Thank you for stopping by, friend! Today, I’m beyond excited to share one of my new favorite low-carb snacks: Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Sticks. If you love gooey mozzarella sticks but want a healthier, high-protein twist—you’re in for a treat. These sticks are crispy on the outside, cheesy in the middle, and ready in minutes.
This recipe is proof that comfort food can still fit into your healthy lifestyle. If you haven’t already, make sure to subscribe to my email list so you never miss a cozy, cheesy recipe like this one.
Overview of Recipe Content
These low-carb mozzarella sticks are a quick snack, appetizer, or even a fun side dish for game day. What makes them special? They’re made with cottage cheese—a powerhouse of protein—mixed with mozzarella for that irresistible stretchy cheese pull.
Why you’ll love it:
- Ready in just 15 minutes.
- High in protein, low in carbs.
- Crispy on the outside, melty on the inside.
- Gluten-free option using almond flour.
What it tastes like: Imagine the creamy tang of cottage cheese blended with gooey mozzarella, wrapped in a crispy, golden coating. Every bite is indulgent yet surprisingly light.
Health perks:
- High protein from cottage cheese and egg.
- Lower carb alternative thanks to almond flour.
- A snack you can feel good about.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 large egg
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2–3 tbsp almond flour (for coating)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: ½ tsp Italian seasoning for extra flavor
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Fork or whisk
- Baking sheet or air fryer basket
- Parchment paper
- Shallow dish for coating
Substitutions & Additions:
- Use panko crumbs instead of almond flour for extra crunch (if not low-carb).
- Swap mozzarella with cheddar for a sharper flavor.
- Add a pinch of chili flakes if you love spice.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
- Prepare the mixture – In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, egg, salt, and garlic powder. Stir until smooth and well mixed.
- Shape into sticks – Scoop spoonfuls of the mixture and shape into sticks or small nuggets. Pop them into the freezer for 20 minutes (this helps them hold shape).
- Coat the sticks – Roll each stick in almond flour (or panko) until lightly coated.
- Bake or Air Fry – Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in an air fryer basket.
- Bake: 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fry: 390°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes until golden.
- Serve hot – Enjoy with marinara sauce or ranch for dipping!
Pro tip: Listen for that satisfying crunch when you bite in—you’ll know you nailed it.
What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Sticks
These cheesy bites pair perfectly with:
- Classic marinara sauce (a must!)
- Ranch or garlic aioli for dipping
- A fresh green salad to balance the richness
- A fun appetizer platter alongside Buffalo Chicken Wraps or Air Fryer Crispy Cauliflower
Tips for Making It Perfect
- Freeze before cooking – Keeps them from falling apart.
- Don’t overload with cheese – Too much mozzarella can make them ooze out.
- Use parchment paper – Prevents sticking.
- Air fryer tip – Spray lightly with oil for maximum crunch.
Storage Instructions
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze uncooked sticks on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag (up to 1 month). Cook straight from frozen—just add 2–3 extra minutes.
- Reheat: Pop back into the air fryer for 3–5 minutes to bring back crispiness.
General Information
Did you know mozzarella sticks first became popular in the U.S. during the 1970s, often served at diners and bowling alleys? This version gives them a modern, protein-packed twist with cottage cheese. Perfect for keto or low-carb lifestyles, but honestly… anyone will love them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use fat-free cottage cheese?
Yes, but full-fat gives a creamier texture.
2. Can I make these without almond flour?
Absolutely! Try coconut flour or crushed pork rinds for low-carb options.
3. Can I deep-fry them?
Yes—fry at 350°F for 2–3 minutes until golden, but baking/air frying keeps it lighter.
4. Can I meal prep these?
Yes! Freeze shaped sticks before baking, then cook when ready.
Conclusion
These Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are everything: crispy, gooey, low-carb, and packed with flavor. A perfect snack for movie nights, game days, or when that cheese craving hits.
If you loved this, you’ll also enjoy my Zucchini Pizza Bites and Baked Chicken Parmesan.
Thanks for cooking with me today—can’t wait to see your cheesy creations!
Get Your FREE Sugar-Free Dessert Cookbook!
Watch a short ad to unlock your free download — packed with 20+ guilt-free desserts that actually taste amazing! Easy recipes, zero refined sugar, and full of flavor!
Interactive Elements
- Leave me a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating if you loved this recipe.
- Share a photo on Pinterest: Poulef Pinterest Recipes
- Tag me on Instagram @poulefrecipes so I can share your mozzarella stick magic!
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx.)
| Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat | Fiber | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 160 | 12g | 4g | 9g | 1g | 220mg |
Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Sticks – Quick, Cheesy & Low-Carb
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 8 sticks 1x
Description
These Cottage Cheese Mozzarella Sticks are quick, cheesy, and low-carb! Made with cottage cheese, mozzarella, and almond flour, they’re the perfect high-protein snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
1 cup cottage cheese
1 large egg
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2–3 tbsp almond flour (for coating)
½ tsp garlic powder (optional)
Pinch of salt
½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
Instructions
1. In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, mozzarella, egg, salt, and garlic powder.
2. Shape into sticks or nuggets and freeze for 20 minutes.
3. Roll each stick in almond flour to coat.
4. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes or air fry at 390°F for 8–10 minutes until golden.
5. Serve hot with marinara sauce or ranch.
Notes
Freeze before cooking to help hold shape.
Spray lightly with oil in the air fryer for extra crispiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Bake, Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 sticks
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 220mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 45mg
Table of Contents

Gianna Poulef
I’m Gianna Poulef from Poulef Recipes. I love sharing perfected dishes from my kitchen. I’m sure they’ll earn a spot in your heart. Let’s savor this journey together!.
Let’s be friends!







