Name: Cottage Cheese Herb Protein Rolls
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup flour; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon baking powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon dried herbs (like oregano or thyme); 1 egg

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

SPREAD LOVE

Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. These cottage cheese herb protein rolls are your new best friend when you want warm, soft comfort food that also says I care about protein. They come together fast, require almost zero drama, and smell like you actually know what you are doing.

If you like sneaky cottage cheese tricks like this one you might enjoy these apple cinnamon cottage cheese muffins for dessert or breakfast swaps. Trust me these rolls pair nicely with soup or with the noble act of eating them straight from the pan

Why This Recipe is Awesome

First off these rolls are stupid simple to make. No yeast no rising no waiting around like a patient saint. You mix stuff you probably already have then bake.

They pack protein thanks to cottage cheese so you can feel slightly virtuous while inhaling carbs. They stay soft and pillowy without complicated folding or kneading. Want garlic and cheese vibes Add toppings and you are golden.

It is also fairly forgiving. Overmix a little No catastrophic meltdown. Forget to preheat your oven Once you remember life goes on. It is idiot proof even I did not mess it up FYI that is a low bar but still

Ingredients You’ll Need

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup flour
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon dried herbs like oregano or thyme
1 egg

Yes that is all. Simple pantry vibes. If you want to pretend you are a chef add fresh herbs or sprinkle sea salt on top right before baking

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it so the rolls do not stick. Preheating helps the rolls rise quickly and get a nice color.
In a medium bowl combine the cottage cheese flour olive oil baking powder salt dried herbs and egg. Mix with a spoon or spatula until a rough dough forms. Do not overmix just bring it together.
Turn the dough onto a lightly floured surface. Divide it into 8 equal pieces or shape into a few larger rolls if you want bigger buns. Roll gently with your hands to smooth tops.
Place the rolls on the prepared baking sheet leaving a little space between them. If you want a glossy top brush with a little extra olive oil or an egg wash. Sprinkle extra herbs or coarse salt if you are feeling fancy.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until the rolls turn golden brown on top and feel set when you press them lightly. Ovens vary so check at 18 minutes if yours runs hot.
Remove from the oven and let the rolls cool slightly on a rack for 5 minutes. Eat warm or at room temperature. These are great with butter soup or a smear of cream cheese.

{image_2}

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Thinking you do not need to preheat the oven rookie mistake. That kills the rise and texture.
Overmixing the dough. Mix until combined then stop. Overworked flour makes tough rolls and nobody signed up for that.
Skimping on oil or parchment paper because you will cry when they stick. Use a little oil or parchment paper and save yourself the grief.
Cutting baking time short because they look pale. If they feel too soft in the center give them another minute or two. Underbaked dough is sad dough.
Using cottage cheese that is extremely watery without draining a bit. Pat it slightly with paper towel if it seems soggy. A little moisture is fine but not a soup

Alternatives & Substitutions

Want gluten free Use a 1 to 1 gluten free flour blend and add a tiny extra binder like a tablespoon of flax or xanthan if your blend needs it. I have had success this way.
No olive oil Swap for melted butter if you want richer flavor. Butter gives them more of a bakery vibe.
Fresh herbs are fair game Chop up rosemary parsley or chives and fold them in. Fresh herbs pack more punch so use a bit more than dried.
Egg allergy Try a flax egg made with 1 tablespoon ground flax and 3 tablespoons water per egg let it rest until gelled. Texture will change slightly but still tasty.
Want cheese Add grated parmesan or cheddar to the dough or sprinkle on top right before baking for a cheesy crust. My opinion is parmesan on top equals instant glamour

FAQ Frequently Asked Questions

{image_1}

Q Why are my rolls dense
A Did you overmix or use too much flour That is the usual culprit. Mix until combined and measure flour by spooning it into the cup and leveling off rather than packing

Q Can I use low fat cottage cheese
A Yes you can. The rolls may be a touch less rich but they still work fine. If the texture seems looser drain a little liquid or pat with paper towels

Q Can I freeze these
A Absolutely Freeze baked rolls in a zip top bag for up to 3 months. Reheat from frozen in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warm

Q Can I make these vegan
A You can try Sub in a plant based yogurt or silken tofu for cottage cheese and a flax egg for the egg. Results vary but it can work if you are determined

Q Can I make them ahead for a party
A Yes bake earlier the same day and reheat at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes. They crisp up nicely and still feel fresh

Q Do I have to use dried herbs
A Nope Use fresh herbs if you have them Just use about double the amount compared to dried for similar flavor

Q Can I add garlic or onion powder
A Sure why not Add a teaspoon of garlic powder or a half teaspoon of onion powder if you like savory depth

Final Thoughts

You just made something that looks impressive tastes great and did not require a PhD in baking. These cottage cheese herb protein rolls are the little life hack you did not know you needed. Serve them with soup tuck one into a sandwich or eat them all in a quiet moment of triumph.

Pro tip Warm them up slightly before serving to get the best soft experience. Little steps like that make you look like a pro with minimal effort.

Now go impress someone or just yourself with your new culinary skill You earned it

Conclusion

If you want to take this idea further try the Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls for an extra savory spin by checking out this recipe from Fit Foodie Finds at Garlic Parmesan Cottage Cheese Dinner Rolls (High Protein!). For an ultra simple no yeast take see the clever short ingredient method over at Kirbie Cravings with 2 Ingredient Cottage Cheese Bread Rolls (No Yeast or Kneading …).