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• This Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe Is A Lighter Take On My Childhood Favorite
• Ingredients & Substitutions
• How To Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes
• My Recipe Tips
• Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe card
• Topping Ideas
• Recipe Reviews

This Cottage Cheese Pancakes Recipe Is A Lighter Take On My Childhood Favorite

These cottage cheese pancakes were inspired by the Slavic syrniki I grew up eating. My grandma made those with farmer’s cheese and shaped the dough into rounds before frying. I went with a more traditional batter this time, but they still have the flavor I remember. Here’s what makes this cottage cheese pancakes recipe worth making:

• Light and fluffy – The combination of flours and blended cottage cheese gives these pancakes a classic fluffy pancake texture. I’d describe the flavor as a little creamy and a little cheesy, but still very neutral.
• High protein – Not quite as much as my protein powder pancakes , but these cottage cheese protein pancakes still pack over 8 grams of protein in each small serving of two… or over 17 grams if you have 4-5 like I do!
• No white flour or refined sugar – Unlike other recipes I’ve seen, mine doesn’t have regular white flour or refined sugar. I used a blend of einkorn flour (an ancient wheat found at many grocery stores) and almond flour , and they taste just as delicious.
• Family approved – I first made these while we had a large group of friends staying with us, and everyone (kids and adults alike) inhaled them. Even my youngest daughter, who usually won’t touch anything with almond flour , came back for more. In fact, these pancakes have had a spot in my freezer for grab-and-go breakfasts ever since.

If you’re looking to change up your pancake game and eat more protein this year, make these cottage cheese pancakes with me! I think you’ll see why they’ve become a new family favorite for us.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here I explain the best ingredients for my cottage cheese pancakes recipe, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card .

• Cottage Cheese – Gives the pancakes their protein and signature flavor! I’ve tested this recipe with 1% or 2%, but I’m sure full-fat cottage cheese would work, too. You can also use farmer’s cheese .
• Flours – I used a mix of Wholesome Yum Superfine Almond Flour and einkorn flour , an ancient, unmodified wheat that’s easier to digest. I tried all almond flour first (adapted from my almond flour pancakes ), but the result was harder to flip and the texture wasn’t quite right. The combo with einkorn flour gave me a texture much closer to traditional pancakes. I also love this flour for cottage cheese muffins . For a gluten-free option, tapioca flour worked pretty well in my testing.
• Eggs – For structure. If you want to swap in flax eggs or another egg substitute , I recommend making the pancakes smaller because they’ll be less sturdy.
• Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend – Just a touch for natural sweetness. I’ve also had success with my Zero Sugar Maple Syrup or Zero Sugar Honey — the amount is small enough that they don’t change the batter consistency much. Any sweetener you like will work, but I’m partial to these options for a clean sweet taste without refined sugar or bitterness.
• Baking Powder (for lift), Vanilla Extract (for flavor), and Sea Salt (for balance)
• Avocado Oil – I like using avocado oil for frying because it has a neutral taste and handles heat well. Olive oil is also fine if it’s not too strong, or you can use butter if you keep the heat low enough.

How To Make Cottage Cheese Pancakes

I have step-by-step photos here to help you visualize the recipe. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card .

1. Blend the wet ingredients. Add the cottage cheese and eggs to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Add the dry ingredients. Add both flours, Besti, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend again.

1. Cook the pancakes. Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour small circles using 1/8 cup of batter into the pan and cook until bubbles form on top and the edges look set. Flip the cottage cheese pancakes and cook until the other side is golden. Repeat with the rest of the batter, adding more oil as needed.

My Recipe Tips

• If there’s any extra liquid sitting on top of the cottage cheese, I pour it off before using. It helps keep the batter from getting too runny.
• Can you make these without a blender? Yes, you can whisk by hand, but cottage cheese pancakes taste much better blended. Otherwise you end up with little chunks of cottage cheese in them. This is my favorite blender that gets the batter smooth in seconds. You can also use a food processor, but it takes.
• If your pan gets too hot, the pancakes can brown too fast on the outside before the inside cooks through. I usually start on medium, then turn it down to medium-low if needed.
• A thin, flexible spatula makes flipping much easier. I’m obsessed with this one ! It slides underneath so easily.
• If you want a smooth, golden surface on your pancakes, less oil is more. I usually heat a little oil first, then gently wipe the pan with a paper towel so there’s just a shimmer left. I used my new ceramic nonstick pan for these and barely needed any. One tablespoon was more than enough.
• Feel free to add add-ins. Just stir them in after blending. Blueberries or these chocolate chips are my two favorites.

Ingredients

Tap underlined ingredients to see the ones I use.

