Name: the Perfect BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped lettuce; 1/4 cup chopped tomato; Optional: Avocado slices, Everything Bagel Seasoning

Jump to Recipe

Okay, let’s get cooking! I’m so excited to share this super easy and delicious recipe with you.

Last summer, I was on a mission to find healthier lunch options that were quick, easy, and satisfying. Salads are great, but sometimes they just don’t cut it, you know? That’s when I stumbled upon the idea of a blt cottage cheese bowl. I had some beautiful tomatoes from the garden, crisp lettuce, and, of course, bacon – because everything is better with bacon! The creamy cottage cheese added a protein punch that kept me full for hours, and honestly, it was just such a delightful combination of flavors and textures. My husband, who is usually a sandwich fanatic, was totally on board, and now it’s a regular in our lunch rotation.

This blt cottage cheese bowl is seriously a lifesaver on busy weekdays. It takes literally minutes to throw together, and the best part? You can customize it with whatever veggies you have on hand. I often add avocado, cucumber, or even a sprinkle of red onion for extra flavor. One time, I even threw in some leftover grilled chicken – talk about a flavor explosion! My kids, surprisingly, are big fans too. They love dipping their bacon strips into the cottage cheese. Kids, right?

The beauty of this blt cottage cheese bowl lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any fancy cooking skills or hard-to-find ingredients. It’s just good, honest food that tastes amazing. I remember one evening when unexpected guests dropped by, and I needed something quick to offer them. I quickly whipped up a blt cottage cheese bowl bar with all the toppings laid out, and everyone loved it! It was a hit, and I felt like a total rockstar in the kitchen, even though it took me less than 15 minutes to prepare. I think the secret is the satisfying mix of the creamy cottage cheese, salty bacon, and fresh veggies – it’s a guaranteed winner.

This blt cottage cheese bowl has become such a staple in our house, not only because it’s incredibly easy to make, but also because it’s a fun and healthy way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. I have to admit that I had my doubts at first. I wasn’t sure if the cottage cheese would really work with the bacon and lettuce, but it totally does! The creamy texture is a wonderful counterpart to the salty bacon and crisp lettuce. It’s also packed with protein, making it a great option if you’re watching your macros.

Of course, I’ve had my fair share of kitchen mishaps along the way. Once, I accidentally bought low-fat cottage cheese, and let me tell you, it just wasn’t the same! You really need the full-fat version for that creamy richness. And another time, I tried using turkey bacon instead of regular bacon – a healthy swap that was not well received! My family are definitely bacon purists! But hey, that’s how we learn, right?

So, if you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, you absolutely have to try this blt cottage cheese bowl. I promise you won’t be disappointed. In fact, you might just find yourself adding it to your regular lunch or dinner rotation. It’s also endlessly customizable – feel free to add your own favorite toppings. And this blt cottage cheese bowl is truly a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. I can’t wait for you to try it – it’s become such a staple in our house!

Ingredients

Okay, let’s talk ingredients! For this blt cottage cheese bowl, you don’t need a ton of fancy stuff, which is one of the things I love most about it.

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese: This is the base of our bowl, and trust me, the full-fat version makes all the difference. It’s so much creamier and more satisfying. I often buy a large tub from Costco because we go through so much of it!

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled: Crispy bacon is a must! I usually bake my bacon in the oven because it’s less messy and cooks evenly. My family prefers a thick-cut bacon, but you can use whatever you like. I get mine from the local butcher shop.
1 cup chopped lettuce: I like to use romaine lettuce for its crispness, but iceberg or butter lettuce works well too. Make sure it’s washed and thoroughly dried. Sometimes I buy the pre-shredded lettuce to save time, especially during busy weeknights.
1/2 cup chopped tomato: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are essential. During the summer, I use tomatoes from my garden, but in the winter, I opt for cherry tomatoes because they tend to be sweeter. I always try to buy organic when possible.

Optional toppings: Avocado, cucumber, red onion, chives, everything bagel seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. My kids love adding a sprinkle of shredded cheese, too.

