These cottage cheese chips deliver all the satisfying crunch you want with 12 grams of protein per serving. My kids now actually ask for “Mom’s protein chips” for movie nights, and honestly, I’m just as addicted as they are!

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Chips

I always use whole milk cottage cheese for these chips because the 4% fat content creates the perfect crispy texture without any rubbery results. Good Culture is my go-to brand, but I’ve had success with Breakstone’s and Friendship too.

1 cup whole milk small curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat)
1 teaspoon garlic powder – I recommend using granulated rather than fresh for even distribution
1/2 teaspoon paprika (sweet or smoked work equally well)
1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt – my preference is fine sea salt over table salt for better adherence
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional) – in my experience, this adds incredible savory depth and helps with browning
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Additional seasonings of choice – I usually experiment with onion powder, dried Italian herbs, or even a pinch of cayenne

Step-by-Step Instructions

In my experience, the secret to perfectly crispy chips lies in spreading them thin and watching them like a hawk during the final few minutes.

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (not 400°F – I learned this the hard way after burning my first batch) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: In a medium mixing bowl, thoroughly combine cottage cheese with all seasonings. Mix until the seasonings are completely distributed and there are no dry pockets.

Step 3: Using a tablespoon, drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto the parchment-lined baking sheet. Using the back of the spoon or a small offset spatula, spread each portion into thin rounds about 2½ inches across – think the size of a silver dollar. Leave at least 1½ inches between each chip.

Step 4: Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through. The chips are ready when they’re deep golden brown around the edges and feel firm when gently touched with a spatula.

Step 5: Let chips cool completely on the baking sheet for at least 10 minutes. They’ll continue crisping as they cool, so resist testing them too early or they’ll seem soft.

What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Chips

These protein-packed chips pair beautifully with both creamy dips and fresh accompaniments.

Fresh Guacamole: The rich, creamy avocado balances the tangy cottage cheese perfectly while adding healthy fats. Try my cottage cheese chicken salad as a protein-rich alternative dip.

Homemade Salsa: The acidity from tomatoes and lime cuts through the richness while providing fresh nutrients. These chips are sturdy enough to handle chunky salsas without breaking.

Greek Yogurt Ranch: This creates an indulgent snack that still supports your protein goals with nearly 30g protein per serving. The tangy yogurt complements the cottage cheese base beautifully.

Cottage Cheese Alfredo: For an ultra-indulgent protein snack, use these chips to scoop up my creamy cottage cheese alfredo sauce.

Hummus: The combination provides a complete amino acid profile while offering satisfying Mediterranean flavors and extra fiber.

Storage & Serving Tips

Store completely cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days in low-humidity conditions. In humid climates, they may lose crispness after 2-3 days.

For best results, never refrigerate as this will make them soggy. If they lose some crispness, pop them back in a 350°F oven for 3-4 minutes to restore their crunch. I recommend making them fresh when possible for maximum crispiness.

These chips are incredibly versatile – crumble them over my chickpea, beet, and feta salad for extra protein and crunch, or pack them in lunch boxes with some cottage cheese brownies for a complete protein-packed snack attack.

Conclusion

These cottage cheese chips prove that healthy snacking doesn’t require sacrifice. With their impressive 12g protein per serving and satisfying crunch, they’ve earned permanent status in our snack rotation. Give them a try and watch them disappear faster than you can make them!