Crispy, savory, and wildly addictive, these Cottage Cheese Chips are protein-packed delights that taste like a guilty pleasure but are secretly wholesome! With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll transform humble cottage cheese into crunchy chips that pair perfectly with any dip and come together with barely any effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra High Protein: Each bite of these Cottage Cheese Chips packs in dairy protein, making your snacking both satisfying and nourishing.
- Ridiculously Simple: Minimal ingredients and easy prep means you’ll have a crunchy snack in under an hour, using ingredients you probably already have.
- Totally Customizable: Dress them up with your favorite seasonings for something salty, herby, or spicy—the possibilities are endless!
- Naturally Gluten-Free: No flour or grains required, so everyone can enjoy these crispy wonders.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a few simple ingredients are all you need to create Cottage Cheese Chips with a big flavor payoff. Each component has a purpose—don’t skip the optional seasonings if you want to dial up the taste!
- Small curd cottage cheese (1 cup): This is the star of the show—use 4% or 2% milk fat for best texture and creaminess. Full-fat options create the richest, crispiest chips.
- Onion powder (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a hint of savory depth and makes the chips taste even more snackable.
- Everything but the bagel seasoning (2 teaspoons, optional): Brings crunch, salt, sesame, and a burst of flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
- Parchment paper: Technically not an ingredient, but crucial for non-stick, stress-free removal!
Variations
One of my favorite things about these Cottage Cheese Chips is how easy they are to tweak to your tastes or what you have on hand. Think of this as your blank canvas for snack creativity!
- Cheesy Ranch: Sprinkle ranch seasoning and a dusting of parmesan before baking for bold flavor and extra crunch.
- Spicy Sriracha: Stir a touch of Sriracha or chili flakes into the cottage cheese mixture for a fiery, tangy kick.
- Fresh Herb: Add chopped fresh herbs like chives, dill, or parsley to the batter for a burst of garden-fresh flavor.
- Classic Salt & Pepper: Simpler can be better—just a generous grind of black pepper and flaky salt makes for an elegantly simple chip.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chips
Step 1: Prep Your Pan & Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This is key for ensuring the Cottage Cheese Chips lift off easily and don’t stick!
Step 2: Mix the Cottage Cheese
In a small bowl, combine your small curd cottage cheese and, if you’re using it, onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly distributed—this will make every chip taste consistently delicious.
Step 3: Portion and Flatten
Drop spoonfuls (about one tablespoon each) of the cottage cheese mixture onto your lined pan, spacing them about an inch apart. For uniformly crispy results, use the back of the spoon to gently flatten each mound into a thin, even round.
Step 4: Add Seasonings
If you love extra flavor and crunch, sprinkle your Everything but the Bagel seasoning generously over each cottage cheese round. You can play with the amounts or swap in your favorite seasoning blend.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 30–40 minutes, keeping a close eye on them after the 25-minute mark. Once the edges are deep golden brown and the center is set, you know you’ve achieved chip nirvana. Each oven is a little different, so start checking early!
Step 6: Cool Completely
Your patience will be rewarded—wait until the chips are fully cooled (about 10–15 minutes) before carefully lifting them from the parchment. This step transforms them from pliable to crisp!
Pro Tips for Making Cottage Cheese Chips
- Best Results With Drier Cheese: If your cottage cheese seems very wet, strain it and blot with a paper towel—less moisture equals crispier chips!
- Thickness Matters: Try to keep each chip the same thickness so they bake evenly; if some are thicker, they might stay soft in the center.
- Watch Closely After 25 Minutes: These chips go from golden to overdone in a flash, so peek early and don’t be afraid to pull a couple off for a crunchy taste-test.
- Cooling Is Non-Negotiable: Don’t be tempted to remove the chips before they’ve fully cooled—they firm up as they rest for perfect crunch.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chips
Garnishes
Scatter fresh chopped chives, a pinch of smoked paprika, or a dusting of extra Everything but the Bagel seasoning for an eye-catching and flavor-boosting finish. These small touches make your Cottage Cheese Chips just a little more special and party-ready!
Side Dishes
Cottage Cheese Chips are a fabulous sidekick for creamy dips like guacamole, hummus, or Greek yogurt ranch. Pair them next to a crisp veggie platter or alongside a fresh green salad for a fun, satisfying lunch spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chips in a vintage tin, a fancy bowl lined with parchment, or pile them on a wooden board with assorted dips and crudités. For parties, stack them like potato chips in a tall glass or arrange them as a base for tiny smoked salmon bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow have leftovers (they’re addicting, so good luck!), store Cottage Cheese Chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. They’ll stay crisp but are always best freshly made.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended, as Cottage Cheese Chips can lose their signature crunch and turn a bit chewy after being thawed. Make a fresh batch—they’re quick to whip up!
Reheating
To restore a little snap, you can pop leftover chips onto a sheet tray and bake at 325°F for 3–5 minutes. Let them cool and crisp up again before digging in.
FAQs
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Can I use large curd cottage cheese for these chips?
Small curd cottage cheese works best because it spreads more evenly and bakes up crispier. Large curd will work in a pinch, but your chips might be a little uneven and less snappy.
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Why do my Cottage Cheese Chips stick to the paper?
If your chips stick, they may not have cooled fully or the pan wasn’t lined well. Be patient—wait for them to cool completely, and use parchment for best results. Wax paper or foil won’t work the same way.
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What kind of dips go well with Cottage Cheese Chips?
These chips love any creamy, flavorful dip! Try hummus, tzatziki, salsa, guacamole, or a light ranch. The simple flavor makes them a blank canvas for all your favorite pairings.
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Can I air fry Cottage Cheese Chips instead of baking?
Yes! You can air fry them at 350°F for 8–10 minutes, but watch them closely since they’ll cook faster than in the oven. Be sure to line the air fryer tray or use a silicone mat for easy removal.
Final Thoughts
If you’re seeking a snack that’s delicious, wholesome, and a little bit unexpected, Cottage Cheese Chips are your new go-to. Grab your favorite dip, share them with friends, or hoard them all for yourself—you’ll be hooked from the very first crunch. Happy snacking!
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Cottage Cheese Chips Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 chips 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cottage Cheese Chips are a crispy, savory snack that’s easy to make and delicious to eat. They are a healthier alternative to traditional chips, perfect for guilt-free snacking.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup small curd cottage cheese (I used 4% milk fat)
Optional Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons Everything but the bagel seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a sheet pan with parchment paper.
- Prepare the cottage cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the small curd cottage cheese with onion powder (if using).
- Form the chips: Place spoonfuls of the cottage cheese mixture on the parchment paper, flatten them, and top with Everything but the bagel seasoning.
- Bake: Bake for 30-40 minutes until golden brown on the edges.
- Cool and serve: Allow the chips to cool completely before serving with your favorite dip.
Notes
- Serving size: 6 chips per serving, adjust if making more chips.
- Strain cottage cheese if it has excess liquid and blot dry with a paper towel.
- Watch chips closely while baking as oven times may vary.
- Best results with 4% milk fat cottage cheese, but 2% can be used.
- Cool chips for 10-15 minutes before removing from parchment paper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 chips
- Calories: approx. 120 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
