The holidays are basically a love letter to comfort food—and that doesn’t have to change just because you care about what’s in your food. Good Culture cottage cheese makes your favorite sides creamier, lighter, and full of real protein, so you can leave the table feeling satisfied instead of sleepy.
This year, give the green beans and mashed potatoes a glow-up. Here are five high-protein Thanksgiving sides that will make everyone at the table say, “Wait… what’s your secret ingredient?”
ROASTED PUMPKIN AND SAGE DIP
This creamy, savory dip brings all the cozy fall flavors in one bowl. Roasted pumpkin, fragrant sage, and Good Culture cottage cheese blend together for a high-protein appetizer that feels indulgent but tastes fresh. Serve it with crostini or veggies for an easy Thanksgiving starter.
SOUR CREAM & ONION SMASHED POTATOES
A comfort food classic gets a modern (and protein-packed) twist. These smashed potatoes use Good Culture sour cream for an ultra-creamy texture and a tangy kick that pairs perfectly with any holiday spread. They’re rich, flavorful, and guaranteed to steal spotlight from the turkey.
MINI PUMPKIN CHEESECAKES
Tiny but mighty, these individual cheesecakes are the perfect sweet ending to a heavy meal. Made with Good Culture cream cheese, they’re rich, creamy, and full of warm pumpkin spice flavor—an easy make-ahead dessert that feels special without the fuss.
BUTTERNUT SQUASH CROSTINIS WITH ROASTED GARLIC
These elegant little bites combine roasted butternut squash, caramelized garlic, and whipped Good Culture cottage cheese for a bright, savory-sweet appetizer. They look impressive but come together fast, making them ideal for Friendsgiving or any cozy get-together.
COTTAGE CHEESE VEGGIE MEATBALLS
A plant-forward take on comfort food that doesn’t skimp on protein. These veggie meatballs use Good Culture cottage cheese to keep them tender, flavorful, and perfectly satisfying. Serve them as a hearty side or main dish with your favorite sauce or grains.
Between long cooking days, full plates, and endless desserts, Thanksgiving can leave you feeling wiped. Adding real protein to your meal helps balance it all out—so you stay energized for family time, cleanup, and leftovers round two.
For more Thanksgiving-inspired dishes, check our recipes page.