• 1 cup Cottage cheese (drain any extra liquid on top, if any) ▢
• 3 large Eggs ▢
• 2/3 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour ▢
• 1/3 cup Einkorn flour (or tapioca flour for gluten free) ▢
• 2 tbsp Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend ▢
• 1 tsp Baking powder ▢
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract ▢
• 1/8 tsp Sea salt ▢
• 1 tbsp Avocado oil (plus more as needed, for frying) ▢

Instructions

Tap on the times in the instructions to start a kitchen timer.

1. Place the cottage cheese and eggs in a blender . Blend until smooth.
2. Add the almond flour, einkorn flour (or tapioca flour), Besti, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend again just until combined.
3. Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour circles of the batter into the pan, 1/8 cup at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes , until lots of bubbles form on top, the edges start to dry out a bit, and you can slide a spatula underneath. Flip and fry for 1-2 minutes , until golden brown on the other side.
4. Repeat with all the pancake batter. Add more oil as needed if the pan gets dry.

LAST STEP: Leave a rating to help other readers, or tag me @wholesomeyum on Instagram. I’d love to hear from you!

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 cottage cheese pancakes

• Tips: Want fluffier pancakes that don’t fall apart? My recipe tips above cover all the little tricks I use to get them just right.
• Storage: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-7 days.
• Meal prep: These work great for meal prep. I make a batch on the weekend and my kids reheat during the week for quick breakfasts.
• Reheat: You can warm them up in the microwave, on a griddle, or in the toaster oven. I spread a little butter on top to prevent drying out. If they’re frozen, just add a little extra time.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer or between layers of parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: I kept the serving size to 2 pancakes to keep consistent with my other pancake recipes, but it’s more realistic to have 4 as a meal. Doubling these numbers, that’s over 17 grams of protein!

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

Add Your NotesYour Notes

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead.

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Topping Ideas

There’s no wrong way to enjoy this cottage cheese pancakes recipe. Try it with:

• Syrup & Butter – A pat of butter + my Wholesome Yum Zero Sugar Maple Syrup is my go-to. (I may have gotten a little syrup-happy in my picture above. 😉)
• Fruit & Cream – Top with strawberries, blueberries, or bananas, along with a dollop of sugar-free whipped cream .
• Yogurt & Honey – For an extra protein boost, I add a spoonful of thick Greek yogurt and a drizzle of my zero sugar honey .
• Nut Butter & Chocolate – In the mood for something more indulgent? Spread on peanut butter or almond butter, then drizzle with my sugar-free chocolate syrup .

Free Printable: Low Carb & Keto Food List

• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• The Basic Keto Meal Formula
• Understanding Macros
• Keto Food Swaps
• Keto Food List
• Electrolyte Basics
• Keto Diet Types
• Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?
• Recipe Reviews

Even though I have a great guide to starting a keto diet , people often ask me for a quick keto cheat sheet they can use. That’s why I created this simple keto diet cheat sheet , so that you can have all the info you need handy. We’ll cover the basic keto formula for building meals, foods to eat and to avoid, delicious keto swaps for high-carb foods, electrolyte basics, and 4 ways to follow the keto lifestyle.

You can keep reading to view this info, or download my keto cheat sheet printable pdf to print out or save ad-free on any device (plus the pdf has more details!).

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ foods) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System + EBooks (Only $37)

The Basic Keto Meal Formula

Eating keto doesn’t have to be complicated! While there are plenty of delicious easy keto recipes to choose from, you don’t even have to cook from a recipe to get started.

Simply follow the keto cheat sheet formula of protein + veggie + fat for your meals.

Be sure to choose a moderate amount of protein, only low carb vegetables (mostly ones that grow above ground), and generous fat to attain an optimal macro ratio. That’s approximately 60-75% of calories from fat, 20-25% protein, and 5-10% from carbohydrates. The table below will give you ideas for what to choose.

Understanding Macros

Macros are macronutrients for short. They include fat, protein, and carbohydrates.

You can calculate your own macros using the macro calculator , but the macro keto cheat sheet below will explain how to look at macros when following a keto lifestyle.

Carbs Are A Limit.

Keeping carbs low is what gets you into ketosis and keeps you there. Ketosis means that you’re using fat as your primary energy source instead of sugar, and requires keeping carbs very low.

A good starting point is 20-25 grams net carbs per day, but you can experiment after a few weeks to see if your body stays in ketosis at higher levels. People who are very active may be able to do more and stay in ketosis, up to around 50 grams per day.

“Carbs are a limit” means that you set a limit for how many carbs to eat per day and don’t exceed it. You don’t have to hit that limit, so if you’re under that’s okay, just don’t go over. Ideally most of your carbs would come from low carb vegetables, and if you’re eating enough veggies, you’ll usually get close to the limit naturally.

