Cottage cheese protein pancakes with oatmeal are perfect for a healthy, high-protein breakfast or snack.
Healthy cottage cheese oatmeal pancakes are made with a mixture of blended cottage cheese, oats, and egg whites. These protein pancakes are even one of the best gluten-free recipes for pancakes!
This pancake recipe is filling thanks to the high-protein content of both the cottage cheese and egg whites. These cottage cheese pancakes are a nutritious and tasty way to start your day.
Cottage cheese is one of the highest trending ingredients on places like TikTok this year. This is mainly due to the viral cottage cheese ice cream recipe. Body builders and other people trying to gain muscle love to eat meals high in protein.
Cottage cheese is high-protein, low-carb food that can help health-conscious eaters meet their protein intake goals. Its mild flavor and texture make it an easy ingredient to add to various recipes like this cottage cheese protein pancake recipe.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Cottage cheese protein pancakes are packed with protein. The combination of healthy cottage cheese, oats, and egg whites helps you feel full and energized throughout the day.
- These high-protein pancakes offer a great balance of protein and complex carbohydrates. With the added cottage cheese and egg whites, you get even more protein than traditional pancakes. The oats are a complex carbohydrate that provides fiber. Since these pancakes made with oatmeal do not contain any wheat flour, they are also gluten-free.
- You can make many variations of cottage cheese protein pancakes. You can add various ingredients like fresh fruits, nuts, or spices to enhance the flavor. Mix in some pureed pumpkin to make pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes.
- The recipe is not ketogenic, but it may be considered lower in carbs compared to traditional pancakes.
Recipe Ingredients
- Cottage cheese
- Oats
- Egg whites
- Baking soda
- Vanilla extract
- Sweetener of choice (such as maple syrup or Stevia)
Ingredient Notes
Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is a creamy and mild-tasting cheese made from cow's milk. It is now a viral ingredient on places like TikTok and across the internet because of its high protein content. Cottage cheese can be enjoyed on its own, added to recipes, or used as a high-protein ingredient in various dishes. Low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese can be used and it doesn't matter if it is small-curd or large-curd since the cottage cheese will be blended. I typically use Aldi cottage cheese.
*If you are making a Trim Healthy Mama Energizing (E) pancake breakfast, make sure to use low-fat cottage cheese.
Oats: Oats serve an important role in protein pancakes. They provide a hearty and nutritious base while adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Oats also contribute to the texture of the pancakes. Whole grain carbohydrates, like oats, help maintain energy levels and provide a balanced meal. Using oats instead of flour makes these pancakes gluten-free.
Egg whites: Egg whites are a key ingredient in protein pancakes. They are healthy, rich in protein, low in fat, and help bind the pancake batter together. Egg whites provide structure, fluffiness, and contribute to the overall protein content of the pancakes.
Baking powder: Baking powder is added to protein pancakes as a leavening agent. This helps the batter rise to create air pockets. Try to purchase aluminum-free baking powder if possible.
Sweetener: Maple syrup or stevia are used as sweeteners in protein pancakes. Maple syrup adds a natural, rich sweetness, while stevia is a calorie-free sweetener derived from plants. Both options help enhance the flavor of the pancakes without adding excessive sugar.
*If you are making a Trim Healthy Mama Energizing (E) pancake breakfast, make sure to use Stevia or a THM recommended sweetener instead of maple syrup.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
Making healthy protein pancakes is easy! With simple ingredients like cottage cheese, oats, egg whites, and baking powder, you can whip up a nutritious and delicious breakfast. Just blend the ingredients, cook on a griddle, and enjoy the protein-packed pancakes.
Step 1: Add the oats to a food processor or blender. Blend until the oats turn into a powder resembling flour.
Step 2: Next, add the liquid egg whites, cottage cheese, baking powder, sweetener, and vanilla to the blender with the oat flour.
Step 3: Blend the ingredients well. The texture should resemble traditional pancake batter.
Step 4: Heat a nonstick griddle or nonstick fry pan over medium heat.
Step 5: Spray the pan or skillet with non-stick spray or coat with a small amount of butter.
Step 6: Using a ¼ measuring cup, ladle the mix onto the skillet or pan. Cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until lightly browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.
Step 7: Serve with syrup or toppings of choice.
📖 Recipe
Cottage Cheese Protein Pancakes
Ingredients
- 1 cup oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup egg whites
- 2 teaspoons baking powder
- 2-3 teaspoons sweetener of choice, such as maple syrup or stevia
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Add the oats to a food processor or blender. Blend until the oats turn into a powder resembling flour.
