Bite-sized, fluffy, and full of protein—these Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Pancakes are a wholesome twist on your morning favorite. Made with simple ingredients like oats, cottage cheese, and eggs, they’re naturally gluten-free and great for kids, meal prep, or post-workout snacks. You’ll love how tender they are inside, with just the right amount of golden crisp on the outside. And since they’re mini, you can eat five and still feel good about it!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these nutritious mini pancakes:
- ½ cup cottage cheese (regular or low-fat)
- ½ cup rolled oats
- 2 large eggs
- 1 ripe banana
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for cooking
- Optional: mini chocolate chips, blueberries, or a dash of cinnamon
How to Make Bite-Sized Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Pancakes
Step 1: Blend the Batter
Add cottage cheese, oats, eggs, banana, baking powder, vanilla, and salt to a blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. If the batter feels too thick, add 1–2 tablespoons of milk to thin it slightly.
Step 2: Heat the Skillet
Preheat a non-stick skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease it with butter or oil.
Step 3: Cook in Batches
Scoop about 1 tablespoon of batter per pancake onto the skillet. Cook for 1–2 minutes, or until you see bubbles forming and the edges look set. Flip gently and cook another 1–2 minutes on the other side until golden and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Enjoy your pancake bites plain or top with Greek yogurt, nut butter, fruit, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
Helpful Tips
- Use ripe bananas for extra natural sweetness.
- Go mini: Use a small cookie scoop or tablespoon for uniform bite-sized pancakes.
- Keep warm: Store cooked pancakes on a plate covered with foil or a towel while cooking the rest.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-Free: Swap cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative or thick dairy-free yogurt.
- Egg-Free: Try using a flax egg (1 tbsp flaxseed + 3 tbsp water) but note texture will be softer.
- Add-ins: Stir in mini chocolate chips, berries, or a pinch of cinnamon after blending for extra flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these in advance?
Yes! These mini pancakes store beautifully and reheat quickly for busy mornings or snacks.
Can I make these without a blender?
Yes, just mash the banana well and mix everything by hand. The texture will be a bit more rustic but still delicious.
Are these good for kids?
Absolutely. They’re naturally sweetened, protein-rich, and perfectly sized for little hands.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a bag. Reheat in a toaster or microwave straight from frozen.
More Recipes to Try
If you like these pancake bites, don’t miss these:
- Fluffy Banana Cottage Cheese Pancakes – Bigger pancakes with the same wholesome ingredients.
- Cinnamon Banana Protein Pancake Bites – Warm, spiced bites perfect for autumn mornings.
- Peach Oat Protein Muffins – Great for packing in your lunchbox.
- Avocado Cottage Cheese Oat Pancakes – Savory, protein-packed, and unique.
These Bite-Sized Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Pancakes are a fun, healthy twist on classic pancakes that you’ll make on repeat. Whether it’s a weekday breakfast or a lazy weekend brunch, they bring together flavor, nourishment, and convenience—all in one little fluffy bite.