Tag

healthy

Browsing
30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels (high-protein & gluten-free!)

By
close up image of cottage cheese pizza bagels on a baking sheet.

There’s just something about a pizza bagel that takes me straight back to the year 2003. Fun fact: pizza bagels were the first thing I learned how to “cook.” The frozen ones, of course. My mom showed me how to pop them in the toaster oven, what setting to cook them on, and in just a few minuets I had the most delicious little lunch! These cottage cheese pizza bagels are just as good as I remember the frozen ones being – just a grown-up, higher-protein, & gluten-free version! A simple three-ingredient bagel dough made from blended cottage cheese and flour is baked until golden, then sliced open, topped with pizza sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni, and broiled until bubbly.

What I love most about this recipe is how insanely simple the bagel dough is. No yeast, no boiling, no rising time, no kneading machine – just cottage cheese, flour, and baking powder mixed into a dough and baked. The cottage cheese melts completely into the dough as it bakes, adding protein and moisture without any detectable cottage cheese flavor. If you’re already a fan of my Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust or Cottage Cheese Wrap, these pizza bagels are going straight to the top of your list!

pulling apart a cottage cheese pizza bagel.

Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels

  • Just 5 ingredients – and they taste like the real thing. Cottage cheese bagel dough topped with pizza sauce, shredded cheese, and pepperoni. That’s the whole recipe, and it genuinely tastes like the pizza bagels you grew up on, with a serious protein upgrade.
  • Higher in protein than regular bagels. Thanks to the cottage cheese in the dough, these bagels have significantly more protein than anything you’d find at a bakery or grab from a box. It’s an easy, sneaky protein boost that nobody will ever taste.
  • Easily made gluten-free. Simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and you’ve got a completely gluten-free pizza bagel that nobody will know the difference on. I used gluten-free all-purpose flour and they came out perfect!

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Start with 1½ cups of cottage cheese, then add more if needed. The amount of cottage cheese you need can vary depending on the brand, fat percentage, and how much liquid it contains. Start with 1½ cups, mix it into the flour, and check the dough consistency. If it’s too dry or crumbly, add more cottage cheese a tablespoon at a time until it comes together into a smooth, workable dough.
  • Don’t skip the cooling time after baking. I know it’s tempting to slice right into the fresh-baked bagels, but letting them cool for at least 20 minutes is essential. The interior needs that time to fully set, slicing too early results in a gummy, doughy center that doesn’t hold up to toppings. Trust the process!
  • Watch the broiler closely. The pizza bagels go from perfectly bubbly to burnt very quickly under the broiler. Stay close to the oven and check every 30 seconds after the first minute. The moment the cheese is melted and starting to bubble and brown, pull them out!
  • Make the bagels ahead. The plain baked bagels (before the pizza topping) store beautifully in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, or in the freezer for up to 1 month. Toast from frozen, add your toppings, and broil – fresh pizza bagels in minutes!
overhead image of cottage cheese pizza bagels on a baking sheet.

Flavor Variations & Topping Options

The pizza bagel is just the beginning – this cottage cheese bagel dough is endlessly versatile!

🧅 Everything Bagel Before baking, brush the bagels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with everything bagel seasoning. Serve with cream cheese or smoked salmon and capers – a classic!

🧄 Garlic Parmesan Brush the baked bagels with garlic butter (melted butter + garlic powder + a pinch of salt) and sprinkle with freshly grated parmesan. Broil for 1–2 minutes until golden and fragrant.

🫙 White Pizza Swap the pizza sauce for a creamy white sauce (ricotta, olive oil, and garlic), then top with mozzarella, fresh spinach, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Broil until bubbly.

🍕 BBQ Chicken Spread BBQ sauce instead of pizza sauce, then top with shredded rotisserie chicken, mozzarella, and thinly sliced red onion.

🌶️ Spicy Arrabbiata Use a spicy arrabbiata sauce instead of regular pizza sauce, top with mozzarella and Italian sausage crumbles, and finish with fresh basil after broiling.