- Next, add the liquid egg whites, cottage cheese, baking powder, sweetener, and vanilla to the blender with the oat flour.
- Blend the ingredients well. The texture should resemble traditional pancake batter.
- Heat a nonstick griddle or nonstick fry pan over medium heat.
- Spray the pan or skillet with non-stick spray or coat with a small amount of butter.
- Using a ¼ measuring cup, ladle the mix onto the skillet or pan. Cook until bubbles form and the edges are dry, 1 to 2 minutes. Flip and cook until lightly browned on the other side. Repeat with remaining batter.
- Serve with syrup or toppings of choice.
Notes
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- For a smoother texture, blend or process the batter until well combined and oats are finely ground.
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- Use a non-stick pan or griddle, or lightly grease the cooking surface with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
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- Use a measuring cup or ladle to pour consistent amounts of batter onto the cooking surface for evenly sized pancakes. Wait until the edges of the pancakes look set and bubbles form on the surface before flipping. Use a spatula to gently flip the pancakes to avoid breaking them.
- If avoiding sugar, use sugar-free syrup or use a dollop of yogurt with no added sugar.
Recipe Tips & Tricks
- For a smoother texture, blend or process the batter until well combined and oats are finely ground.
- Use a non-stick pan or griddle, or lightly grease the cooking surface with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
- Use a measuring cup or ladle to pour consistent amounts of batter onto the cooking surface for evenly sized pancakes. Wait until the edges of the pancakes look set and bubbles form on the surface before flipping. Use a spatula to gently flip the pancakes to avoid breaking them.
- If avoiding sugar, use sugar-free syrup or use a dollop of yogurt with no added sugar as a topping.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of cottage cheese for protein pancakes?
Yes, you can use different types of cottage cheese for protein pancakes, such as low-fat or full-fat. Choose the one that aligns with your dietary preferences and nutritional goals. Keep in mind that the texture and flavor may vary slightly depending on the type of cottage cheese used.
If you are making a Trim Healthy Mama Energizing (E) pancake breakfast, make sure to use low-fat cottage cheese.
Do cottage cheese protein pancakes taste like cottage cheese?
No, cottage cheese protein pancakes do not have a strong cottage cheese taste. The other ingredients, such as the oats and egg whites, help balance and mask the cottage cheese flavor. The cottage cheese mainly contributes to the texture and moistness of the pancakes.
Can I meal prep or make cottage cheese protein pancakes in advance?
Yes, cottage cheese protein pancakes can be made in advance and stored for later. You can refrigerate them in an airtight container for up to 3 days or freeze them for longer-term storage. If you freeze the pancakes, use parchment or wax paper to separate the pancakes into serving sizes before freezing so you can easily pull out what you need.
What is Trim Healthy Mama?
Trim Healthy Mama is a diet and lifestyle program developed by sisters Serene Allison and Pearl Barrett. It focuses on promoting weight loss and overall health through a combination of balanced eating principles.
Trim Healthy Mama emphasizes separating meals into specific fuel sources, such as separating carbohydrates from fats, to optimize metabolism and promote weight loss. Recipes are usually categorized as E (Energizing) or S (Satisfying). E recipes tend to have more carbohydrates with a lower fat content while S meals tend to focus on recipes high in fat content, but low in carbs.
Trim Healthy Mama encourages the consumption of whole, unprocessed foods while avoiding added sugars and highly processed ingredients. It also incorporates elements of glycemic index awareness and portion control.
The program provides a wide range of recipes, meal plans, and guidelines to help individuals achieve their weight loss and health goals.
Storage & Reheating:
- Storage: After making cottage cheese protein pancakes, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This ensures freshness and convenience for quick breakfasts or snacks.
- Reheating: To reheat cottage cheese protein pancakes, you can use a microwave. Microwave the pancakes in 20 second increments until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze cottage cheese protein pancakes for longer-term storage. Place them in a single layer or serving size with parchment paper in between, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat from frozen in the microwave.
Additions and Substitutions
- Fruits: Add sliced bananas, blueberries, strawberries, or diced apples for natural sweetness.
- Nuts and Seeds: Sprinkle chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, walnuts, or flaxseeds for added crunch and healthy fats.
- Spices: Incorporate flavors like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. You can even add pureed pumpkin to make pumpkin cottage cheese pancakes.
- Chocolate Chips: For a sweet indulgence, mix in dark chocolate or mini chocolate chips.
- Nut Butter: Swirl in a spoonful of peanut butter, almond butter, or cashew butter for a creamy and rich flavor.
- Coconut Flakes: Sprinkle shredded coconut on top for a tropical twist.
Lauren
This high-protein pancake recipe is fantastic.