Name: Cottage Cheese Chips
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup full-fat small curd cottage cheese (drained if watery); Seasonings of choice (e.g. Everything but the Bagel, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon and monk fruit, etc.)

Jump to Recipe

Cottage cheese chips changed the way I snack—and honestly, I didn’t see it coming.

I’d always thought of cottage cheese as something you dolloped on fruit or blended into smoothies, not something that could crisp up into the perfect salty bite. But one day, while sipping my coffee and scrolling through TikTok, I saw someone spoon it onto a baking sheet… and end up with golden, crunchy chips. My curiosity instantly took over.

As someone who loves quick, clean snacks with a little crunch and a lot of flavor, I knew I had to try them. And once I did? Let’s just say these chips became a regular in my kitchen rotation. High in protein, naturally gluten-free, and endlessly customizable—they’re everything I want in a guilt-free nibble.

Oh, and if you love simple recipes like I do, you’ll definitely want to bookmark our Fluffy Pancake Recipe too—it’s one of my go-to weekend breakfasts.

Let me show you exactly why cottage cheese chips deserve a permanent spot in your snack stash.

Table of Contents

Cottage Cheese Chips: What They Are and Why I Love Them

Understanding the Trend

The first time I made cottage cheese chips, I honestly wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d seen the idea floating around online—tiny scoops of cottage cheese baked into golden circles—but it felt like one of those “too good to be true” hacks. Still, I gave it a try.

What came out of the oven was nothing short of snack magic. The edges were golden and crisp, the centers slightly chewy, and the whole thing packed that tangy, salty bite I didn’t even know I was craving. And just like that, I understood the hype.

These chips are more than just a TikTok fad—they’re an easy, high-protein snack that you can prep in minutes. You don’t need a lot of ingredients or equipment. Just cottage cheese, a baking sheet, and whatever seasonings make your taste buds sing.

Nutritional Benefits

As someone who juggles work, recipe testing, and a kitchen full of hungry taste-testers (hi, family), I’m always on the hunt for foods that pull double duty—delicious and good for you. Cottage cheese chips fit the bill.

They’re naturally high in protein, which helps keep me full between meals. They’re also a great source of calcium, which I definitely appreciate on days when I’m running around and skipping proper meals. And since they’re low in carbs and gluten-free, they fit into almost any dietary goal—whether I’m in my meal-prep era or just looking for a better-for-me Netflix snack.

Bonus? My kids love them too. Which is wild, considering they normally run at the sight of cottage cheese.

Ingredients & Tools You’ll Need

Essential Ingredients

Making cottage cheese chips is shockingly simple—honestly, that’s half the charm. When I first whipped up a batch, I couldn’t believe they were just two ingredients away from snack bliss.

Here’s all you need:

Cottage Cheese: I use full-fat small curd for best results. It crisps up beautifully and gives the chips that satisfying bite. If you only have regular cottage cheese, make sure to drain off the excess liquid using a mesh strainer or paper towel. Moisture is the enemy of crisp.
Seasonings: This is where the fun begins. “Everything but the Bagel” seasoning is my go-to, but I’ve also made sweet cottage cheese chips with cinnamon and monk fruit, and spicy versions with chili flakes and garlic powder.

Every time I make cottage cheese chips, I change up the flavor a little—it’s like customizing your own healthy snack without starting from scratch.

Ingredients for cottage cheese chips including cottage cheese and seasonings — Simple ingredients needed for making cottage cheese chips.

Recommended Tools

One of the reasons I love making cottage cheese chips is that I don’t need a cluttered kitchen to do it. These are the few tools I always grab:

Parchment Paper: Trust me—without it, things get messy fast. It also helps the chips lift easily.
Baking Sheet: Any size will do. I prefer a rimmed one to prevent sliding.
Spoon or Cookie Scoop: To portion out even dollops of cottage cheese, which helps them bake evenly.
Optional – Air Fryer: If I want extra crisp and less bake time, I pop them in the air fryer.

That’s it! No fancy equipment—just a simple setup that leads to crunchy, high-protein satisfaction.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Chips in the Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

If you’ve got 5 minutes and a spoon, you’re halfway to a batch of crispy, golden cottage cheese chips. This is my go-to oven method, and it never fails me.

Here’s how I do it:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—seriously, don’t skip this step.
Scoop tablespoon-sized dollops of cottage cheese onto the sheet, spacing them at least an inch apart.
Flatten each one slightly with the back of your spoon to help them bake evenly.
Season generously—I usually go with a classic garlic blend or bagel seasoning, but you do you.
Bake for 30–40 minutes, or until the edges turn deep golden brown.
Cool before removing. They firm up as they cool, so resist the urge to snatch one hot from the tray (I’ve burned my fingers more than once doing exactly that).