A common misconception is that reaching ketosis requires a certain macro ratio, but it’s really only restricting your carb intake that gets you there [ * ]. In the absence of sufficient carbs to use as energy, the body will switch to using fat as fuel. This is called the metabolic state of ketosis.

Protein Is A Goal.

Protein is made up of amino acids, the building blocks of all our cells. It’s a crucial for keeping our muscles strong and for many cellular functions [ * ].

“Protein is a goal” means that you always want to eat enough protein to reach the goal each day, but not exceed it too much. You want enough for your needs, but excess protein can trigger gluconeogenesis, which is protein being converted to sugar [ * ] and can kick you out of ketosis.

Fat Is A Lever.

Fat is the primary macronutrient in a keto lifestyle, because being in ketosis means that fat is your primary fuel source. Fat as a fuel source will come from your food, and if you are losing weight, from your body.

A big advantage of a keto lifestyle is the high fat intake. It keeps you full and satisfied, making it easier to stick to, and using it as the primary fuel source makes it easier on your body to burn body fat, with a lower chance of breaking down your muscle (provided you get enough protein).

Aside from reaching your protein goal and limiting your carbs, the remainder of your calories on a keto diet comes from fat.

Don’t fear fat – it’s your main energy source on keto, and getting enough of it trains your body to use fat for fuel instead of sugar. That means that as long as you are not overdoing your overall calorie intake, you’ll efficiently burn your body fat for fuel as well.

“Fat is a lever” means that you can increase or decrease your fat intake depending on your goals and hunger levels. Increase it (along with exercise) to gain muscle, or decrease it to lose weight.

Keto Food Swaps

One of my favorite challenges is creating recipes, or just discovering, keto food swaps. These are delicious keto replacements for traditionally high-carb or high-sugar foods.

So, I created this keto diet cheat sheet with all the swaps in one place! I also have more keto food swaps in my Easy Keto Cookbook .

Keto Swaps For Breakfast

Keto Swaps For Bread

Keto Swaps For Meals & Side Dishes

Keto Swaps For Snacks & Sauces

Keto Swaps For Cooking & Baking

Keto Swaps For Drinks

If you’re looking specifically for keto alcohol options, browse the full keto alcohol guide .

Keto Food List

When looking for a keto cheat sheet printable, the most-requested information is a keto food list.

The great thing is that keto doesn’t have to feel restrictive. It’s incredibly satisfying and there’s such a wide variety of foods you can eat!

Foods To Eat On Keto

• Leafy greens – Such as spinach, chard, and lettuce.
• Above-ground veggies – Such as peppers, zucchini, and cauliflower.
• Full-fat cream & cheese – Such as heavy cream, sour cream, and full-fat hard cheeses.
• Natural meats – Such as beef, lamb, and pork.
• Berries – Such as raspberries, blackberries, and strawberries.
• Avocados
• Unsweetened nut milks – Such as almond milk and coconut milk.
• Almond flour and coconut flour
• Eggs
• Healthy fats – Such as coconut oil, avocado oil, olive oil and butter.

Foods To Avoid On Keto

• White flour & sugar
• Rice & grains – Such as barley, wheat, and corn.
• Milk & yogurt – Such as fruit on the bottom yogurt, sweetened Greek yogurt, and all milk.
• Cereal
• Processed food – Such as granola bars, candy
• Most fruit – Such as apples, bananas, and grapes
• Hydrogenated fats – Such as vegetable oil, soybean oil, and margarine
• Sweetened beverages & condiments – Such as soda, ketchup, and sweet dressings
• Starchy veggies – Such as peas, carrots, and beets.
• Potatoes – Such as sweet potatoes and white potatoes.

That’s the short keto diet cheat sheet version of all the keto food categories, but I recommend downloading the full Keto Cheat Sheet System. It includes a super detailed printable keto food list with over 100 items, including 2 color-coded pages with net carb counts, along with 6 more pages of keto cheat sheets:

Get The Keto Cheat Sheet System PDF (Only $37)

Electrolyte Basics

Getting enough electrolytes is crucial for anyone, but especially so on a keto diet. The reason is that ketosis has a diuretic effect, which increases excretion of water and electrolytes, especially sodium [ * ]. This is often the cause of the keto flu.

For more details on electrolytes and avoiding keto flu, check out the full keto flu guide here .

The important thing to know about electrolytes is that replenishing them will keep keto flu away and keep your body functioning well. I always recommend an electrolyte drink and whole food sources of anything your body needs before resorting to supplements, so I made a list of what to eat to get each of the 3 major electrolytes – sodium, magnesium and potassium.

