If you’re on the hunt for a breakfast treat that’s fluffy, cheesy, and downright irresistible, then you’ve just struck gold with this Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe. I absolutely love how these little wonders come out light on the outside but melting with creamy cottage cheese inside. When I first tried these, I couldn’t believe how simple they were! Stick around, and I’ll walk you through everything so you come away with the best pancakes you’ve ever tasted.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You’ll get a fluffy, protein-packed breakfast in under an hour, no fancy ingredients needed.
- Creamy and Fluffy Texture: The cottage cheese adds a moist richness you won’t find in your average pancake.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for these pancakes every weekend morning—they can’t get enough!
- Versatile Serving: Whether you like syrup, fresh fruit, or jam, these pancakes pair beautifully with all your favorite toppings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe starts with simple ingredients that blend beautifully for flavor and texture. Cottage cheese is the star here—it gives these pancakes a light, tender feel that feels so comforting. Plus, the vanilla and sugar add just enough sweetness to make them perfect for breakfast or brunch.

- Cottage Cheese: Look for small curd cottage cheese for a creamier texture that blends into the batter nicely.
- Eggs: They help hold the pancakes together and keep them fluffy—room temperature eggs work best.
- Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle warmth that enhances the sweetness without overpowering the cheese.
- Sugar: Just enough to balance the tang from the cheese; feel free to adjust it to your liking.
- Baking Powder: This is what gives the pancakes lift — don’t skip it!
- Flour: All-purpose flour is great here; it creates the right structure without weighing things down.
- Canola Oil: Neutral and heat-stable oil for frying, so the pancakes get that golden crust without burning.
Variations
One of the best parts about this Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste. Over the years, I’ve played around with add-ins and substitutions depending on what I’m craving or what’s in the fridge. Don’t be shy to make it truly your own!
- With Fresh Berries: I love folding in a handful of blueberries or sliced strawberries either into the batter or sprinkled on top while cooking—it adds a fresh, fruity pop.
- Gluten-Free Version: Swap the flour for a gluten-free blend—you’ll still get that tender texture without sacrificing flavor.
- Less Sweetened: If you prefer savory, reduce the sugar and serve the pancakes with sour cream and fresh herbs instead of sweet toppings.
- Vegan Adaptation: I haven’t tried this myself, but you could experiment with vegan egg replacers and plant-based cheese alternatives to get close to the same effect.
How to Make Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe
Step 1: Mixing the Batter – Simple yet Precise
Start by combining your cottage cheese, eggs, and vanilla extract in a large bowl. I like to add each ingredient one at a time and gently mix after each addition—that way, everything blends nicely without overworking the batter. Next, stir in the sugar and baking powder, followed by the flour last to bring it all together. You’ll notice the batter is a little thicker than traditional pancake batter, which is exactly what you want for these cheesy delights!
Step 2: Heating the Skillet and Frying to Perfection
Preheat your skillet to medium heat and add a generous drizzle of canola oil. I always test the temperature by dropping a tiny bit of batter in—if it sizzles softly and rises, you’re good to go. Use a large cookie scoop or a tablespoon to drop the batter into the pan, spreading slightly if needed. Cook each pancake for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it turns golden brown before flipping carefully. Be patient here; flipping too early can cause sticking or tearing.
Step 3: Serving Up Hot and Fresh
The best part? Serving these while they’re still warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or a spoonful of your favorite jam. The cheese inside will still be soft and warm – such a comforting texture contrast! Pro tip: I’ve even dolloped a bit of sour cream and fresh berries on top for an extra special weekend brunch.
Pro Tips for Making Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe
- Don’t Overmix: Mix just enough to combine the ingredients; overmixing can make the pancakes tough instead of tender.
- Consistent Size: Using a cookie scoop keeps pancakes the same size and ensures even cooking.
- Oil Temperature: Keep heat on medium to medium-low to prevent burning and promote golden crusts.
- Flip Only Once: Flipping pancakes just once preserves their fluffiness and helps them cook evenly.
