Name: The BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl : My Latest Obsession
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 4 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/2 cup chopped tomato; 1/4 cup chopped lettuce; Salt and pepper to taste

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Honestly, this blt cottage cheese bowl fits into our busy family life perfectly. There are days when I don’t even have time to blink, let alone cook an elaborate meal. But this? This is ready in minutes. I can even prep the bacon and lettuce ahead of time. I usually whip up a batch on Sunday to keep in the fridge for quick lunches throughout the week. This ease of preparation makes it a go-to option for busy weeknights.

It’s not just a quick meal; it’s actually good for you! The blt cottage cheese bowl is packed with protein, and it’s naturally lower in carbs than a traditional BLT sandwich. Plus, you’re getting some calcium from the cottage cheese! See? I told you it was healthy-ish. I was also able to find some information regarding calcium and nutrition via the National Institutes of Health. You can learn a lot about cottage cheese nutrition from outside sources, too.

I swear, this recipe is a game-changer. It’s a bacon lettuce tomato cottage cheese explosion that will make your taste buds sing.

Trust me, once you try this blt cottage cheese bowl, you’ll be hooked!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own delicious BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl. High-quality ingredients make a big difference!

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1 cup Cottage Cheese: I always use 2% because that’s what my family prefers, but you can absolutely use low-fat or full-fat depending on your dietary needs and preferences.
4 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled: I prefer thick-cut bacon for maximum flavor and crunch. When making this blt cottage cheese bowl, you can find good quality bacon at your local butcher or grocery store.
1 cup chopped Lettuce: Romaine or iceberg lettuce work great, providing a refreshing crispness. I learned the hard way with my blt cottage cheese bowl that using mixed greens makes the bowl taste bitter.
1/2 cup chopped Tomato: Cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, or a regular tomato, diced, all work well.
2 tablespoons Mayonnaise: I use avocado mayo for a healthier option, but regular mayo works just fine.
1 tablespoon Sour Cream: Adds a tang that complements the other flavors beautifully.
1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard: This gives the dressing a little zing!
1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder: Adds depth of flavor.
Salt and Pepper to taste: Don’t be shy with the pepper!
Optional: Everything bagel seasoning: This adds a lovely salty crunch.
Optional: Fresh chives, chopped: For garnish and extra flavor.
Optional: Avocado, sliced: Because avocado makes everything better.
Optional: Red onion, thinly sliced: If you’re feeling fancy!

Here’s a trick I learned from my mom when making a blt cottage cheese bowl: cook the bacon in the oven! It comes out perfectly crispy every time, and it’s less messy than frying it on the stovetop. Plus, you can cook a whole pound at once!

For the lettuce, I usually buy pre-washed bagged lettuce to save time. But if you’re using a head of lettuce, make sure to wash it thoroughly and dry it completely before chopping. Nobody wants a soggy blt cottage cheese bowl!

I’ve also discovered that storing the crumbled bacon in the fridge separately keeps it nice and crispy. If you add it to the bowl right away, it can get soggy.

How to Make – Step-by-Step

Okay, let’s get started making this amazing blt cottage cheese bowl! Follow these simple steps for a perfect bowl every time. Each step contributes to the overall flavor and texture.

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Cook the Bacon: If you haven’t already, cook your bacon until it’s nice and crispy. I like to bake mine at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes. Once it’s cooked, let it cool slightly, then crumble it into bite-sized pieces. Don’t worry if your bacon breaks apart a little. That’s perfectly normal. This helps make this bacon lettuce tomato cottage cheese bowl so delicious.
Prepare the Lettuce and Tomato: Wash and chop your lettuce. Dice your tomato into small pieces. Set both aside. Remember, for the best blt cottage cheese bowl, dry the lettuce well! Excess water can dilute the flavors.
Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. I sometimes add a pinch of sugar if I want it a little sweeter. I learned the hard way with my blt cottage cheese bowl that the dressing makes or breaks it!
Assemble the Bowl: Now for the fun part! Scoop the cottage cheese into a bowl. Top with the chopped lettuce, diced tomato, and crumbled bacon. The layering is key to an appealing presentation.
Drizzle with Dressing: Drizzle the dressing over the top of the blt cottage cheese bowl. Use as much or as little as you like. I usually go for about 2 tablespoons. The dressing ties all the flavors together.
Add Toppings (Optional): Sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning, fresh chives, or a few slices of avocado, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes adds a nice kick, too! Get creative with your toppings.
Serve Immediately: Enjoy your delicious and easy blt cottage cheese bowl right away! Freshness is key to enjoying the full flavor.