Preparing cottage cheese chips on a baking sheet with seasonings — Preparing cottage cheese chips for baking with added seasonings.

When I first made cottage cheese chips this way, I couldn’t believe something so simple could come out tasting like a crunchy cheese cracker. But once I got the hang of it, I started making them weekly—no exaggeration.

Tips for Perfect Chips

Over time, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take these cottage cheese chips from good to absolutely irresistible:

Drain well: If your cottage cheese is watery, strain it in a mesh sieve or dab it with paper towels before scooping. Less moisture = more crisp.
Thin, even layers: Flatten the dollops evenly so they bake at the same speed. Thick mounds won’t crisp right.
Rotate the pan: About halfway through baking, I turn the pan to ensure even browning.
Bake until deep golden: The chips might look done at 25 minutes, but trust me—give them a few extra minutes for that extra crunch.

The first time I nailed the perfect batch, I nearly ate them all straight off the tray. It’s that kind of snack.

Air Fryer Method: Quick & Crispy

Air Fryer Instructions

There are days when I want my cottage cheese chips faster than the oven can deliver—and that’s when I reach for my trusty air fryer. It gives me those same golden edges and cheesy crunch in nearly half the time.

Here’s my air fryer method:

Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Line the basket with parchment paper or a silicone liner.
Spoon cottage cheese into small dollops, just like you would for the oven—about a tablespoon each.
Flatten them slightly with the back of your spoon.
Sprinkle your favorite seasonings on top.
Air fry for 10–12 minutes, checking around minute 9. They’re done when they’re deep golden with crispy edges.
Let them cool in the basket for 5–10 minutes before removing.

The first time I tried these in the air fryer, I stood by the counter the whole time just watching the magic happen—cheese bubbling, edges crisping. It was oddly satisfying.

Advantages of Air Frying

Why do I love the air fryer for cottage cheese chips? Let me count the ways:

Speed: They’re done in nearly half the time of oven baking.
Even crispiness: The circulating heat makes the chips golden and crisp all over.
Less mess: With a silicone liner or parchment, cleanup is a breeze.
Energy-efficient: I don’t have to heat up the whole kitchen just for a snack.

And on busy days, that time-saver is everything. I can prep a batch in under 15 minutes start to finish—just enough time for a mid-afternoon snack break that feels indulgent, but totally isn’t.

Flavor Variations to Try

Savory Options

Once I nailed the basic version of cottage cheese chips, I couldn’t resist getting creative. The base is neutral enough to handle just about any seasoning—so naturally, I started testing every spice blend in my pantry.

Here are some savory combos that turned out chef’s kiss good:

Everything but the Bagel: A classic. Crunchy, garlicky, with just enough salt.
Garlic & Herb: Think Italian seasoning, a little onion powder, and a pinch of sea salt.
Smoky Paprika: A mix of smoked paprika, cumin, and a dash of chili flakes.
Cheddar Ranch: Yes, I’ve even mixed a little ranch seasoning into the cottage cheese before baking—don’t knock it ‘til you try it.

These all pair beautifully with a tangy yogurt dip or just straight off the tray.

Sweet Twists

Now, I know what you’re thinking—sweet cottage cheese chips? Trust me, I was skeptical too. But after a few experiments, I’m here to tell you it totally works.

Some of my favorite dessert-inspired spins:

Cinnamon Sugar: A sprinkle of cinnamon with monk fruit sweetener or stevia before baking = crunchy churro vibes.
Vanilla Almond: Mix in a drop of vanilla extract and top with slivered almonds.
Pumpkin Spice: Yes, I went there. And yes, I’d do it again every fall.

These sweet versions are great for those times when I want a treat but don’t want to dive into a full dessert. Plus, they make the house smell amazing while they bake.

For a savory twist, pair your chips with our Cheesy Garlic Mashed Potatoes—the perfect comfort food complement.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Dips to Accompany

I’ll be honest—half the fun of making cottage cheese chips is choosing what to dip them in. These chips are salty and flavorful on their own, but with the right dip? Next-level.

Here are a few of my favorites:

Greek Yogurt Dip: Tangy, creamy, and easy to dress up with dill or lemon.
Avocado Mash: Like guac, but simpler—just smash a ripe avocado with salt and lime juice.
Spicy Hummus: That earthy, garlicky flavor pairs beautifully with bold chip seasonings.
Cream Cheese & Herb Spread: Especially good with the Everything seasoning variation.

