2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks – Crispy, Cheesy & Low-Carb

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how fast these come together—just a few minutes of prep and a short bake time, and I’ve got warm, crispy cheese sticks ready to go. With only two main ingredients, it’s one of the easiest recipes I’ve made that actually delivers on flavor and texture. They’re naturally gluten-free, low-carb, and high in protein, which makes them a great option whether I’m snacking, meal prepping, or packing lunches. I can even add herbs or spices to change things up.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup cottage cheese (≈ 240 g)

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (≈ 100 g)

Directions

1. Preheat the oven:
   I start by setting my oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper—or lightly greasing it if I’m out of parchment.

2. Mix the ingredients:
   In a bowl, I combine the cottage cheese and mozzarella. I stir until it comes together into a sticky, cheesy mixture.

3. Shape the sticks:
   I divide the mix into 8 equal portions and shape each one into a stick. Then I place them evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet.

4. Bake:
   I pop the tray in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the sticks are golden and starting to crisp at the edges.

5. Cool and serve:
   I let them cool for a few minutes to firm up before serving. They’re great warm, but I also like them chilled from the fridge as a protein snack.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 8 cheese sticks and takes just 15 to 18 minutes total—3 minutes to prep and 12 to 15 minutes to bake. Perfect for a spontaneous snack or a quick appetizer before dinner.

Variations

When I want to change the flavor, I mix in a little garlic powder, paprika, or Italian seasoning with the cheese. For extra crunch, I broil them for 1–2 minutes at the end. I also like to serve them with low-carb marinara, ranch, or a spicy dip to mix things up.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I just pop them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to bring back the crispiness. They’re still tasty cold, but I prefer them warm.

FAQs

Can I use a different cheese besides mozzarella?

Yes, I’ve tried cheddar and pepper jack for a stronger flavor. Just keep the ratio close to 1:1 with the cottage cheese.

Do I need to drain the cottage cheese?

I usually don’t, but if it’s especially watery, I strain it a bit to avoid soggy sticks.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Definitely. I cook them at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes, checking for golden edges and firm texture.

Are these freezer-friendly?

They can be frozen, but I prefer making them fresh. If I do freeze them, I reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up again.

What type of cottage cheese works best?

I use full-fat or 2% for the best texture. Low-fat can work, but it might be a bit wetter, so I adjust by patting it dry slightly before mixing.

Conclusion

These Cottage Cheese Cheese Sticks are everything I want in a quick snack—cheesy, crispy, and ridiculously easy. Whether I’m looking for something low-carb, high-protein, or just delicious, this recipe checks all the boxes. With just two ingredients and a few minutes, I get a warm, satisfying bite that feels way more indulgent than it really is.