Sweet Variations:

  • Cinnamon Sugar – Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over the baked bagels while still warm, then drizzle with a simple glaze.
  • Blueberry & Cream Cheese – Spread with cream cheese and top with fresh blueberries and a drizzle of honey for a sweet bagel option.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest – I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating and written review below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

close up image of cottage cheese pizza bagels on a baking sheet.
5 from 1 vote

5-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Pizza Bagels

These cottage cheese pizza bagels are a high-protein, easily gluten-free twist on the classic childhood favorite! Made with a simple three-ingredient cottage cheese bagel dough, topped with pizza sauce, melty cheese, and pepperoni, then broiled until perfectly bubbly. No yeast, no boiling, no complicated steps – just blend, mix, bake, and top for a fun, satisfying lunch or snack that comes together in under 30 minutes!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 bagels

Equipment

  • 1 food processor or high speed blender
  • 1 medium bowl
  • 1 baking sheet

Ingredients

For the bagels:

  • 2 cups all-purpose flour I used gluten-free all purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 1/2 – 2 cups cottage cheese

For the pizza topping:

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce
  • 1 cup shredded Italian cheese blend or mozzarella
  • pepperoni optional

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Blend cottage cheese until completely smooth.
  • Mix flour and baking powder together, then add blended cottage cheese and mix until a dough forms. Add more cottage cheese if the dough is too dry.
  • Divide dough into 6 balls, poke holes through each, and shape into bagels. Place on prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake for 20–22 minutes until golden brown. Cool for at least 20 minutes.
  • Slice each bagel open and place cut-side up. Spread pizza sauce on each half, top with cheese and pepperoni.
  • Broil for 1–3 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Notes

Nutritional info is for one whole bagel with toppings.
  • Start with 1½ cups cottage cheese and add more if the dough is too dry.
  • Let the bagels cool at least 20 minutes before slicing — this prevents a gummy interior.
  • Watch the broiler closely — the cheese can go from bubbly to burnt quickly!
  • Store plain baked bagels in an airtight container for up to 2 days, or freeze for up to 1 month.
  • For gluten-free, use a 1:1 GF flour blend. Avoid almond or coconut flour.

Nutrition

Serving: 1bagel | Calories: 195kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 6g | Fiber: 1g
View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

Ham & Cheese Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (just 4 ingredients!)

By
Pulling apart a cheesy cottage cheese egg bite.

These cottage cheese egg bites are soft, creamy, fluffy, and packed with protein, thanks to the blended cottage cheese base that gives them that dreamy, fluffy texture without any fancy equipment. Just a blender and a muffin tin. That’s all you need!

Cottage cheese makes these rich and fluffy, also packs in live and active cultures so it’s as good for you as it is delicious. And just like my Cottage Cheese Wrap and Cottage Cheese Alfredo, once the cottage cheese is blended smooth, you’d never know it’s in there. What you get instead is a fluffy, protein-packed egg bite made in 30 minutes, ready to grab and enjoy all week long!

Why You’ll Love These Cottage Cheese Egg Bites

  • High-protein and genuinely satisfying. Between the eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar, and ham, each egg bite delivers a solid 10g protein each that keeps you full and fueled all morning! No mid-morning crash, no snacking before lunch.
  • Perfect for meal prep. Make a full batch of 12 on Sunday and you have a grab-and-go breakfast ready for the entire week. They reheat in the microwave in just 30–60 seconds and taste just as good as the day they were made.
  • Endlessly customizable. Use whatever fillings you love – different cheeses, different proteins, different vegetables. This recipe is a completely blank canvas that works with whatever you have in your fridge. See the flavor variations below for inspiration!
overhead image of cottage cheese egg bites on a plate.

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Place a pan of water in the bottom of the oven. This is the single biggest tip for getting those Starbucks-level egg bites at home. The steam created by the water prevents the egg bites from drying out and puffing too aggressively, resulting in a noticeably smoother, fluffier bite. You don’t need a fancy sous vide machine – just a pan of hot water on the bottom rack!
  • Grease the muffin tin VERY well. Eggs are notorious for sticking. Spray every cup generously, getting the sides and the bottom. A silicone muffin tin is even better, egg bites pop out cleanly with zero sticking. If you have one, use it!
  • Don’t blend on high speed. Medium speed is the sweet spot. Too much blending whips air into the egg mixture, which causes the egg bites to puff dramatically in the oven and then collapse as they cool. Medium speed gives you smooth without foamy.
  • Let them cool in the tin before removing. The egg bites will look perfectly puffed when they come out of the oven, and then they’ll deflate slightly as they cool – that’s normal and expected! Trying to remove them while they’re still very hot will cause them to fall apart. Give them a full 10 minutes to cool and firm up before popping them out.
close up image of cottage cheese egg bites on a plate.

