Okay, this BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl is seriously one of my favorite easy meals ever. It’s fresh, creamy, salty, and crunchy—all in one bowl. If you love a good BLT sandwich but want something lighter or quicker, this hits the spot. I make this all the time when I need a fast lunch or post-workout snack.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe was born on a busy summer afternoon. I was craving a BLT but didn’t want to toast bread or deal with a pan. I had cottage cheese in the fridge, a pack of bacon, and some fresh veggies—and boom, this bowl was born.
- No cooking required (except bacon)
- Super high in protein
- Perfect for meal prep
- All the BLT vibes without the bread
- Ready in 10 minutes
Servings and Time
Serves: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 2 tablespoons diced onion
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tools Required
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Small mixing bowl
- Serving bowls
Pro Tips
- Use thick-cut bacon for extra crunch.
- Let the bacon drain on paper towels to stay crispy.
- Chill your cottage cheese for the best contrast with warm bacon.
- Add lettuce last so it stays crisp.
- Use a slotted spoon to scoop cottage cheese if it’s too watery.
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap romaine for arugula or spinach
- Use turkey bacon or veggie bacon
- Add avocado or hard-boiled egg for extra protein
- Try flavored cottage cheese (like chive) for a twist
- Mix in hot sauce or ranch
Make Ahead Tips
- Cook the bacon in advance and store in an airtight container
- Pre-chop veggies and keep in fridge up to 2 days
- Assemble right before eating to keep texture perfect
Full Recipe & Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bacon
Cook 4 strips of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8–10 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool.
Step 2: Halve the Tomatoes
Slice 1 cup cherry tomatoes in half using a sharp knife on a cutting board.
Step 3: Dice the Onion
Dice 2 tablespoons onion into small even pieces.
Step 4: Shred the Lettuce
Roughly shred 1 cup romaine lettuce into bite-sized pieces.
Step 5: Crumble the Bacon
Once cooled, crumble the cooked bacon into small chunks.
Step 6: Assemble the Bowl
Spoon ½ cup cottage cheese into each of 2 serving bowls. Top each with ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes, ½ cup shredded romaine, 1 tablespoon diced onion, and 2 crumbled bacon strips. Add salt, balsamic glaze and pepper to taste.
Macros (Per Serving – Makes 2 Servings)
- Calories: 285
- Protein: 21g
- Carbs: 8g
- Fat: 19g
- Fiber: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese is packed with casein protein, which digests slowly and keeps you full. The fat in bacon enhances flavor and crunch, while fresh tomatoes and lettuce give it hydration and balance. The saltiness of the bacon and cheese contrasts perfectly with the sweet tomatoes—classic flavor chemistry.
Common Mistakes
- Using watery cottage cheese: Strain it a little if needed.
- Overcooking bacon: Go for crispy, not burnt.
- Adding lettuce too early: It wilts fast—add just before serving.
- Skipping seasoning: A pinch of salt and pepper makes a huge difference.
What to Serve With
- A slice of sourdough toast
- A cold sparkling water with lemon
- Fresh fruit on the side
- A handful of almonds if you want more crunch
FAQ
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese?
Sure! It’ll be tangier and less creamy but still good.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes, prep everything ahead but don’t assemble until ready to eat.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Yep—just skip the bacon or use a plant-based version.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Definitely! Just make sure it’s crispy.
Final Thoughts
This BLT Cottage Cheese Bowl is proof that simple food can be seriously satisfying. It’s quick, loaded with flavor, and doesn’t need a bunch of ingredients. Try it out, play with the toppings, and let me know how it goes in the comments. I love hearing your spins on it!