These cottage cheese chips go wonderfully with our Tuscan Chicken Soup—perfect for a cozy meal

Meal Pairings

Cottage cheese chips aren’t just a snack—they’ve become a side dish staple in my house. Here’s how I love to serve them:

With Soup: Think creamy tomato, chicken tortilla, or even chili. The chips are perfect for dunking.
Next to Salad: Adds a salty crunch without croutons—especially good with Greek or Caesar salads.
Brunch Board Addition: Add them to a weekend brunch spread alongside fruit, nuts, and a dip tray.
On the Go: I often pack a few in a small container with some cut veggies or boiled eggs—instant snack box.

They’re just so versatile. One batch leads to a dozen snack options, which is exactly the kind of kitchen win I live for.

Baked cottage cheese chips served with dipping sauce — Golden-brown cottage cheese chips ready to enjoy with your favorite dip.

Storage & Shelf Life

Storing Leftovers

The first time I made cottage cheese chips, I figured I’d need storage tips—but let’s be real, we ate the whole tray before they even cooled. But on the rare occasion I manage to save a few, here’s how I keep them fresh:

Let them cool completely before storing. If you pack them while they’re still warm, they’ll trap moisture and go soft.
Use an airtight container to keep out air and humidity. A glass jar or a well-sealed plastic container works perfectly.
Layer with parchment paper if you’re stacking them—this prevents sticking and helps maintain crispness.

At room temperature, they’ll stay crunchy for about 2 days. If you refrigerate them, they last up to a week, though they may soften slightly.

Store your leftover chips in an airtight container, similar to how we store our Coconut Bonbons.

Reheating Tips

If your cottage cheese chips lose a little crunch (hey, it happens), don’t toss them! A quick reheat brings them right back to life:

Oven: Spread them on a parchment-lined tray and bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5–7 minutes. Let cool before eating.
Air Fryer: Pop them in at 350°F (175°C) for 2–3 minutes—just enough to crisp them up again.

I’ve even tossed a few on a hot skillet in a pinch, flipping them once they re-crisp. Snack rescue complete.

Discover more recipes and inspiration on our Pinterest page.

Common Questions Answered

How to make cottage cheese chips?

Start with a parchment-lined baking sheet, then spoon small mounds of cottage cheese onto it. Flatten each one, season however you like, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30–40 minutes until golden and crispy. Let them cool to finish crisping. I also love using the air fryer when I’m short on time—it only takes 10–12 minutes!

How long to cook cottage cheese chips in the air fryer?

When I use my air fryer, I preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and cook the chips for about 10–12 minutes. Keep an eye on them starting at the 9-minute mark—they crisp up quickly. Let them cool in the basket for a few minutes to firm up.

How to make cottage cheese chips in the oven?

This is my favorite method! I preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), drop spoonfuls of cottage cheese onto parchment, flatten them, season, and bake for 30–40 minutes. The edges should be deeply golden and the centers dry when they’re ready.

Can I make cottage cheese chips in the microwave?

Yes, though I’ll admit they don’t get as crispy as the oven or air fryer versions. Spoon cottage cheese onto parchment-lined microwave-safe plates, flatten them, and cook on high for 1½ to 2 minutes. Let them cool completely—they crisp up as they sit.

How do I get cottage cheese chips to be crispy?

This took me a few tries to perfect, but the secret is draining your cottage cheese well—no excess moisture! Flatten each scoop thinly and evenly, and bake until the chips are deeply golden. Cooling is key too—they firm up as they rest.

How should I store leftover cottage cheese chips?

Store cooled chips in an airtight container. I like to layer them with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll stay crisp for about 2 days at room temp or a week in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore their crunch.

Grace’s Final Thoughts & Tips

I never expected cottage cheese chips to become one of my all-time favorite snacks, but here we are. They’re crispy, packed with protein, and endlessly adaptable—which checks every box for me. Whether I’m meal prepping for the week or just want a quick bite between recipe tests, these little guys hit the spot.

My biggest tip? Don’t be afraid to play. Season them with whatever you’re craving, mix in sweet or savory flavors, and try different methods until you find your perfect crunch. And if your first batch isn’t perfect, that’s okay. Mine wasn’t either. But it was still delicious.

Thanks for snacking with me. Let me know how your chips turn out—I always love hearing your kitchen

Join our community on Facebook for more healthy snack ideas and updates.