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This deconstructed BLT cottage cheese bowl transforms a classic sandwich into a protein-packed, low-carb meal that takes just minutes to prepare. The creamy cottage cheese provides the perfect base for crispy bacon, fresh veggies, and a tangy balsamic finish without any of the bread.
I created this bowl one summer afternoon when craving a BLT but wanting something lighter. Now it's my go-to lunch option that feels indulgent while still being nutritious.
Ingredients
- Cottage cheese The creamy protein base that replaces bread. Choose full-fat for richness or low-fat for fewer calories.
- Bacon Adds that smoky, savory flavor that makes a BLT special. Look for thick-cut bacon for the best texture.
- Romaine lettuce Provides essential crunch. Always choose crisp, fresh heads with no browning.
- Cherry tomatoes Their natural sweetness and juiciness brighten the entire dish. Select firm, ripe tomatoes for best flavor.
- Black pepper Fresh cracked adds the perfect mild heat to complement the other ingredients.
- Balsamic glaze This sweet-tart finishing touch ties everything together. Look for a thick, reduced glaze rather than thin vinegar.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the base
- Spoon cottage cheese into a shallow bowl, creating an even layer. The cottage cheese should be cold from the refrigerator for the best contrast with the warm bacon.
- Cook the bacon
- Fry bacon until perfectly crisp, then drain on paper towels and crumble into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, try cooking the bacon in the oven at 400°F for 15-20 minutes for evenly crisp results.
- Assemble the bowl
- Layer the crumbled bacon, chopped romaine, and halved cherry tomatoes over the cottage cheese. Arrange in sections for visual appeal or toss together just before eating.
- Season and finish
- Sprinkle freshly ground black pepper over the entire bowl, then drizzle with balsamic glaze in a zigzag pattern. The glaze should be thick enough to stay on top rather than running to the bottom.
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The cottage cheese is truly the star of this recipe. I discovered its versatility as a sandwich alternative years ago and have been creating variations ever since. My family now requests "BLT bowls" at least once a week, especially during hot summer months when turning on the oven feels unbearable.
Customize Your Bowl
This BLT bowl welcomes endless variations based on what you have on hand. Try adding diced avocado for healthy fats, a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning for extra flavor, or a handful of microgreens for added nutrients. For a Mediterranean twist, add cucumber and a few olives. The recipe is incredibly forgiving and adaptable to your preferences.
Make-Ahead Tips
While this bowl is best assembled just before eating, you can prepare all components in advance for quick assembly. Cook bacon ahead of time and store in an airtight container. Wash and chop lettuce, then keep in a paper towel-lined container. Pre-slice tomatoes the morning of, but not days ahead as they lose flavor in the refrigerator. With prep done, assembly takes less than a minute when hunger strikes.
Nutritional Benefits
This bowl delivers impressive nutrition in a simple package. Cottage cheese provides complete protein and calcium while keeping carbs minimal. The vegetables offer fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. Even the bacon contributes important nutrients like B vitamins and selenium. The entire bowl provides a balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and vegetables in one convenient dish that keeps you satisfied for hours.
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy this bowl on its own for a light meal or alongside a cup of soup for a more substantial lunch. For entertaining, consider setting up a BLT bowl bar with various toppings like different types of lettuce, colorful tomato varieties, bacon alternatives, and several dressing options. This interactive meal works beautifully for casual gatherings where everyone can customize to their preferences.
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Recipe FAQs
- → Can I substitute the cottage cheese with something else?
Yes, Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for cottage cheese if you prefer a tangier base. Ricotta cheese works well too, offering a similar texture with a slightly different flavor profile. For a dairy-free option, try using mashed avocado as your creamy base.
- → How do I make this bowl ahead of time?
While best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the components separately: cook and crumble bacon, chop lettuce, and halve tomatoes, storing each in separate containers. When ready to eat, simply assemble the layers and add the balsamic glaze just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
- → What can I add to make this bowl more filling?
To make this bowl more substantial, consider adding diced avocado for healthy fats, a hard-boiled egg for extra protein, or a quarter cup of quinoa or farro if you don't need it to be strictly low-carb. Sunflower seeds or chopped nuts would also add satisfying crunch and nutrients.
- → Is balsamic glaze the same as balsamic vinegar?
No, balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter than balsamic vinegar. It's made by reducing balsamic vinegar until it becomes syrupy, often with added sweeteners. If you don't have glaze, you can make your own by simmering balsamic vinegar with a little honey or brown sugar until reduced by half.
- → How can I make this bowl more keto-friendly?
To make this bowl more keto-friendly, use full-fat cottage cheese, add extra bacon, and incorporate more healthy fats like avocado or a drizzle of olive oil. Be mindful of the balsamic glaze, which contains some sugar—either use very sparingly or substitute with a keto-friendly dressing like olive oil with a splash of apple cider vinegar.
- → Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Absolutely! Turkey bacon works well as a leaner alternative to traditional pork bacon. It will provide a similar savory flavor with less fat. Cook it until crispy to achieve the best texture contrast with the creamy cottage cheese and fresh vegetables.