🥞 Flourless Cottage Cheese Pancakes (Low-Carb, High-Protein)
Description:
These flourless cottage cheese pancakes are incredibly fluffy, protein-packed, and low-carb. Ready in just 5 minutes, they make a perfect breakfast or snack option, especially for anyone following a keto, low-carb, or gluten-free diet. The subtle hint of vanilla complements the creamy texture from the cottage cheese, while almond flour gives structure without weighing them down.
📝 Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (preferably full-fat or 4%)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup almond flour (substitute: coconut flour for gluten-free, use only 2–3 tbsp as it’s more absorbent)
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp vanilla extract (optional, adds mild sweetness)
- A pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for frying (ghee or avocado oil also work well)
🍳 Instructions:
- Mix: In a medium bowl, whisk together cottage cheese and eggs until smooth. Stir in almond flour, baking powder, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Preheat Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat. Add a small amount of butter or oil.
- Cook Pancakes: Pour 2–3 tablespoons of batter per pancake into the pan. Flatten slightly with a spoon.
- Flip Carefully: Cook for about 2–3 minutes on one side until bubbles form and the edges look set. Flip gently and cook another 1–2 minutes until golden.
- Serve Hot: Enjoy with your favorite low-carb toppings—fresh berries, sugar-free syrup, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
👩🍳 Tips & Tricks:
- Drain wet cottage cheese if yours is too watery; thicker curds = fluffier pancakes.
- Don’t overmix or pancakes will be tough—just blend enough to combine.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm flavor.
- Double the batch and refrigerate extras for up to 3 days (or freeze for 2 months).
- Reheat gently in a toaster oven or skillet for best texture.
🍽 Servings:
- Makes 6–8 small pancakes
- Serves 2 people generously
🔍 Nutritional Info (per serving, approx.):
- Calories: 240
- Protein: 18g
- Fat: 16g
- Carbs: 4–5g net
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 1g
(Values vary slightly based on brand of ingredients used.)
🌟 Health Benefits:
- High in protein – ideal for muscle repair and satiety.
- Low-carb & keto-friendly – supports stable blood sugar levels.
- Rich in calcium and B vitamins from cottage cheese.
- Gluten-free (when made with almond or coconut flour).
❓ Q&A
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes, substitute cottage cheese with dairy-free alternatives like blended silken tofu or almond-based ricotta, though texture may vary slightly.
Q: Can I use oat flour instead of almond flour?
A: You can, but it will increase the carb count and is not keto. Oat flour makes the pancakes slightly chewier.
Q: What’s the best topping?
A: For low-carb: berries, keto maple syrup, whipped coconut cream, or nut butter.
Q: Why are my pancakes falling apart?
A: Make sure your pan is hot enough and use a non-stick surface. Let them cook until the edges set before flipping.