Let’s talk cottage cheese—yes, that humble fridge staple is getting a gourmet makeover. But this time, it’s not just being spooned onto fruit or tossed into casseroles. We’re turning it into crispy, oven-baked chips that channel the same elegant, effortless vibe Ina Garten is loved for.

Now, let’s be clear—Ina Garten herself hasn’t (yet) graced us with a cottage cheese chip recipe. But if you’ve watched even a single episode of Barefoot Contessa, you know she’s all about unfussy ingredients, timeless comfort, and elevated simplicity. That’s exactly what these chips are: protein-packed, crisp-edged, and ready to be devoured with your favorite dip or alongside a sparkling spritz on your sun-drenched patio (Hamptons optional).

And the best part? They’re made with just a few ingredients, easily customizable, and perfect for anyone eating low-carb, high-protein, or just plain better.

Looking for more ways to use this trending ingredient? Don’t miss our Cottage Cheese Chips recipe—one of our most loved protein-packed snacks!

Why You’ll Love These Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

There’s a reason these Ina Garten cottage cheese chips are going viral—they’re not just trendy, they’re genuinely crave-worthy.

High in Protein: With cottage cheese as the base, each bite delivers a solid protein punch. They’re the ideal snack for post-workout recovery or as a mid-morning boost. Pair it with something sweet like our Blended Overnight Oats for a perfectly balanced duo.
Low-Carb & Guilt-Free: Unlike traditional chips, these are naturally gluten-free, baked instead of fried, and contain no hidden additives. Healthy doesn’t have to mean boring.
Endlessly Customizable: Add garlic powder, chili flakes, or rosemary for flair. Want to go cheesy-on-cheesy? A sprinkle of parmesan takes it up a notch. Prefer savory simplicity? Just sea salt and cracked black pepper will do.
Minimal Ingredients, Minimal Effort: You only need a spoon, a pan, and a little oven time. Just like our 3-Ingredient Alfredo Sauce, this snack proves that less really can be more.
Perfect for Kids and Adults Alike: They’re mild, snackable, and pair wonderfully with dips. Try them with hummus or a yogurt-based spread—just like you would with our Air Fryer Breakfast Potatoes.

These aren’t just a fad. They’re a better-for-you chip alternative that’s actually satisfying—rich in flavor, rich in nutrients, and inspired by one of the most beloved culinary icons.

Ingredients for Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

Creating something delicious and wholesome doesn’t require a long grocery list. In true Ina fashion, we’re keeping it simple, smart, and slightly indulgent.

Ingredients:

2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
1/2 cup almond flour (or any flour of choice)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika or chili powder for extra flavor
Olive oil spray (for greasing)

Pro Tip: These chips are totally customizable—add rosemary, thyme, or even nutritional yeast to give them a savory gourmet twist. For more flavor-packed ideas with pantry ingredients, check out our Farro Sweet Potato Salad—a fiber-rich, customizable recipe loaded with texture and flavor.

Ingredient Swaps:

Use lactose-free cottage cheese for a gentler option.
Switch out almond flour with chickpea flour, oat flour, or even crushed seeds.
Skip the paprika for a more classic taste, or go bold with cayenne for heat.

Want a totally different but equally clever three-ingredient idea? Try our ultra-simple 3-Ingredient Peanut Butter Oatmeal Balls for a sweet high-protein snack.

Essential Tools for Baking Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

You don’t need Ina’s Hamptons kitchen setup to pull this off. Just a few basic tools and you’re chip-ready:

Baking sheet – Non-stick is great, but parchment paper or a silicone baking mat will also work wonders.
Spoon or cookie scoop – For portioning the cottage cheese evenly.
Oven or air fryer – Both yield crispy results (oven for batch-baking, air fryer for speed).
Mini muffin tin (optional) – Want perfectly rounded chips? Here lies your secret edge..

Ina-Inspired Simplicity

What would Ina do? She’d focus on the quality of the ingredients, use what’s already in the kitchen, and make it feel effortless. No stress, no clutter—just elegance.

Want more recipes that don’t require fancy gadgets? Our Melt-in-Your-Mouth Chicken Guide is another prime example of doing more with less.

How to Make Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

These Ina Garten-inspired cottage cheese chips are quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying—perfect for busy weekdays, cozy weekends, or impromptu guests.

Instructions:

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Combine Ingredients: Mix cottage cheese, almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper in a medium bowl.
Shape Chips: Scoop small amounts of the mixture and roll them into small balls. Place them on the baking sheet and flatten each one gently with your fingers or a spoon into thin rounds.
Bake: Lightly spray the tops with olive oil spray. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye near the end to avoid over-baking.
Cool and Serve: Let the chips cool for a few minutes on the sheet. They will keep getting crispier as they cool down. Enjoy with your favorite dip or serve them alongside Avocado Chicken Salad for a balanced snack plate.

Serving Idea: These chips pair beautifully with our creamy Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a snack spread that’s both indulgent and protein-packed.

Swaps and Substitutions for Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

One of the best things about these Ina Garten-inspired cottage cheese chips? They’re endlessly flexible. Whether you’re dairy-free, spice-happy, or simply low on ingredients, there’s always a way to make them work.

1. Dairy-Free or Lactose-Free Alternatives

Use lactose-free cottage cheese—it bakes just like the regular kind.
Experiment with dairy-free ricotta, though note: results may be softer, not as crisp.

If dairy isn’t your thing, try a plant-based appetizer like our Vegan Soup Dumplings for equally satisfying bites.

