Name: Cottage Cheese Baked Potatoes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 small russet potatoes (skin scrubbed clean); 2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat); ½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese; ½ cup diced red bell pepper; 2 green onions, thinly sliced; ¼ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp smoked paprika; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Short Description

These Cottage Cheese Baked Potatoes feature fluffy russet potatoes topped with a creamy, protein-packed cottage cheese mixture, fresh bell pepper, and melted Colby Jack—perfect for a wholesome and satisfying meal or side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein: Cottage cheese brings a healthy boost of protein and creaminess.
Simple and hearty: Few ingredients, big flavor—including fresh peppers and green onion.
Versatile: Enjoy as a side dish or add toppings to turn it into a complete meal.
Kid-friendly twist: A fun, nutritious alternative to traditional loaded baked potatoes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 small russet potatoes (skin scrubbed clean)
2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
½ cup shredded Colby Jack cheese
½ cup diced red bell pepper
2 green onions, thinly sliced
¼ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp smoked paprika
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat oven to 425 °F (220 °C).
Prep the potatoes: Scrub clean and dry russets. Pierce each several times with a fork. Rub with olive oil (optional) and coat in kosher salt.
Bake the potatoes: Arrange on a baking sheet and bake for 50–60 minutes or until fork-tender in the center.
Make the topping: While potatoes bake, combine cottage cheese, shredded Colby Jack, diced bell pepper, green onions, salt, smoked paprika, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
Assemble: When the potatoes are done, split each open lengthwise and gently fluff the flesh with a fork. Spoon ~½ cup of the cottage cheese mixture onto each potato.
Serve: Serve immediately—no additional baking needed, or broil briefly to melt the cheese topping if desired.

Servings and Timing

Serves: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Bake time: 50–60 minutes
Total time: About 1 hour and 10 minutes

Variations

Add protein: Stir in cooked bacon bits, shredded chicken, or turkey chili into the topping for a fuller meal.
Herb boost: Toss in fresh chives, parsley, or dill for bright flavor.
Cheese variety: Substitute Colby Jack with cheddar, pepper jack, or crumbled feta.
Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the topping.
Veggie power: Mix in corn, broccoli florets, or chopped spinach into the cottage cheese blend.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover baked potatoes and topping separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat potatoes in a 350 °F oven for 10–15 minutes until warm. Add cottage cheese topping after reheating, or place topped potatoes under broiler for 1–2 minutes to lightly melt cheese.
Freezing: Not recommended—potato texture changes when frozen, but leftover filling can be frozen for up to 1 month.

FAQs

1. Can I use sweet potatoes instead?

Yes—sweet potatoes work well. Adjust the bake time if needed due to size differences.

2. Can I skip the smoked paprika?

Yes—substitute with regular paprika or chili powder for a different flavor profile.

3. Is this vegetarian-friendly?

Yes—as long as cheese ingredients are rennet-free. Add veggie chili or beans to make it more substantial.

4. How can I make it dairy-free?

Use plant-based ricotta or almond-based cream cheese and a dairy-free shredded cheese substitute.

5. Can I prep the topping ahead?

Yes—store the cottage cheese mixture covered in the fridge for up to 2 days before using.

6. Can I bake larger potatoes?

Yes—bake times may extend by 10–15 minutes for larger russets.

7. How do I ensure the skin is crispy?

Rub with oil before baking and avoid wrapping in foil, which steams the skin.

8. Can I add more toppings?

Absolutely—try salsa, avocado slices, or hot sauce for extra flavor.

9. Should I fluff the potato before topping?

Yes—fluffing helps blend the potato flesh with the cottage cheese for a creamy bite.

10. Are these freezer-friendly?

The baked potatoes and cottage cheese topping are best kept fresh—freezing affects texture.

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese Baked Potatoes are a clever, nutrient-rich spin on the traditional baked potato—combining creamy cheese, crunchy bell pepper, and subtle smoky paprika over fluffy russets. Easy to prep and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners, make-ahead meals, or healthy comfort food. Enjoy each satisfying bite!