Fresh BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl Ingredients

For the cottage cheese, it really needs to be good quality. I learned the hard way that the cheap stuff just doesn’t have the same flavor or texture. I usually go for a brand that uses milk from grass-fed cows. I also like to check the sodium content since some brands can be quite high in sodium, as discussed by the National Institutes of Health.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can also rinse the cottage cheese before using it, which helps to remove some of the excess sodium. But be careful not to rinse it too much, or you’ll lose some of the creaminess. Now, regarding the bacon in this blt cottage cheese bowl, my family are big fans of smoked bacon. If you’re vegetarian, you could easily substitute with some smoky tempeh or even some marinated mushrooms for a similar savory flavor. I have also found that if you’re watching your cholesterol, you can substitute a plant-based bacon that still holds a nice savory flavor.

Another tip for this blt cottage cheese bowl is to make sure all your ingredients are fresh and cold. The contrast between the cold ingredients and the warm bacon is just delightful. Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of tomatoes. Heirloom tomatoes are especially delicious in this recipe.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Your BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl

Alright, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty and make this amazing blt cottage cheese bowl! It’s so simple, you’ll be enjoying your lunch in no time.

Cook the bacon: If you’re baking your bacon (which I highly recommend!), preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the bacon slices on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy. Once cooked, remove from the oven and let cool slightly before crumbling. Alternatively, you can cook the bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Just be sure to drain off any excess grease. This is probably the most time-consuming part of the entire blt cottage cheese bowl creation. I personally find baking the bacon so much easier for clean up.

Prepare the lettuce and tomato: While the bacon is cooking, wash and chop your lettuce and tomato. I like to chop the lettuce into bite-sized pieces and dice the tomato into small cubes. Make sure everything is thoroughly dried to prevent the bowl from becoming soggy. A tip my grandmother taught me is to wrap the lettuce in paper towels and store it in a zip-top bag. It will stay nice and crisp for days! Having a variety of produce adds to the health factor in this blt cottage cheese bowl.
Assemble the bowl: In a bowl, place one cup of cottage cheese. Top with the chopped lettuce, tomato, and crumbled bacon. Add any additional toppings you like, such as avocado, cucumber, or red onion.
Season to taste: Season your blt cottage cheese bowl with salt and pepper to taste. If you like a little extra flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning or some chopped chives.

Serve immediately: This blt cottage cheese bowl is best served immediately, while the bacon is still warm and the lettuce is crisp. If you’re making it ahead of time, store the ingredients separately and assemble just before serving. I find this works especially well for lunches.

Okay, so here’s a little secret I’ve learned over the years: don’t overcook the bacon! Slightly undercooked bacon is much better than burnt bacon. It’s still crispy but has a chewier texture that I absolutely love. Also, if you’re using store-bought tomatoes, sometimes they can be a little bland. I like to sprinkle them with a little salt and let them sit for a few minutes to draw out their natural sweetness.

Another tip for this blt cottage cheese bowl is to experiment with different types of cottage cheese. I usually use full-fat, but you can also try using small curd or large curd cottage cheese. Each type has a slightly different texture and flavor. Now, when it comes to assembling this blt cottage cheese bowl, don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings! I’ve tried everything from roasted red peppers to grilled corn, and they all taste amazing.

Serving Ideas

Now that you’ve made this amazing blt cottage cheese bowl, let’s talk about serving it! It’s so versatile, you can enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even a quick snack.

In my house, we often serve this blt cottage cheese bowl as a light and refreshing lunch. I usually pair it with a side of fruit or a small salad. It’s also great with a slice of whole-wheat toast or some crackers for dipping. Sometimes, I’ll even add a hard-boiled egg for extra protein.

For dinner, this blt cottage cheese bowl makes a fantastic side dish. It goes especially well with grilled chicken, fish, or steak. You can also serve it as a vegetarian main course by adding some chickpeas or black beans for extra protein and fiber. I have found that having the blt cottage cheese bowl on the side is a fun way to eat it.

If you’re having guests over, this blt cottage cheese bowl is a perfect appetizer or snack. Simply arrange all the ingredients in separate bowls and let your guests assemble their own bowls. It’s a fun and interactive way to get everyone involved in the meal. One time I hosted a bridal shower and had a blt cottage cheese bowl bar – everyone loved it!

My kids love this blt cottage cheese bowl, too! I usually serve it with a side of carrot sticks or cucumber slices. They also enjoy dipping their bacon strips into the cottage cheese. This is definitely a way to get kids to eat more veggies.

Leftovers (if you have any!) can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. However, the lettuce may become a little wilted, so it’s best to eat it fresh. I love adding the leftover blt cottage cheese bowl mixture to a salad or even scrambled eggs.

