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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Chia Pudding - Creamy, Filling, and Easy

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (2% or 4% for creaminess; use low-fat if preferred)
  • 2–3 tablespoons chia seeds (start with 2 tbsp for a softer set, 3 tbsp for thicker)
  • 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk; adjust to reach your ideal thickness)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (or a zero-calorie sweetener to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt (boosts flavor)
  • Optional add-ins: 1–2 teaspoons cocoa powder, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon, lemon zest, or 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • Optional toppings: berries, sliced banana, chopped nuts, granola, shredded coconut, or a drizzle of nut butter

Method
 

  1. Blend the base: In a blender, combine cottage cheese, milk, vanilla, sweetener, and a pinch of salt. Blend until completely smooth and creamy, 20–30 seconds. Taste and adjust sweetness.
  2. Mix in chia seeds: Pour the blended mixture into a bowl or jar. Stir in chia seeds until evenly distributed. If adding cocoa powder or cinnamon, whisk it in now.
  3. Let it thicken: Rest for 5 minutes, then stir again to break up any chia clumps. This step helps achieve an even texture.
  4. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1–2 hours, or overnight for the best set. It will thicken as the chia seeds absorb liquid.
  5. Adjust if needed: If it’s too thick, stir in a splash of milk. If it’s too thin, mix in an extra teaspoon of chia and chill 15–30 more minutes.
  6. Serve and top: Spoon into a bowl or keep it in the jar. Add fresh fruit, nuts, granola, or a drizzle of nut butter for crunch and extra flavor.