Boost Protein in Scrambled Eggs with Cottage Cheese

Scrambled eggs are a classic breakfast—easy, delicious and nutritious. But if you’re looking to boost your protein intake, consider adding cottage cheese. This protein-packed ingredient blends seamlessly into scrambled eggs, making your eggs even tastier. Here’s why it’s a smart (and tasty) upgrade.

Why Cottage Cheese Is the Best High-Protein Ingredient to Add to Scrambled Eggs

It’s Rich in Protein

It’s true that scrambled eggs are already a good source of protein, but they still may not provide enough for a meal. One egg provides about 6 grams of protein, so a typical two-egg scramble offers around 12 grams. While that’s a good start, you may want to aim for more, since most research supports getting at least 20 to 30 grams of protein per meal to support muscle health.

Fortunately, cottage cheese is an excellent source of protein, supplying 12 grams per half-cup. “It’s also a good alternative to other cheeses because it has a relatively low fat content” says Cindy Chou, RDN, a registered dietitian and chef.

Cottage cheese is unique because it provides two kinds of high-quality proteins: whey and casein. While both provide are beneficial, casein—the main protein in cottage cheese—digests more slowly, offering a steady release of energy that can help you feel fuller for longer.

It Supports Bone Health

Cottage cheese serves up more than just protein—it’s also a good source of bone-supporting nutrients like calcium and phosphorus. Both minerals work together to strengthen and maintain healthy bones and teeth. This is especially important for reducing risk of osteoporosis, a condition that weakens bones and increases the chance of fractures, says Chou.

A ½-cup serving of cottage cheese provides 9% of the Daily Value for calcium and 13% for phosphorus. Combined with the protein from both cottage cheese and eggs, this meal delivers key nutrients that help support strong, healthy bones.

It’s Delicious

While adding extra nutrition is a bonus, the real star is how cottage cheese elevates humble scrambled eggs. Those creamy curds add the perfect touch of richness, creating a smooth, mouthwatering bite every time. Plus, the natural tanginess of cottage cheese boosts flavor, often eliminating the need for extra salt. Speaking of salt—be mindful that a typical ½-cup serving of cottage cheese contains about 353 milligrams of sodium. If you’re watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium varieties.

How to Add Cottage Cheese to Scrambled Eggs 

Unlike other ingredient swaps that require extra work, adding cottage cheese to your scrambled eggs is quick and easy. Start with ¼ cup of cottage cheese for every two eggs, and adjust to taste. Begin by beating your eggs with a fork in a large bowl. Next, add in low-fat cottage cheese, breaking up the curds with the back of a fork, and whisk until combined. Finally, pour the mixture into a skillet and cook as you normally would. For extra flavor, finish with a pinch of black pepper and a sprinkle of chives—or any seasoning you prefer.

If you have extra time, Chou recommends blending the cottage cheese with eggs and a bit of cornstarch before cooking. This emulsifies the mixture for an even creamier, smoother consistency and prevents the scrambled eggs from getting watery.

To make it a complete meal, pair your scrambled eggs with a slice of whole-wheat toast or an English muffin, plus some sliced fruit or any other favorite sides you enjoy.

Our Expert Take

If you’re ready to give your scrambled eggs a protein boost, add cottage cheese. This simple, one-ingredient addition is packed with nutrition and takes your eggs to a new level. For the fluffiest, creamiest scramble, mix in ¼ cup of low-fat cottage cheese for every two eggs. Enjoy this dreamy dish anytime—breakfast, lunch or dinner!