Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
Introduction
These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a refreshing and nutritious snack perfect for any time of day. Combining creamy cottage cheese with fresh blueberries and a hint of lemon zest, they offer a delightful balance of flavors and a boost of protein.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- 1/2 cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- a pinch of salt
Instructions
- Step 1: In a mixing bowl, gently combine cottage cheese, blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Be careful not to crush the blueberries.
- Step 2: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
- Step 3: Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions and roll into tight, compact balls. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4 (optional): Preheat oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake for 8–10 minutes for a lightly toasted exterior. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning. Bites can also be enjoyed chilled without baking.
- Step 5: Cool slightly, drizzle with honey if desired, and garnish with extra blueberries before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Chilling the mixture before shaping helps prevent spreading during baking or setting.
- Avoid overmixing to keep the bites tender and prevent crushing the blueberries.
- Swap cottage cheese for Greek yogurt, almond flour for oat flour, and honey for agave syrup to fit dietary preferences.
- For a vegan option, use plant-based yogurt in place of cottage cheese and maple syrup instead of honey.
Storage
Store the protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them and thaw before serving. If baked, gently reheat in a low oven or enjoy chilled for the best texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these bites ahead of time?
Yes, these protein bites can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days or frozen for longer storage, making them excellent for meal prep.
Are these bites suitable for a vegan diet?
They can be made vegan by substituting cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt and using maple syrup instead of honey.
PrintLemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe
These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a healthy, protein-packed snack combining creamy cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, and zesty lemon. They can be enjoyed fresh or lightly baked for a toasted finish, making them a versatile and delicious option for a quick, nutritious bite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8–10 minutes (optional)
- Total Time: 23–25 minutes (including optional baking)
- Yield: Approximately 12 bites 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook with Optional Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat)
- 1 cup fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest (from about 1 lemon)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup for a vegan option)
- ½ cup almond flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Mix Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, gently combine cottage cheese, blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Be careful not to crush the blueberries to maintain texture and freshness.
- Chill Mixture: Refrigerate the mixture for 15–20 minutes to allow it to firm up, which helps in easier shaping of the bites.
- Shape Bites: Using a tablespoon, scoop out portions and roll into tight, compact balls. Place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prepare for optional baking or chilling.
- Optional Baking: If desired, preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the bites for 8–10 minutes to achieve a lightly toasted exterior. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning.
- Cool and Garnish: Let the bites cool slightly, then drizzle with honey if desired and garnish with extra blueberries for added freshness and appeal.
Notes
- Chilling the mixture before shaping helps prevent spreading during cooking or setting.
- Do not overmix the ingredients to avoid tough bites and crushing the blueberries.
- Ingredient swaps to fit dietary preferences include using Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese, oat flour instead of almond flour, and agave syrup in place of honey for vegans.
- Store the bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for longer storage.
Keywords: Lemon Blueberry Protein Bites, Cottage Cheese Bites, Healthy Snack, Gluten-Free Snack