Flavor Variations & Filling Options

The ham and cheddar base is a classic, but these egg bites are endlessly customizable! Here are some of my favorite combinations:

🧀 Classic Bacon & Gruyere Swap the ham for cooked, crumbled bacon and the cheddar for shredded gruyere. Rich, savory, and deeply satisfying.

🌿 Spinach & Feta Skip the ham, add a handful of fresh baby spinach (wilted and pressed dry), and swap cheddar for crumbled feta. Add a pinch of garlic powder to the egg base.

🌶️ Jalapeño Popper Keep the cheddar, swap ham for crumbled turkey sausage, and add diced pickled jalapeños and a spoonful of cream cheese to each cup before baking.

🍅 Caprese Skip the ham, add diced fresh tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and a few torn fresh basil leaves. Drizzle with a little olive oil before baking.

🧄 Everything Bagel Keep the ham and cheddar and stir 1 teaspoon of everything bagel seasoning into the egg base before pouring. Sprinkle extra everything bagel seasoning on top before baking.

Pulling apart a cheesy cottage cheese egg bite.
5 from 1 vote

Ham & Cheese Cottage Cheese Egg Bites (just 4 ingredients!)

These cottage cheese egg bites are soft, fluffy, and packed with flavor – made with just 4 simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes! Packed with 10 grams of protein per bite, they're the ultimate high-protein, meal prep-friendly breakfast that you can make on Sunday and enjoy all week long. If you're looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious breakfast that keep you full all morning long, these are it!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 12 egg bites

Equipment

  • 1 12-cup muffin tin
  • 1 blender or food processor

Ingredients

  • 8 eggs
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (I used Daisy 4% Cottage Cheese)
  • salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped ham

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 325°F and generously spray a 12-cup muffin tin with cooking spray. Optional: place a pan of hot water on the bottom oven rack for fluffier egg bites.
  • Blend eggs, cottage cheese, salt, and pepper until completely smooth – about 60 seconds on medium speed.
  • Pour into the muffin tin, filling each cup ¾ full. Divide chopped ham and shredded cheddar evenly into each cup.
  • Bake for 20–25 minutes until set and cooked through.
  • Cool in the tin for 10 minutes before removing. Serve warm or store for later!

Notes

  • Place a pan of water on the bottom oven rack before baking for the fluffiest, most custardy egg bites.
  • Grease the muffin tin very generously – eggs stick easily. A silicone muffin tin works best!
  • Blend on medium speed, not high, to avoid a foamy egg mixture.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.
  • Freeze individually for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave from frozen for 60–90 seconds.

Nutrition

Serving: 1egg bite | Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 6g | Sugar: 1g
View Post
By
Gluten-Free

2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Wrap (high-protein, low-carb!)

By
cottage cheese wrap halves stacked on a plate.

Say hello to your new favorite high-protein, low-carb lunch — the cottage cheese wrap. Two ingredients, a blender, a sheet pan, and 30 minutes in the oven is all that stands between you and a soft, pliable, protein-packed wrap that you’d never guess is made from cottage cheese and eggs. No flour, totally gluten-free, & NO complicated steps. Just blend, pour, bake, and fill with absolutely anything you love. I’ve been making these on repeat and they have completely changed my lunch game.

Just like my Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust and Cottage Cheese Alfredo, the magic here is that once the cottage cheese is blended smooth and baked, you genuinely can’t even taste it! What you get instead is a mild, slightly savory wrap with a soft, flexible texture that holds up beautifully to any filling. It’s one of those viral recipes that actually lives up to the hype. And with how much protein is packed into each wrap, it’s one of the most satisfying lunches you’ll add to your rotation!

Why You’ll Love This 2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Wrap

  • Just 2 ingredients, and they’re pantry staples. Cottage cheese and eggs. That’s the whole recipe. Season it however you like, fill it with whatever you have, and you’ve got a complete, high-protein meal in under 40 minutes.
  • High-protein, low-carb, and low-calorie. Each wrap packs a serious amount of protein with minimal carbs and calories, making this one of the most macro-friendly lunch options out there. It’s gluten-free too!
  • Incredibly versatile. This wrap works with virtually any filling – savory or sweet, breakfast or lunch, simple or loaded. Once you have the base down, the possibilities are truly endless.
close up image holding half a cottage cheese wrap.

How Much Protein Is In This Wrap?

