Crispy on the outside and soft and cheesy on the inside, these Crispy Baked Cottage Cheese Balls are one of those recipes that disappear faster than you expect. They’re simple, comforting, and exactly the kind of food I enjoy making when I want something homemade and satisfying.
Recently, I’ve found myself reaching for cottage cheese more and more in the kitchen. It’s incredibly versatile, working just as well in sweet recipes as it does in savory ones, and it’s also a great way to add extra protein to everyday meals. In this recipe, it becomes the perfect base for these golden, oven-baked bites.
What makes these cottage cheese balls so good is the contrast in texture. The outside bakes up crisp and beautifully golden, while the inside stays soft and full of cheesy flavor. They’re baked rather than fried, high in protein, and made with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
While they work wonderfully as a snack or appetizer, they’re just as good as part of a light lunch, served with a fresh salad, some roasted vegetables, or tucked into a wrap. I like them best served warm, straight from the oven, with a simple dip on the side.
How to make crispy cottage cheese balls
Begin with preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside.
In a medium bowl, add the cottage cheese, egg, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, semolina and seasonings. Mix well until everything is evenly combined and you have a thick mixture. The mixture should be firm enough to hold its shape; if it feels too soft or sticky, add 1 tablespoon of regular flour and mix again.
Using your hands, roll the mixture into walnut-sized balls, keeping them as even as possible so they bake uniformly. Roll each ball in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the coating adheres well.
Arrange the coated balls on the prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between them. Lightly spray or brush them with oil to help them crisp up in the oven.
Bake for 10 minutes, then carefully flip each ball and return the tray to the oven. Bake for another 10 minutes, or until the balls are deep golden and crispy on the outside. For extra color and crunch, you can switch the oven to grill/broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Hope you will try these delicious cottage cheese balls. If you do, don’t forget to tag me on your Instagram posts or stories.
Other cottage cheese recipes you may like to try
These Oatmeal Cottage Cheese Scones are soft, lightly sweet, and high in protein, perfect for breakfast or a cozy snack.
These Cottage Cheese Egg Muffins are fluffy, protein-rich, and easy to make, ideal for meal prep, breakfast, or lunchboxes.
This Cottage Cheese Pizza has a soft, high-protein base and simple toppings, making it perfect for an easy lunch or family dinner.
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Crispy Baked Cottage Cheese Balls – A High-Protein Lunch or Snack
Ingredients
- 1 cup (230g) cottage cheese (4% fat) , slighty drained
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated cheese (Parmesan, cheddar, Mozzarella)
- 1/3 cup (50g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp (20g) semolina
- 1/2 tsp (2g) garlic powder
- Salt and pepper , to taste
- chili flakes , optional
For coating
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray or brushed oil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking tray with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix cottage cheese, egg, grated cheese, breadcrumbs, semolina and seasonings.
- You should get a firm mixture that holds shape. If too soft, add 1 tablespoon of flour.
- Roll into walnut-sized balls.
- Roll each ball in panko, pressing lightly so it sticks.
- Place on tray, spray or brush lightly with oil.
- Bake 10 minutes, flip, then bake 10 minutes more, until deep golden and crispy.
- For extra color: switch to grill/broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.
