Print

High Protein Cottage Cheese Breadsticks

High Protein Cottage Cheese Breadsticks
Print Recipe

These breadsticks are surprisingly light and airy, with a mild tang from cottage cheese and a golden, slightly cheesy crust. They deliver a massive protein boost (over 14g per serving) while remaining soft inside, perfect for dipping or as a high-protein side.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (4% milkfat), at room temperature
  • 1 large egg, at room temperature
  • 3/4 cup (90g) all-purpose flour, sifted
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (1 oz / 28g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing

Instructions

  1. Position an oven rack in the center and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This ensures even heating and prevents the breadsticks from sticking without adding extra fat.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and egg. Whisk vigorously for about 30 seconds until the mixture is mostly smooth — small curds will remain. Cottage cheese adds moisture and protein; whisking helps distribute it evenly through the dough.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the sifted flour, baking powder, salt, and garlic powder (if using). Sifting the flour prevents clumps and ensures a uniform rise from the baking powder.
  4. Pour the dry ingredients into the cottage cheese mixture. Stir gently with a spatula just until a cohesive dough forms — about 15 strokes. Overmixing develops gluten and makes the breadsticks tough. The dough will be slightly sticky but should hold together.
  5. Fold in 2 tablespoons (0.5 oz / 14g) of the grated Parmesan. The cheese adds salty, nutty flavor and helps create a crisp exterior. Reserve the remaining 2 tablespoons for topping.
  6. Lightly flour a work surface or your hands (using about 1 teaspoon additional flour). Scrape the dough onto the surface and press it into a 6×8-inch rectangle about 1/2 inch thick. Use a bench scraper or sharp chef’s knife to cut the dough into 8 strips, each about 1 inch wide and 3 inches long. This size ensures they bake through without burning.
  7. Transfer the strips to the prepared baking sheet, spacing them at least 1 inch apart (they will expand slightly). Brush each strip lightly with olive oil using a pastry brush; this promotes golden browning and a soft, shiny crust. Sprinkle the remaining 2 tablespoons of Parmesan evenly over the tops, pressing gently to adhere.
  8. Bake for 18-22 minutes, rotating the sheet halfway through, until the breadsticks are puffed, deep golden brown on the bottom, and feel firm to the touch (internal temperature of the dough should reach about 200°F / 93°C for a fully cooked, not gummy, interior). The cheese on top will be bubbly and lightly browned.
  9. Let the breadsticks cool on the baking sheet for 3 minutes — this allows them to set without steaming. Then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely if serving later, or serve warm for best texture. The center will be soft but not doughy, and the exterior will have a delicate crackle.

Notes

Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or refrigerate for 5 days (reheat to restore texture). Freezer: These breadsticks freeze exceptionally well. After baking and cooling completely, wrap individually in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen or thawed: place on a baking sheet at 350°F (177°C) for 5-7 minutes (frozen) or 3-4 minutes (thawed) until warm and crispy on the outside. Avoid microwaving, which makes them rubbery. For a higher protein variation: substitute 2 tablespoons of the all-purpose flour with unflavored whey protein isolate or add 1 tablespoon of powdered peanut butter to the dry ingredients.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage cheese breadsticks, high protein snack, low carb breadsticks, healthy breadsticks, cheesy breadsticks, high protein bread, cottage cheese recipe, baking with cottage cheese, protein dough, easy breadsticks, gluten free optional, snack idea, high protein snack for kids

Find it online: https://thehighproteinrecipes.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-breadsticks/