For a fun twist, you can also turn this blt cottage cheese bowl into a dip! Simply combine all the ingredients in a food processor and pulse until smooth. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or vegetables. One time my mother-in-law made a blt cottage cheese bowl dip and it was a hit!

This blt cottage cheese bowl is also a great option for meal prepping. You can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply assemble the bowl and enjoy. I find that is it great to portion everything into glass containers so I can grab it quickly throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let’s tackle some frequently asked questions about this delicious blt cottage cheese bowl. I’ve gotten a lot of these over the years from friends and family, so hopefully, this will help you out!

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?While you can use low-fat cottage cheese, I don’t recommend it. The full-fat version is much creamier and more flavorful. The extra fat also helps to keep you feeling full and satisfied. But, if you’re watching your fat intake, you can certainly give it a try. Just be prepared for a slightly less decadent experience. My family has tried it before and they were not a fan.

2. Can I make this ahead of time?Yes, you can prepare all the ingredients in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. However, I recommend assembling the bowl just before serving to prevent the lettuce from becoming soggy. The bacon is also best served fresh and crispy. This blt cottage cheese bowl is best served immediately, so only make what you can eat.

3. What if I don’t like cottage cheese?If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or even ricotta cheese. These will provide a similar creamy texture and protein punch. I’ve tried it with Greek yogurt and it tasted great! My mother in law substituted it with feta and enjoyed the salty and tangy flavors.

4. Can I add other toppings?Absolutely! This blt cottage cheese bowl is completely customizable. Feel free to add any toppings you like, such as avocado, cucumber, red onion, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese. I’ve also tried adding grilled corn, roasted red peppers, and black beans – all delicious!

5. Is this recipe gluten-free?Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, as long as you use gluten-free bacon. Most bacon brands are gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to check the label to be sure. Be mindful of cross contamination as well.

6. How can I make this vegetarian?To make this recipe vegetarian, simply omit the bacon. You can also add some smoky tempeh or marinated mushrooms for a similar savory flavor. I’ve tried this with seasoned and roasted tofu, and it was equally as delicious as a blt cottage cheese bowl.

7. Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?While you can use turkey bacon, I find that it doesn’t have the same flavor as regular bacon. If you’re trying to reduce your fat intake, you can try baking the bacon on a wire rack to allow the excess grease to drip off. You can also pat the bacon dry with paper towels after cooking. It all comes down to your preference! For me, the blt cottage cheese bowl just isn’t the same without real bacon.

8. Is cottage cheese good for me?Yes! Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, calcium, and vitamin B12. It’s also relatively low in calories and carbohydrates. The USDA FoodData Central has more information on the nutritional value.

9. Can I add a dressing to this blt cottage cheese bowl?Absolutely! Some people enjoy adding a light vinaigrette or a drizzle of balsamic glaze to their blt cottage cheese bowl. A simple lemon-herb dressing would also be delicious. I usually just stick with salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment!

Conclusion

Well, there you have it – my go-to recipe for a quick, healthy, and delicious blt cottage cheese bowl. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family does. It’s a true lifesaver on busy weeknights and a fun way to enjoy a classic flavor combination. This blt cottage cheese bowl has become such a staple in our house that I always have the ingredients on hand. I love that it is so easy and customizable and full of protein! I usually have the ingredients portioned out so that it is quick and easy to grab and go!

Here are a few final tips to help you succeed:

Always use high-quality ingredients. It makes a big difference in the overall flavor of the dish.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different toppings. The possibilities are endless!
Serve it immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Enjoy Your Homemade BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl

My family loves this blt cottage cheese bowl in so many ways. My son loves it with extra bacon, while my daughter prefers it with avocado and cucumber. My husband often adds a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick. And I love it just as it is! But my daughter also loves my cottage cheese bread recipe which goes great with the blt cottage cheese bowl. And since my daughter loves bread and cottage cheese, she always wants to know, “Is cottage cheese good for baking?”

Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! It’s so simple and straightforward, even the most novice cook can master it. And the best part? It tastes amazing!

I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Let me know what toppings you added and how you customized it to your liking. And if you have any other questions, feel free to ask.

Happy cooking, and I hope this blt cottage cheese bowl becomes as beloved in your kitchen as it is in mine!