Here’s your keto diet cheat sheet for getting electrolytes from food:

Keto Diet Types

People follow a keto lifestyle for different reasons. Some do it just to lose weight, others are after better overall health, increased energy, and reduced inflammation.

Strictly speaking, the defining factor of a keto diet is the metabolic state of ketosis, which is achieved by restricting carbs. However, many people (myself included) also reduce or eliminate processed, inflammatory, or low-nutrient foods.

Below is your keto cheat sheet summary of the different ways that people follow keto. You choose what works best for your goals and lifestyle!

• Strict Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, count all calories and macros, and eat clean, unprocessed foods.
• Lazy Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, and track only net carbs OR eat keto foods without tracking.
• Dirty Keto – Up to 20-30g net carbs daily, with “if it fits your macros” approach including processed foods.
• Low Carb – Up to 50-100g net carbs daily, less strict.

For a more detailed listing of these different types of keto with pros and cons, grab the Easy Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF below!

Want The Keto Cheat Sheet Printable PDF System?

Get all this information and MORE in convenient printer-friendly format – 13 cheat sheet pages you can take with you anywhere or keep in your kitchen, plus 4 recipe cookbooks! Includes:

1. Keto food list (230+ foods) – Super detailed & color-coded, with net carb counts, so you’ll know exactly what to eat.
2. Foods to avoid on keto – Detailed and specific list so that you know exactly what to watch out for.
3. Macros cheat sheet – Explains everything you need to know about macros to succeed on keto.
4. Keto food swaps (60+ swaps) – Covers virtually every food you love, so you don’t have to miss out!
5. Keto meal formula – With specific food ideas, so it’s easy to mix-and-match.
6. Keto flu guide – Understand what it is and exactly how to avoid it.
7. Electrolyte cheat sheet – With whole food ideas + bonus keto tips.
8. Keto Diet Types – Summary of 4 ways to do keto, so you can choose what fits you best.
9. FOUR (4!) Keto Swaps Recipe EBooks – Dozens of recipes to replace bread, rice, potatoes, pasta, desserts, and other carbs you’d otherwise miss.

Get The Printable Keto Cheat Sheet System (75 pages, Only $37!)

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

My fluffy cottage cheese pancakes have lots of protein and no white flour! An easy, protein-packed breakfast that keeps you full longer.

Scan this QR code with your phone’s camera for the full recipe, including tips, step-by-step photos, and storage, or to save it to your account. You can also find it at: https://www.wholesomeyum.com/cottage-cheese-pancakes/

Ingredients

• 1 cup Cottage cheese (drain any extra liquid on top, if any)
• 3 large Eggs
• 2/3 cup Wholesome Yum Blanched Almond Flour
• 1/3 cup Einkorn flour (or tapioca flour for gluten free)
• 2 tbsp Besti Monk Fruit Allulose Blend
• 1 tsp Baking powder
• 1 tsp Vanilla extract
• 1/8 tsp Sea salt
• 1 tbsp Avocado oil (plus more as needed, for frying)

Instructions

1. Place the cottage cheese and eggs in a blender . Blend until smooth.
2. Add the almond flour, einkorn flour (or tapioca flour), Besti, baking powder, vanilla, and salt. Blend again just until combined.
3. Heat a tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour circles of the batter into the pan, 1/8 cup at a time. Fry for 2-3 minutes , until lots of bubbles form on top, the edges start to dry out a bit, and you can slide a spatula underneath. Flip and fry for 1-2 minutes , until golden brown on the other side.
4. Repeat with all the pancake batter. Add more oil as needed if the pan gets dry.

Maya’s Recipe Notes

Serving size: 2 cottage cheese pancakes

• Tips: Want fluffier pancakes that don’t fall apart? My recipe tips above cover all the little tricks I use to get them just right.
• Storage: Store leftover pancakes in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 4-7 days.
• Meal prep: These work great for meal prep. I make a batch on the weekend and my kids reheat during the week for quick breakfasts.
• Reheat: You can warm them up in the microwave, on a griddle, or in the toaster oven. I spread a little butter on top to prevent drying out. If they’re frozen, just add a little extra time.
• Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in a single layer or between layers of parchment paper. They’ll keep well for up to 3 months.
• Note on nutrition info: I kept the serving size to 2 pancakes to keep consistent with my other pancake recipes, but it’s more realistic to have 4 as a meal. Doubling these numbers, that’s over 17 grams of protein!

I provide nutrition facts as a courtesy. Have questions about calculations or why you got a different result? Please see my nutrition policy .

© Copyright Maya Krampf for Wholesome Yum. Please DO NOT SCREENSHOT OR COPY/PASTE recipes to social media or websites. We’d LOVE for you to share a link with photo instead. :)