These high fiber and protein-packed cottage cheese overnight oats are the perfect healthy breakfast to keep you full for hours.

Cottage cheese overnight oats in a white bowl topped with graham cracker crumbs and mango

Cottage cheese is one of those ‘learn-to-like-it’ kind of foods, I know.

It’s got a bit of a strange texture and an unfamiliar appearance, but as a dietitian, I know it’s also packed with filling protein and one of my healthy eating staples.

If you want to love cottage cheese but you’re just not quite there yet, this is the recipe for you. These cottage cheese overnight oats blend the cottage cheese so it’s chunk-free and totally smooth. They make the perfect make-ahead breakfast with a subtle sweet-and-salty flavour… and they’ll truly keep you full for hours. Here’s how to make them!

Why you’ll love this recipe

High fiber: this recipe offers an impressive 10 grams of dietary fiber to support your gut and heart health.

High protein: these oats have 21 grams of protein (or more, with toppings) to keep you full for hours.

Tasty: you might not think you’d love cottage cheese and oatmeal together, but they make for the perfect sweet-and-salty bite

Easy: you can prep these nourishing oats in less than 5 minutes for an easy no-cook breakfast

Kid-friendly: these cottage cheese overnight oats are sweet and neutral enough that the whole family will love them!

Ingredients

You’ll need eight ingredients to make this easy recipe:

  • Low fat cottage cheese — we blend these so don’t worry about texture!
  • Milk — I recommend dairy milk or soy for protein
  • Vanilla extract
  • Cinnamon
  • Old fashioned oats — also known as large flake or rolled oats
  • Chia seeds — for a big boost of fiber
  • Ground flaxseeds — for some extra healthy fats
  • Maple syrup — feel free to add more if you love your oats super sweet

I always recommend toppings on oats for extra nutrition and flavor. I love these oats with chopped mango, crushed graham cracker, and crushed walnuts. Feel free to play around with toppings you enjoy!

How to make cottage cheese overnight oats

This make-ahead recipe couldn’t be easier. Here’s how to prepare these overnight oats:

  1. Blend cottage cheese: In a small blender, add cottage cheese, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth, about 15 seconds. 
  2. Add to mason jar: Pour milk mixture into a large mason jar or food container with a fitted lid. Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
  3. Refrigerate: Allow overnight oats to set in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. 
  4. Enjoy hot or cold: When you’re ready to eat them, add toppings of choice and enjoy. If you’d prefer to eat them warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave in 3-second intervals before adding toppings.

Tips for success

  • Add more liquid for a thinner consistency
  • Add more maple syrup for a sweeter taste
  • Stir the oats very well to avoid clumps of chia seeds

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a higher fat cottage cheese?

Yes, you can use any fat percentage of cottage cheese you like!

Can I use greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?

Yes, you could use plain greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese. Add a pinch of salt to the recipe if you do so for better balance.

How can I add more protein to this recipe?

Add a half scoop or vanilla protein (or any flavor you love) before mixing and refrigerating for extra protein.

What other toppings work well with cottage cheese overnight oats?

I like to top overnight oats with a fruit and nut/seed. Some combinations I love are blueberries and almond butter, peaches and pecans, or apples and peanut butter. Try these or any other toppings you love!

Can I use quick oats instead?

I would not recommend using quick oats as the texture will change.

Cottage cheese overnight oats in a white bowl topped with graham cracker crumbs and mango
5 from 1 vote

Cottage Cheese Overnight Oats

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Chilling time: 2 hours
Total Time: 5 minutes
These high-fiber and protein-packed cottage cheese overnight oats are the perfect healthy breakfast to keep you full for hours.

Ingredients
 

  • 1/3 cup low fat cottage cheese
  • 1/3 cup milk
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup old fashioned oats, or large flake or rolled oats
  • 1 tbsp chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp ground flaxseed
  • 2 tsp maple syrup, or sweetener of choice

Suggested toppings

  • 1/2 crushed graham cracker
  • 1/2 cup chopped mango or peaches
  • 1-2 Tbsp crushed walnuts

Equipment

  • 1 Blender
  • 1 Mason jar or food container with lid

Instructions
 

  • Blend cottage cheese: In a small blender, add cottage cheese, milk, vanilla, and cinnamon. Blend until smooth, about 15 seconds. 
  • Add to mason jar: Pour milk mixture into a large mason jar or food container with a fitted lid. Add remaining ingredients and stir well.
  • Refrigerate: Allow overnight oats to set in the fridge for a minimum of 2 hours. 
  • Enjoy hot or cold: When you’re ready to eat them, add toppings of choice and enjoy. If you'd prefer to eat them warm, you can gently heat them in the microwave in 3-second intervals before adding toppings.

Notes

Nutrition facts calculated without toppings.
Calories: 397kcal, Carbohydrates: 50g, Protein: 21g, Fat: 13g, Saturated Fat: 3g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 13mg, Sodium: 345mg, Potassium: 476mg, Fiber: 10g, Sugar: 15g, Vitamin A: 171IU, Vitamin C: 0.3mg, Calcium: 281mg, Iron: 3mg
Cuisine: American
Course: Breakfast