How to Serve Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe

Garnishes
When it comes to garnishes, I love keeping it simple yet flavorful—think fresh berries, a dusting of powdered sugar, or a drizzle of warm maple syrup. Sometimes I’ll add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a spoonful of homemade berry jam for a tangy contrast that complements the creamy cheese inside perfectly.
Side Dishes
My go-to sides with these pancakes are crisp bacon or a handful of sautéed spinach for a savory balance. Fresh fruit salad or a citrusy green smoothie also pairs nicely, adding freshness and brightness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special brunches or holiday mornings, I like layering Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe into a stack with whipped cream and fruit between each layer, almost like a vertical dessert. You can also use cookie cutters to make fun shapes or turn them into mini sliders with smoked salmon and cream cheese for a savory twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover pancakes keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually layer them with parchment paper between to prevent sticking. When I do this, I find they reheat evenly and retain their texture.
Freezing
I like to freeze extras individually on a tray before transferring to a freezer bag. This way, they stay separate and thaw quickly when you need a quick breakfast fix—perfect for busy mornings.
Reheating
To warm them up, I prefer the toaster or oven over the microwave—it keeps the outside crisp and warms the center without making the pancakes rubbery. A quick 3-4 minutes at 350°F (175°C) does the trick!
FAQs
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Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese in this recipe?
Yes, ricotta can be a good substitute and will give you a similarly creamy pancake, though the flavor will be milder and texture slightly different. Just make sure to drain any excess moisture to avoid soggy batter.
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How do I prevent the pancakes from sticking to the pan?
Use a non-stick skillet or well-seasoned cast iron pan and maintain medium heat. Don’t overcrowd the pan and make sure to add a bit of oil between batches if needed. Let each side get golden before flipping carefully.
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Are these pancakes suitable for kids?
Absolutely! Kids tend to love the texture and slight sweetness. You can even sneak in some mashed banana or finely grated apple for extra nutrition and flavor they’ll enjoy.
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Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
While the cheese is central to the recipe, you could try plant-based cottage cheese alternatives, but results will vary. Experimenting with vegan cheeses and egg replacers might get you close, but the texture won’t be exactly the same.
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How many pancakes does this recipe make?
This cheese cottage pancakes recipe yields about 16 medium-sized pancakes, roughly two pancakes per serving if you’re feeding a crowd. That makes it great for sharing or saving leftovers!
Final Thoughts
This Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe has become one of those special staples in my kitchen that I reach for whenever I want something comforting, easy, and delicious. It’s got that perfect combo of creamy, fluffy, and lightly sweet that genuinely makes mornings feel cozy. I can’t recommend it enough, whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something so memorable!
Print
Cheese Cottage Pancakes Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings (approximately 16 pancakes)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Deliciously fluffy and cheesy Cottage Cheese Pancakes are the perfect breakfast treat. Combining creamy cottage cheese with eggs, vanilla, and a touch of sugar, these pancakes are fried to golden perfection and served warm with maple syrup or jam. An easy recipe yielding about 16 pancakes, perfect for a family breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 eggs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup flour
For Frying
- 1/4 cup canola oil
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: Combine the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, sugar, baking powder, and flour in the order listed, mixing thoroughly after adding each ingredient to ensure a smooth batter.
- Heat Skillet: Preheat a skillet over medium heat and add canola oil, allowing it to warm evenly for frying.
- Cook Pancakes: Using a large cookie scoop (about 3 tablespoons) for each pancake, pour batter into the skillet. Fry each pancake on one side until golden brown, then flip and cook the other side until equally golden and cooked through.
- Serve Warm: Serve the pancakes hot, topped with maple syrup or jam to complement the melted cottage cheese interior.
Notes
- This recipe yields approximately 16 pancakes, about 2 pancakes per serving for 8 servings total.
- A large cookie scoop (3 tablespoons) was used to portion each pancake for even cooking.
- Serve immediately while the cheese inside is warm and melted for best texture and flavor.
- Canola oil is recommended for frying due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pancakes
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 230mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 140mg


