Thank you so much for stopping by today, friend! I am beyond excited to share with you one of my new favorite snacks: Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites. They’re crispy on the outside, gooey in the middle, and packed with protein—basically the trifecta of snack-time happiness. If you’ve been craving a guilt-free nibble that actually fuels your body, you’re in for a treat.
This recipe combines creamy cottage cheese with stretchy mozzarella, bound together with just a touch of almond flour and an egg. The result? A golden, cheesy bite that feels indulgent yet is secretly healthy and gluten-free. And if you love easy high-protein snacks, make sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a recipe!
Overview of Recipe Content
What are Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites?
These bites are the love child of a mozzarella stick and a cheesy puff—except lighter, more wholesome, and way easier to make. They’re baked or air-fried, not deep-fried, making them a weeknight-friendly snack or even a quick appetizer for guests.
Why You’ll Love Them:
- High in protein (cottage cheese + mozzarella = muscle fuel!)
- Gluten-free, with options for nut-free.
- Quick and easy: just mix, scoop, bake, and enjoy.
- Perfect for snacking, meal prep, or even tossing into a lunchbox.
Flavor Profile:
Cheesy, creamy inside with a crisp golden shell. Add garlic powder for savory depth or sprinkle chili flakes if you like a kick.
Nutritional/Seasonal Benefits:
Protein-packed and low-carb, these bites are a smart choice for anyone watching macros. Plus, they fit any season—serve them with marinara in winter or a fresh garden dip in summer.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 large egg
- ¼ cup almond flour (or oat flour for a softer bite)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt & pepper
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking tray or air fryer basket
- Parchment paper
- Cookie scoop or spoon
Substitutions:
- Swap almond flour with oat flour for a nut-free version.
- Use cheddar or provolone for a flavor twist.
- Add spinach or chopped herbs for extra color and nutrients.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) or set your air fryer to 370°F.
- Mix it up: In a bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Scoop & shape: Using a spoon or small scoop, form bite-sized portions and place them onto a parchment-lined tray.
- Bake or air fry: Bake for 18–20 minutes (or air fry for 12–15 minutes), until golden and crispy.
- Cool slightly & enjoy: Let them rest for 2–3 minutes before serving—they’ll firm up beautifully.
What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites
These cheesy bites pair perfectly with:
- Marinara sauce (classic combo).
- Spicy sriracha mayo.
- Ranch dip for kids and picky eaters.
- A fresh green salad for a light meal.
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Drain excess liquid from cottage cheese for a firmer texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the tray—this ensures even crisping.
- Make them smaller if serving for a party (they cook faster too!).
- Want them extra golden? Brush lightly with olive oil before baking.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked bites for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven/air fryer until crispy.
- Reheat: Skip the microwave—use an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
General Information
Cottage cheese is having a major comeback, and these bites are proof of why. They’re versatile, filling, and sneak in protein in such a delicious way. In fact, these little guys remind me of when my nonna used to make fried cheese patties—only now we give them a modern, healthier spin
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make them without eggs?
Yes! Use a flax egg or chia egg, though they may be softer.
Can I make these dairy-free?
Try dairy-free cottage cheese and shredded vegan mozzarella.
Do they stay crispy after storing?
They soften a bit, but reheating in the air fryer brings the crunch right back.
Can I prep the mixture ahead of time?
Absolutely! Keep it covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
Conclusion
And there you have it: Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites that are crispy, high-protein, and gluten-free! They’re a snack that feels indulgent but supports your healthy lifestyle.
If you love this recipe, you might also enjoy:
Interactive Elements
If you try this recipe, please leave a review below—I’d love to hear what you think! Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it on Pinterest or tag me on Instagram so I can see your delicious bites.
Nutritional Information (Per 1 of 12 bites, approx.)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | 7g | 2g | 5g | 1g |
Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites 🧀✨ – Crispy, High-Protein & Gluten-Free
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 12 bites 1x
Description
Crispy on the outside, cheesy in the middle—these Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Bites are a high-protein, gluten-free snack made with just 5 ingredients.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 large egg
¼ cup almond flour (or oat flour for a softer bite)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of salt & pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) or air fryer to 370°F.
2. Mix cottage cheese, mozzarella, egg, almond flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
3. Scoop mixture into bite-sized portions on parchment-lined tray.
4. Bake 18–20 min or air fry 12–15 min until golden.
5. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
For best texture, drain excess liquid from cottage cheese before mixing.
Brush tops with olive oil before baking for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bite
- Calories: 85
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