While the bacon is cooking, I usually chop the lettuce and tomatoes and make the dressing. This makes the whole process even faster. In my kitchen, this blt cottage cheese bowl usually takes about 10 minutes to assemble, once the bacon is cooked.

One of my favorite blt cottage cheese bowl cooking tips is to make a big batch of the dressing and keep it in the fridge. That way, you can whip up a bowl in even less time!

Your blt cottage cheese bowl should smell like bacon, fresh lettuce, and a hint of tanginess from the dressing. It’s seriously irresistible!

Serving Suggestions

My family enjoys this blt cottage cheese bowl in so many ways! Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your experience.

The kids love our blt cottage cheese bowl when I serve it with a side of whole-wheat crackers or some crispy croutons for extra crunch. I sometimes let them add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top, too. Hey, whatever gets them to eat their veggies, right?

This blt cottage cheese bowl is perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a satisfying snack. I often pack it for my lunch at work. It is also great if you are looking for a low carb blt bowl option for lunch or dinner.

Presentation-wise, I like to layer the ingredients in the bowl, so you can see all the colors and textures. It just makes it look more appealing, don’t you think?

If you have extra blt cottage cheese bowl, you can store the ingredients separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just be sure to keep the lettuce and tomatoes dry to prevent them from getting soggy.

For a seasonal variation, try adding grilled corn in the summer or roasted butternut squash in the fall. These additions can bring a unique twist to the classic recipe.

My friends always ask for this blt cottage cheese bowl recipe whenever I make it for them. They are always so surprised at how simple and delicious it is! It’s the perfect potluck dish, too!

I would even say it is a great blt salad cottage cheese bowl option!

I also sometimes use the blt cottage cheese bowl ingredients to make a salad. I like to throw it over some mixed greens and add a few extra veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers. The versatility of this recipe is truly amazing.

I have also made a sweet potato taco bowl and a baked texas trash cheese dip, both of which have received rave reviews!

Frequently Asked Questions

Okay, let’s tackle some common questions I get about this blt cottage cheese bowl! These FAQs should help you customize the recipe to your liking.

Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While cottage cheese is the star here, you could easily substitute ricotta cheese or even crumbled feta cheese. It will change the flavor profile, but it will still be delicious. I’ve even tried it with cream cheese, but it’s a little too rich for my taste.
Can I make this vegetarian? Of course! Just skip the bacon or substitute it with plant-based bacon crumbles. You could also add some grilled tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
What if I don’t like mayonnaise? No problem! You can use plain Greek yogurt or even a little bit of olive oil and lemon juice as a dressing. My mom hates mayo, and she loves it with Greek yogurt!
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes and no. You can prep all the ingredients ahead of time, but I recommend assembling the bowl just before serving to prevent the lettuce from getting soggy.
What kind of bacon is best? I prefer thick-cut bacon because it has more flavor and holds its shape better when crumbled. But you can use any type of bacon you like. I’ve even used turkey bacon in a pinch, but it’s just not the same.
Is cottage cheese healthy? Yes! Cottage cheese is a great source of protein and calcium. It’s also relatively low in calories and fat.
My dressing is too thick. What should I do? Just add a little bit of milk or water to thin it out. You know what I do when my blt cottage cheese bowl dressing is too thick? I add a splash of pickle juice! It gives it a nice tang.

My Final Thoughts

This blt cottage cheese bowl holds a special place in my heart because it’s proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. It’s a reminder that sometimes the best recipes are born out of simple ingredients and a little bit of creativity.

Here are my blt cottage cheese bowl Pro Tips:

Crispy Bacon is Key: Don’t skimp on the bacon! Make sure it’s nice and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Fresh Ingredients Matter: Use the freshest lettuce and tomatoes you can find. It makes a huge difference!
Don’t Be Afraid to Experiment: This recipe is just a starting point. Feel free to add your own favorite toppings and seasonings.

Here are a few blt cottage cheese bowl variations we’ve tried:

Spicy BLT: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing or top with some pickled jalapeños.
Avocado BLT: Add some sliced avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
BBQ BLT: Use BBQ sauce instead of the mayo dressing.

My son loves the spicy version, and my daughter is all about the avocado. My husband likes it just the way it is!

I hope you’ll give this blt cottage cheese bowl a try and make it your own. It’s such a simple, satisfying, and versatile meal that I know you’ll love! I always say that food should be an adventure!

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Enjoy making your own blt cottage cheese bowl!

The BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl : My Latest Obsession

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This BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl combines the classic flavors of a BLT sandwich with the high protein and creamy texture of cottage cheese. This bowl offers an amazing way to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal or snack.