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. Packed with protein and natural sweetness, they offer a delightful balance of creamy, fruity, and zesty flavors. Plus, they’re quick to make and can be enjoyed chilled or lightly baked for extra texture.

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

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, blueberries, lemon zest, honey, almond flour, vanilla extract, and salt. Be careful not to crush the blueberries.
2. Step 2: Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for 15–20 minutes to help it firm up.
3. Step 3: Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions and roll them into tight, compact balls. Place the balls on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
4. Step 4 (optional): Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C) and bake the bites for 8–10 minutes for a lightly toasted exterior. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning. They can also be enjoyed chilled without baking.
5. Step 5: Allow the bites to cool slightly, drizzle with honey if desired, and garnish with extra blueberries before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegan version, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based yogurt and use maple syrup instead of honey.
• Try adding a sprinkle of chia seeds or flaxseeds for extra fiber and omega-3s.
• If you prefer a firmer bite, add a little more almond flour or chill the mixture longer before shaping.

Storage

Store the protein bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. They can be eaten cold or warmed slightly before serving. If baked, they maintain their texture well when reheated at a low temperature for a few minutes.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

It’s best to use fresh blueberries to prevent excess moisture that can make the mixture too wet. If you use frozen, thaw and drain them well before mixing.

Can these bites be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare and shape the bites a day in advance and keep them refrigerated. If you plan to bake them, bake just before serving for best texture.

Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.8 from 85 reviews

These Lemon Blueberry Cottage Cheese Protein Bites are a refreshing and nutritious snack combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the natural sweetness of blueberries and honey, accented by bright lemon zest. Perfect as a quick protein boost, these bites can be enjoyed chilled or lightly baked for a toasted finish.

• Author: Clara
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (optional baking)
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 12–15 protein bites 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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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)
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• a pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Combine 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 their burst of flavor and texture.
2. Chill the Mixture: Place the mixture in the refrigerator and chill for 15–20 minutes to help it firm up, making it easier to shape the bites.
3. Form the Bites: Use a tablespoon to scoop out portions of the chilled mixture, then roll each portion into a tight, compact ball. Arrange the bites on a parchment-lined baking sheet to prevent sticking.
4. Optional Baking: Preheat the oven to 325°F (160°C). Bake the protein bites for 8–10 minutes to achieve a lightly toasted exterior. Watch carefully to prevent over-browning. Alternatively, you can skip baking and enjoy the bites chilled for a fresh, soft texture.
5. Garnish and Serve: Let the baked bites cool slightly. Drizzle with additional honey if desired and garnish with extra fresh blueberries before serving.

Notes

• For a vegan option, substitute honey with maple syrup.
• Handle blueberries gently to avoid crushing and maintain texture.
• Optional baking adds a nice toasted flavor but is not required.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Use low-fat cottage cheese to keep the bites light and healthy.

Keywords: lemon blueberry protein bites, cottage cheese snacks, healthy protein bites, low-fat snack, easy protein balls, no-bake snacks, baked protein bites