Cottage cheese, once a staple breakfast item for grandmas, has now become a trendy ingredient among younger generations. With creative recipes and social media platforms like TikTok showcasing its versatility, cottage cheese has seen a surge in popularity, leading to a significant increase in sales over the past year.
One of the latest cottage cheese crazes is the two-ingredient cottage cheese wrap, which has caught the attention of food enthusiasts and health-conscious individuals alike. Charleston-based registered dietitian Lauren Manaker, RDN, LD, praises this protein-packed wrap for its simplicity and nutritional benefits.
To make the viral cottage cheese wrap, all you need to do is preheat the oven to 400ºF, spread a thin layer of cottage cheese on a parchment-lined baking sheet, sprinkle on your favorite seasonings, and bake for 15 to 25 minutes until crispy. Once cooled, you can add savory or sweet toppings of your choice to customize the wrap to your liking.
From a nutrition perspective, cottage cheese is a powerhouse of essential nutrients. It is rich in protein, with one cup of low-fat cottage cheese containing 24 grams of protein and 227 milligrams of calcium. Manaker emphasizes the importance of protein for muscle repair and growth, as well as the benefits of calcium for strong bones and teeth.
In addition to protein and calcium, cottage cheese also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins for energy production and gut-friendly probiotics for digestive health. However, Manaker advises against cooking cottage cheese at high temperatures, as it may deactivate the probiotics present in the cheese.
When it comes to choosing the best cottage cheese brand for the wrap, Manaker recommends Daisy Cottage Cheese for its rich, creamy texture and fresh taste. As for the fillings, the options are endless, with Manaker planning to make a pizza-inspired wrap for her family soon.
To inspire your cottage cheese wrap creations, here are three protein-packed recipes to try:
1. Italian-seasoned cottage cheese lunch wrap: Flavored with Italian seasoning and stuffed with roasted turkey, mayo, and mustard.
2. Arugula salad cottage cheese wrap: Blended with egg whites for extra protein and filled with nutrient-dense ingredients like arugula, tomato, avocado, and balsamic vinaigrette.
3. Omelet cottage cheese wrap: A protein-packed omelet stuffed inside a crispy cottage cheese wrap for a satisfying meal any time of day.
With its versatility, nutritional benefits, and delicious taste, the cottage cheese wrap is sure to become a new favorite among food enthusiasts looking for a healthy and convenient meal option. So, why not give it a try and join the cottage cheese craze today?