Making a tasty and healthy meal doesn’t have to be complicated. Our Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto Recipe combines the creamy goodness of cottage cheese, the smoky taste of provolone, and the fresh smell of basil pesto.
This unique blend not only offers a delicious taste but also offers a healthy choice for those who want a balanced meal. Whether you’re having a dinner party or just want something tasty, this recipe will please your taste buds with its mix of textures and flavors and is easy to make.
So, without wasting any more time, let’s get started with the ingredients and step-by-step instructions to make this amazing Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto dish.
What Are Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto and Why Are They Special?
Cottage cheese, provolone, and pesto each have unique qualities that make this dish exceptional. Cottage cheese is known for its creamy texture and high protein content, making it a good choice for a healthy diet.
It provides important nutrients like calcium and B vitamins. Provolone cheese introduces a mild yet distinctive smoky flavor which enhances the dish with its rich and smooth meltability. It pairs beautifully with the refreshing notes of basil and garlic found in pesto.
Pesto on the other side is a traditional Italian sauce that adds a burst of herbal freshness and vibrant color, derived from its core ingredients of basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. The harmonious combination of these components ensures that each bite delivers a satisfying and flavorful experience, making this recipe stand out from the ordinary.
Ingredients Needed for Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto
Before you start making the recipe make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Note: You can change the amounts based on what you like and what you need to eat.
Nutritional Information of This Dish
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 16g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Total Fat | 26g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Cholesterol | 30mg |
| Sodium | 300mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Calcium | 250mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
| Vitamin A | 750 IU |
| Vitamin C | 8mg |
Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
Benefits of Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto
Here is a quick overview of some of the main benefits of this recipe:
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, providing 16g per serving. Provolone cheese also adds to the protein content in this dish.
- Good Source of Calcium: Both cottage cheese and provolone are rich in calcium, which is essential for maintaining strong bones and teeth.
- Healthy Fats: Olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese used in pesto provide heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
Equipment Required
To make this delicious recipe, you’ll need the following kitchen tools:
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Serving dish
Recipe for Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto
Okay, now that we have all our ingredients and tools ready, let’s get started on the recipe.
Step 1: Make the Pesto Sauce
Start by making the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, mix the fresh basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts. Blend them until they are finely chopped and look like a paste. Then, slowly add the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth and a bit runny. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix one more time. Set this tasty pesto sauce aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
Take a mixing bowl and add the cottage cheese to it. Stir it until it’s smooth. Then, add the shredded provolone cheese and mix it in well. This cheesy blend will create a creamy base for our dish, giving it a tasty mix of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Combine Pesto with Cheese
Now, take the pesto sauce you prepared earlier and gently fold it into the cheese mixture. Make sure to mix well, so every bite will have equal amounts of cheese and the robust flavor of the pesto. This mix creates a yummy flavor that is both creamy and savory.
Step 4: Season Your Mixture
Taste the mixture to check if it needs more seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that the cheeses and pesto already have some flavor, so add them carefully to avoid too much seasoning. This helps create a nice balance of flavors in the dish.
Step 5: Bake the Mixture
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheese and pesto mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. This helps the flavors blend together and makes a warm, comforting dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy this dish by itself or as a dip with fresh bread or crackers. It has a yummy mix of creamy textures and great flavors, making it perfect for any meal or occasion.
Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto Recipe
Equipment
- Food processor or blender
- Mixing bowls
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater
- Serving dish
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup pine nuts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded provolone cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Pesto Sauce
- Start by making the pesto sauce. In a food processor or blender, mix the fresh basil leaves, garlic, and pine nuts. Blend them until they are finely chopped and look like a paste. Then, slowly add the olive oil while blending until the mixture is smooth and a bit runny. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix one more time. Set this tasty pesto sauce aside for later.
Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Mixture
- Take a mixing bowl and add the cottage cheese to it. Stir it until it’s smooth. Then, add the shredded provolone cheese and mix it in well. This cheesy blend will create a creamy base for our dish, giving it a tasty mix of flavors and textures.
Step 3: Combine Pesto with Cheese
- Now, take the pesto sauce you prepared earlier and gently fold it into the cheese mixture. Make sure to mix well, so every bite will have equal amounts of cheese and the robust flavor of the pesto. This mix creates a yummy flavor that is both creamy and savory.
Step 4: Season Your Mixture
- Taste the mixture to check if it needs more seasoning. Add salt and pepper to your liking. Keep in mind that the cheeses and pesto already have some flavor, so add them carefully to avoid too much seasoning. This helps create a nice balance of flavors in the dish.
