Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Imagine this: it’s mid-afternoon, you’re craving something savory, and you don’t want to derail your healthy eating goals. That’s where 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks swoop in to save the day. They’re crispy, cheesy, low-carb, and high in protein — and they take less than 20 minutes to make.
Whether you’re a busy parent, a student looking for a budget-friendly snack, or just someone who loves cheese (who doesn’t?), these sticks tick all the boxes. And here’s the best part — you only need two simple ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.
Looking for inspiration? Try our fluffy low-carb cottage cheese cloud bread for another high-protein treat.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for extra creaminess, low-fat for fewer calories)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk, your choice)
That’s it. Really.
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Mix the Cheese
In a medium bowl, combine the cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella. Mix until well incorporated. The mozzarella acts as the glue, while cottage cheese brings creaminess and a mild tang.
3. Shape the Sticks
Form the mixture into sticks about 3 inches long. You can shape them by hand or use a spoon to make even portions. Space them slightly apart on your baking sheet so they crisp up evenly.
4. Bake
Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes — every oven is different.
5. Cool & Serve
Let the sticks cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps them firm up and keeps you from burning your mouth in excitement.
Check out our 3-ingredient cottage cheese pizza crust for another quick, cheesy recipe.
Serving & Storage Tips
- Serve hot with your favorite dip — marinara, ranch, or even spicy buffalo sauce.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F for a few minutes to restore crispiness.
Don’t miss our keto cheese danish if you’re looking for a sweet low-carb pairing.
Helpful Notes & Variations
- Flavor boost: Add garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or smoked paprika to the cheese mix.
- Make it spicy: Toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Vegan swap: Use plant-based cottage cheese and dairy-free shredded mozzarella.
- Gluten-free bonus: These are naturally gluten-free — no flour needed.
Discover great ideas like high-protein cottage cheese bagel bites for more portable snacks.
2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks – Crispy, Cheesy & Low-Carb
- Total Time: 20–23 mins
Description
2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks – A quick, crispy, low-carb, high-protein snack ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Mix the Cheese
In a bowl, mix cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella until well combined.
Step 3: Shape the Sticks
Form the mixture into small sticks (about 3 inches long) and place them on the baking sheet.
Step 4: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until golden and crispy on the edges.
Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let cheese sticks cool slightly before serving. Enjoy as a low-carb snack or appetizer!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15–18 mins
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway for even crisping.
2. Can I freeze them?
Yes, bake them first, let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer before transferring to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
3. What dips go best with cottage cheese cheese sticks?
Classic marinara is always a win, but pesto, ranch, or chipotle mayo can make them extra exciting.
4. Can I use cheddar instead of mozzarella?
You can, but mozzarella melts more evenly and gives the perfect stretchy cheese texture.
5. Are these keto-friendly?
Yes! With only 2g net carbs per serving, they fit perfectly into a low-carb lifestyle.
Nutritional Insight
Each serving (1 stick) is about 120 kcal, with 10g protein, 7g fat, and just 2g net carbs — making them a perfect snack for low-carb, high-protein diets. Cottage cheese also provides calcium and probiotics, while mozzarella delivers satisfying richness.
Final Thoughts
These 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks prove that delicious doesn’t have to be complicated. With just two fridge staples, you can create a crispy, cheesy, protein-packed snack in under 20 minutes. They’re perfect for game nights, after-school snacks, or that moment when you just want something warm and comforting without a lot of fuss.
Go ahead — give them a try, share them with friends, and maybe keep a few just for yourself. If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy exploring our other quick cottage cheese creations on Estongar.
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