Transform Basic Fried Eggs With This Fridge Staple For A Major Flavor (And Protein) Boost

If you're looking to add more protein to your breakfast, particularly your fried eggs, there's an easy way to do it. The good news is you don't need to reach for supplements or go out of your way to spend extra money at the grocery store. The secret to an easy protein boost can be done with an ingredient that's likely already in your refrigerator.

The secret? Cottage cheese, which may already be a staple in your diet or your favorite recipes. It's packed full of protein because it's made from milk curds, which retain much of the milk's protein during the cheese-making process. A half cup of 2% low-fat cottage cheese contains roughly 11 grams of protein, and two fried eggs generally have about 12 to 14 grams of protein — so a breakfast of fried eggs with cottage cheese easily nets about 25 grams of protein.

In addition to providing a protein boost and being packed full of essential vitamins, cottage cheese adds flavor and texture. No matter if you're cooking fully fried or sunny-side-up eggs, cottage cheese can be a game-changer. Cooking eggs in a pan on top of a bed of cottage cheese allows the cheese to form a fluffy pillow around the eggs with a crust on the edges. For those who prefer sunny-side-up eggs, cooking the two together also creates a savory center that's perfect for dipping a piece of toast into.

Cottage cheese and fried eggs may seem a simple combination, but it's one that enthusiastic home cooks are here for. Social media users have embraced the recipe as an easy way to pack in more protein without much work. As one Instagram user demonstrates, a combination of cottage cheese, eggs, chili oil and scallions can be quite tasty. "The dreamiest combo," says one commenter. "Love this especially for breakfast," says another. "Now this is the kind of breakfast that changes everything," adds a third.

If breakfast is the most important meal of the day, fried eggs and cottage cheese can be the perfect combo to fuel a busy day of activity. They're both full of protein, which means you'll be kept feeling full for longer. Eggs have essential nutrients like B12 and stimulate brain function and energy production. Cottage cheese also contains calcium and phosphorus, which help maintain strong bones and teeth.

As fancy as some recipes can get, the combination of cottage cheese and eggs is simple, delicious, and effective. With a touch of your favorite hot sauce, a pinch of herbs, or some simple seasonings, you can easily turn this into a flavorful breakfast that's packed with protein. With so many ways to combine these two ingredients, you may find yourself reaching for that container of cottage cheese in your fridge more often.