Step 5: Bake the Mixture
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheese and pesto mixture into a baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Bake for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until the top is a light golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and melted. This helps the flavors blend together and makes a warm, comforting dish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- After baking, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. You can enjoy this dish by itself or as a dip with fresh bread or crackers. It has a yummy mix of creamy textures and great flavors, making it perfect for any meal or occasion.
Notes
Creative Serving Ideas for Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto
Here are some unique ways to enjoy your Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto dish:
- As a Pasta Sauce: Toss the warm, baked mixture with your favorite pasta for a quick and delicious meal. The cheesy and pesto flavors create a delightful coating for the pasta.
- On Grilled Chicken: Spread a big spoonful of the mixture on grilled or baked chicken breasts. The creamy pesto adds a tasty and fragrant touch to the chicken.
- Celery Bok Choy and Spinach: Complement your Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto with a fresh side of sautéed celery, bok choy, and spinach. This green medley adds a crunchy texture and is rich in vitamins and minerals, enhancing the nutritional profile of your meal.
- As a Spread: Use it as a spread on toasted bread or baguette slices for a tasty appetizer or snack.
- Stuffed into Vegetables: Fill bell peppers or large mushroom caps with the mixture and bake until the vegetables are tender for a healthy, delicious meal.
- As a Pizza Topping: Spread a layer of the mixture over a pizza crust, and top with sliced tomatoes and olives before baking for a pesto-inspired pizza.
Storage Tips
I recommend making this dish fresh, as it tastes best when served immediately. But if you have leftovers for some reason, store them according to these tips:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing the mixture. Portion it into small, freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing as much air as possible. It can be frozen for up to 2 months.
- Thawing: When ready to use, thaw the frozen mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating: Reheat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave in short intervals to prevent separation.
- Freshness Check: Before consuming, always check for any off smells or changes in texture, which may indicate spoilage.
Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto
If you want to make this dish perfect every time, must try these helpful tips:
- Blend to Desired Consistency: When making the pesto, you can control the texture. For a chunkier sauce, blend less. For a smoother consistency, blend longer and add more olive oil if necessary.
- Adjust Cheese Ratios: Depending on your taste preference, you can adjust the ratio of cottage cheese to provolone. Using more cottage cheese will make a lighter mix while adding more provolone will make it thicker and stronger in flavor.
- Season Gradually: Since the cheeses and pesto can have varying levels of saltiness, add additional salt and pepper gradually, tasting as you go to avoid over-seasoning.
- Don’t Overbake: Watch the oven carefully while baking to stop the top from getting too dark or the cheese from turning rubbery. You want a light golden top with bubbly cheese.
- Customize Add-ins: Consider adding other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or jalapeños to personalize your dish with extra flavors and a hint of spice.
- Try Different Nuts: If you can’t find pine nuts, use walnuts or almonds instead for a tasty twist in your pesto.
- Let it Cool Slightly: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This short time allows the flavors to meld and the texture to firm up slightly, providing a better serving experience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Cottage Cheese Provolone Pesto dish offers a versatile and flavorful creation that can enhance any meal. Its mix of creamy cheeses and flavorful pesto gives a satisfying and enjoyable eating experience.
Whether enjoyed on its own or added to other meals, it offers a tasty mix of flavor and texture. By following some simple storage and cooking tips, you can enjoy this delicious dish fresh or as leftovers, making it a great addition to your cooking skills.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of cheese instead of provolone?
Yes, you can substitute provolone with other cheeses like mozzarella, fontina, or gouda. Each will bring a different flavor and texture, so choose based on your preference.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a vegan diet by using plant-based cheese alternatives and pesto made without cheese. Plus, replace cottage cheese with a vegan option like almond or cashew ricotta for a similar creamy texture.
How can I make the pesto spicier?
To make the pesto spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a little chopped fresh chili peppers, or a splash of hot sauce. Change the amount based on how spicy you like it, tasting as you mix until it’s just right.
What can I use instead of pine nuts?
Swap pine nuts for almonds, walnuts, or cashews. Each choice gives a different taste and crunch, letting you customize your dish while keeping it tasty and nutty.
Can I prepare the pesto in advance?
Yes, you can make the pesto in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. To keep it fresh, place it in an airtight container and cover the surface of the pesto with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent oxidation.
Are there any gluten-free options for this dish?
Yes, you can make the dish gluten-free by serving it with gluten-free pasta or bread. Always check your pesto ingredients to ensure there are no gluten-containing additives.
How can I make the dish lower in fat?
To lower the fat content, use low-fat cottage cheese and reduce the amount of provolone. You can also limit the amount of olive oil in the pesto or use a lighter cooking spray.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, you can boost the protein content by adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or even chickpeas to the dish. These proteins integrate well with the flavors of the pesto and cheese, creating a more filling meal.