2. Flavor Variations

Herby: Add dried rosemary, thyme, or dill.
Spicy: Chili flakes, cayenne, or smoked paprika for heat.
Cheesy-on-cheesy: A pinch of grated parmesan adds a nutty depth and bonus browning.

If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go sweet with cinnamon and monk fruit sweetener—similar to our Cinnamon Chips Perfect Snack!

3. Textural Tweaks

Want more lift? Use a mini muffin pan for deeper “puff” style chips.
Like it thin and crispy? Spread the cheese wider and bake a bit longer.

These swaps allow you to adapt this recipe to whatever’s in your fridge, pantry, or weekly meal plan—keeping it easy and stress-free, just like Ina would.

What to Serve With Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

Sure, you could eat these on their own (and we fully support that), but if you’re building a board, lunch plate, or fancy appetizer spread, here’s how to pair them like an expert.

1. Dips That Love a Crunch

A tangy Greek yogurt herb dip or lemon-tahini drizzle
Creamy hummus, spicy avocado mash, or whipped feta
For something bold, try our Smoked Queso Dip—a dreamy, melty companion

2. Build a Charcuterie Vibe

Serve your chips alongside:

Preserved meats, pickled vegetables, and olives.
Grape tomatoes, marinated artichokes
A touch of sweetness like fig jam or honey-glazed nuts

Pair them with other snackables like our Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls for a next-level party platter.

3. Make it a Meal

Turn these into a wholesome lunch:

Add a boiled egg, greens, and a scoop of Avocado Chicken Salad for a protein-packed power bowl.
Serve with soup! Our Chicken Broccoli Cheese Soup makes a perfect warm pairing.

These cottage cheese chips aren’t just a snack—they’re a blank canvas for bold dips, nourishing sides, or even full meals.

Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

Author: Julie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 20 chips 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Ina Garten-inspired cottage cheese chips are crispy, protein-packed, low-carb, and irresistibly easy to make. A simple, elegant snack that’s endlessly customizable and perfect for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup full-fat cottage cheese (classic curd-style)
½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Sea salt, to taste
Optional seasonings: smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, rosemary, chili flakes, or grated parmesan

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). If using air fryer, preheat to 350°F.
Line baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
Scoop cottage cheese in small dollops, spaced 1 to 1.5 inches apart.
Flatten each dollop with the back of a spoon.
Sprinkle with chosen seasonings.
Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and crispy at the edges.
Cool completely before removing for best crispiness.
Optional: Broil 1–2 minutes for extra crunch.
Air Fryer Option: Cook at 350°F for 10–12 minutes until crisp.

Notes

Use full-fat cottage cheese for best results. Store chips in an airtight container after cooling completely. Re-crisp in toaster oven if needed.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Lunch
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 5 chips
Calories: 80
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 220mg
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 2g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 7g
Cholesterol: 15mg

Keywords: cottage cheese chips, low carb chips, high protein snack, ina garten inspired, healthy snack

FAQs About Ina Garten Cottage Cheese Chips

1. Can I use low-fat cottage cheese instead of full-fat?

Yes, but the results may vary. Low-fat versions contain more moisture, so they may not crisp up as nicely. For best results, stick with full-fat or at least 2%—similar to how we recommend full-flavor ingredients in our Banana Bread Cinnamon Crunch Bagels.

2. Do these chips stay crispy after baking?

They do—if you let them cool completely before storing. Store them in an airtight container, and if needed, re-crisp in a toaster oven for a minute or two.

3. Can I make them in advance?

Absolutely. Make a big batch, store them properly, and enjoy them throughout the week. Great for lunchboxes or movie-night snacking.

4. Can I freeze cottage cheese chips?

Technically, yes, but it’s not ideal. Freezing may introduce moisture that softens the texture. They’re best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

5. Are they kid-friendly?

Totally! The mild flavor and crunchy texture are usually a hit with kids. For extra fun, serve them with a creamy dip like our Philadelphia Cheesecake Bars for a sweet-savory treat platter.

6. What’s the best dip to pair with these chips?

If you made this recipe, please leave a rating at the bottom of the page! Your feedback is valuable to me and other readers. For more delicious homemade recipes, subscribe to my Newsletter and join me on Pinterest, Facebook and X!

Hummus, tzatziki, or a whipped cream cheese spread works wonders. You can also try our Easy Mediterranean Cucumber Bites as a fresh, crunchy side option.

Cottage cheese chips may sound unexpected, but they’re quickly becoming a snack-time MVP. With just a few ingredients, you get a crisp, savory bite that’s high in protein, low in carbs, and effortlessly chic—just the way Ina Garten might do it, if she ever gave this viral snack her Barefoot Contessa twist.

From the clean, minimalist prep to the nourishing payoff, these chips are a smart addition to any kitchen. They’re ideal for everything from solo snacking to party platters, and their customizability means you can mix up flavors without ever getting bored.

If you’re already loving high-protein recipes like our Protein Pudding or Kodiak Cakes Pancake Recipe, this one’s another must-try in your rotation.

So go ahead—preheat that oven and start spooning. And if you give this recipe a spin, don’t forget to tag us or leave a comment below. We love seeing how you bring these bites to life in your own delicious way!

This recipe is not affiliated with or endorsed by Ina Garten. It is an original creation inspired by her signature cooking style—simple, elegant, and approachable. All references to Ina Garten are made for descriptive and editorial purposes only.

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