Low Carb Protein Pancakes (No Protein Powder!)

I make a lot of pancakes and am constantly experimenting with ways to add more protein so that I am not starving an hour after eating. In the past, I would prepare something on the side for protein like a boiled egg, turkey bacon, or protein smoothie. However, it's so much easier if I can just get some of that extra protein right in the pancake. Enter cottage cheese!

Before you click away, trust me here. Cottage cheese is one of my favorite secret weapons to boost the protein in my favorite pancake recipes. Don't worry, you can't taste it at all. It adds a creaminess and richness to the pancake plus lots of good, lean protein. I also love adding cottage cheese to my egg muffins. 

Then like any good pancake, you can easily customize these protein pancakes with your favorite fruit, spices, or nuts, Just add them right to the batter.  Or you can mix it up daily by topping your pancakes with fresh fruit, nut butter, butter, syrup, or a bit of chocolate syrup.

Looking for more protein pancakes? Try these Oatmeal Banana Pancakes, Greek Yogurt Pancakes, and Oatmeal Protein Pancakes.

Key Ingredients 

Here are the main ingredients you will need to make these cottage cheese pancakes. 

• Eggs: This recipe uses a combination of eggs and egg whites. If you prefer whole eggs or all egg whites, both options will work as well. 
• Cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient in this recipe to add even more protein. Any style of cottage cheese will work, just look for small curd. It blends right into the batter and you won't even know it's there.
• Coconut flour: To keep these low-carb and keto-friendly, this recipe uses coconut flour. Do not swap in almond flour or another low-carb flour since they all cook differently. 
• Vanilla extract and cinnamon: To add some flavor to these pancakes, add vanilla extract and cinnamon. Feel free to play with the flavors by using other low-carb flavors and sweeteners. 

Note: These pancakes do not have any added sweetener. If you prefer a sweet pancake, make sure to add a low-carb sweetener like stevia, Swerve, or monk fruit. If you make these savory, they can be used as a wrap or bread replacement as well. 

Recipe Ideas and Variations

There are lots of ways to customize these pancakes and make them your own. Here are some ideas!

• Make chocolate pancakes by adding unsweetened cocoa powder and a no sugar sweetener. For even more chocolate flavor, add in some sugar free chocolate chips.
• Add some fresh blueberries, strawberries, or raspberries to add some natural sweetness and color to the pancakes. Gently fold them into the batter after blending it or sprinkle on top while they cook. 
• Turn these into savory pancakes by adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or basil.
• If you are not watching carb counts, add a flavored cottage cheese including pineapple, peach, or berry. 
• Try adding some fresh lemon zest or lime zest to add a citrus note to the pancakes.
• Boost the nutrition and fiber in the recipe by adding some chia seeds to the batter. 

Side Dishes for Protein Pancakes

While these pancakes are plenty filling on their own, here are some tasty side dishes to serve on the side. 

• Make some tasty chia seed jam to serve with the pancakes. For a brunch spread, you could also serve some chia seed pudding.
• If you are serving these for brunch, make a tasty frittata or some egg muffins on the side. 
• For a simple option, add some fresh fruit and bacon, sausage, or ham.