Breakfast

Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

This recipe makes light, tender pancakes that smell warm and buttery with a mild tang from the cottage cheese. The inside stays soft and slightly creamy while the edges turn golden and crisp. If you enjoy using cottage cheese in new ways, also try a crunchy snack idea like cottage cheese chips for a fun contrast.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 (about 8 pancakes)
Difficulty Level: Easy

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving (1/4 of recipe):

Calories per serving: 240 kcal
Protein: 14 g
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 380 mg

Why Make This Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

These pancakes blend creamy cottage cheese with a simple batter for a tender crumb and a light tang. They take little time and use everyday pantry ingredients. The curds add texture and extra protein, so the pancakes feel satisfying without being heavy. They brown beautifully and smell like warm vanilla and butter when cooking.

How to Make Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

You combine the wet and dry ingredients, cook small rounds on a hot skillet, and flip when bubbles form. The result is golden pancakes with a soft, slightly lacy interior. Use medium heat so they cook through without burning on the outside. For a smoother batter, pulse the cottage cheese briefly in a blender.

Ingredients:

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Butter or oil for cooking

Directions:

Step 1: Preparation

In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, eggs, sugar, and vanilla extract until well combined. If you prefer a smoother batter, pulse the cottage cheese with the eggs and vanilla in a blender for 5–10 seconds.

Step 2: Mixing

In another bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix; small lumps are fine. The batter should be thick but pourable. If it is too thick, add a tablespoon of milk.

Step 3: Cooking

Heat a skillet or griddle over medium heat and add butter or oil. Pour 1/4 cup of batter for each pancake onto the skillet. Cook until bubbles form on the surface and the edges look set, about 2–3 minutes. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes until golden brown. Adjust heat as needed to avoid burning.

Step 4: Finishing

Serve warm with your favorite toppings. Keep cooked pancakes in a single layer on a plate and cover loosely with foil while you finish the rest. For extra shine, brush with a little melted butter before serving.

How to Serve Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Serve with fresh berries, maple syrup, honey, or a dollop of yogurt for creaminess. For a brunch spread, add slices of banana, toasted nuts, or a sprinkle of cinnamon. They also pair well with savory toppings like smoked salmon and chives for a twist.

How to Store Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 2–3 days. Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet.
Freezer: Freeze pancakes in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat from frozen in a toaster or oven until hot.
Tip: Place parchment between stacked pancakes to prevent sticking.

Expert Tips for Perfect Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes

Drain excess liquid if your cottage cheese is very wet. That keeps batter from getting too thin.
Pulse the cottage cheese briefly for a smoother texture. Leaving the curds gives a rustic bite.
Use medium heat. Too hot and the outside browns before the center cooks.
Don’t overmix. Overworked batter becomes dense.
Measure flour by spooning into the cup and leveling, not scooping, to avoid heavy batter.
For extra lift, separate eggs and beat the whites to soft peaks, then fold into batter gently.

Delicious Variations

Blueberry Cottage Cheese Pancakes: Fold 1/2 cup fresh or frozen blueberries into batter before cooking.
Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes: Mash one ripe banana and mix into the wet ingredients for natural sweetness.
Savory Herb Pancakes: Omit sugar and vanilla. Add chopped chives, dill, and a pinch of black pepper. Serve with smoked salmon.
Oat and Protein Boost: Replace 1/2 cup flour with 1/2 cup ground oats or oat flour and add a scoop of protein powder.
Gluten-Free: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese works. The pancakes may be slightly less rich. If the batter seems thin, reduce any added liquid or add a tablespoon of flour.

Q: Can I make the batter ahead of time?
A: You can mix the batter and refrigerate for up to 12 hours. Baking soda is in the mix, so cook within a day for best rise. Stir gently before cooking.

Q: Why are my pancakes not fluffy?
A: Possible reasons: overmixing the batter, using too much flour, or the skillet being too hot. Mix just until combined and use medium heat. Fresh baking powder and baking soda also help.

Q: Can I freeze cooked pancakes?
A: Yes. Cool pancakes completely, freeze in a single layer, then store in a freezer bag for up to 1 month. Reheat in a toaster, oven, or skillet.

Q: How do I stop pancakes from sticking to the pan?
A: Use a nonstick skillet or a well-seasoned cast-iron pan. Add a little butter or oil and let it heat before pouring batter. Wipe out and reapply fat between batches as needed.

Q: Can I replace the sugar with a sweetener?
A: You can use a granular sweetener that measures like sugar, or reduce sugar and add more fruit. Liquid sweeteners may change batter consistency.

Conclusion

These fluffy cottage cheese pancakes are quick, versatile, and satisfying. They offer a tender texture, gentle tang, and easy ways to customize for sweet or savory meals. Try the recipe and tweak toppings to match the occasion. For another cottage-cheese twist and a similar pancake idea, see the Fluffy Cottage Cheese Pancakes recipe on Just a Taste for more inspiration.