Each cottage cheese wrap contains approximately 20-25 grams of protein from the cottage cheese and eggs alone, before you even add any fillings! For reference, a standard flour tortilla contains just 3–4 grams of protein and around 25 grams of carbs. This wrap flips that completely. Add a protein-rich filling like turkey, chicken, eggs, or tuna, and you can easily hit 40-50+ grams of protein in a single meal. It’s genuinely one of the most efficient high-protein, low-carb lunches you can make!

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese – Full-fat (4%) cottage cheese gives the richest flavor and the best texture, but 2% works well too. The cottage cheese is blended completely smooth, so you truly cannot taste it – just a mild, slightly creamy base. Use your favorite brand!
  • 2 eggs – Bind everything together and give the wrap its structure and flexibility. Make sure to blend them thoroughly with the cottage cheese for the smoothest batter possible.
  • ½ teaspoon dried herbs, seasonings, and/or spices – Totally customizable! Everything bagel seasoning, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill. Use whatever matches your planned fillings. This is also optional, the wrap is delicious even with no added seasoning.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper, making sure the parchment goes all the way to the edges.
  2. Add the cottage cheese, eggs, and any dried herbs or seasonings to a blender or food processor. Blend until completely smooth with no lumps or curds remaining — about 60 seconds on high.
  3. Pour the blended cottage cheese mixture onto the prepared sheet pan and spread it into an even, thin layer, reaching all the way to the edges of the parchment.
  4. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the wrap is set, lightly golden around the edges, and no longer wet-looking in the center.
  5. Remove from the oven and let the wrap cool completely on the pan before carefully lifting it out and peeling the parchment paper off the back. Fill with your chosen fillings, wrap it up, and enjoy!

Sam’s Recipe Tips

  • Let it cool completely before peeling. This is the most important step! If you try to peel the wrap while it’s still warm, it will tear and fall apart. Give it a full 10–15 minutes at room temperature, patience makes all the difference here!
  • Spread the batter thin and even. The thinner and more even the layer, the better the final wrap. A thick, uneven wrap will have patches that are harder to roll and may crack. Take an extra minute to spread all the way to the edges.
  • Match your seasoning to your filling. Italian seasoning or garlic powder works beautifully with a Mediterranean-style filling. Everything bagel seasoning is perfect for a deli-style turkey wrap. Cumin and chili powder pairs well with a taco-style filling. The wrap itself is a blank canvas!
  • Don’t skip the parchment paper. The wrap bakes directly on the parchment – without it, you won’t be able to lift it off the pan cleanly. Use a good quality parchment paper that lies flat to the edges of the pan.
close up image of cottage cheese wrap halves stacked on a plate.

Flavor Variations & Filling Options

Seasoning Variations for the Wrap:

  • Everything Bagel – 1 teaspoon everything bagel seasoning
  • Italian – ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning + ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Taco – 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • Dill & Onion – ½ teaspoon dried dill + ¼ teaspoon onion powder
  • Plain – no seasoning at all, perfect as a neutral base for any filling!

Savory Filling Ideas:

  • 🥗 Chicken Caesar: 1 cup cooked chopped chicken, 1 cup chopped romaine, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese, and 3 tablespoons caesar dressing – a complete, high-protein lunch with over 50 grams of protein!
  • 🥙 Classic Deli: sliced turkey, romaine, tomato, cucumber, and avocado
  • 🥗 Mediterranean: roasted red peppers, kalamata olives, cucumber, feta, and tzatziki
  • 🌮 Taco Style: seasoned ground beef or chicken, shredded lettuce, pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and sour cream
  • 🥚 Breakfast: scrambled eggs, turkey bacon, cheddar cheese, and avocado
  • 🐟 Tuna Salad: classic tuna salad with celery, red onion, and a squeeze of lemon

Sweet Filling Ideas:

  • 🍓 Berry & Cream: fresh strawberries, blueberries, and a dollop of Greek yogurt or whipped cream
  • 🍌 Banana PB: sliced banana, natural peanut butter, and a drizzle of honey
  • 🍎 Apple Cinnamon: thinly sliced apple, almond butter, and a sprinkle of cinnamon
cottage cheese wrap halves stacked on a plate.
5 from 1 vote

2-Ingredient Cottage Cheese Wrap (20g+ protein!)

This cottage cheese wrap is a 2-ingredient, high-protein, low-carb alternative to a regular flour tortilla! Each wrap packs over 20 grams of protein and just 5 grams of carbs, making it one of the most macro-friendly lunches you'll ever make. If you're looking for an easy and delicious lunch that'll keep you full for hours, this is it!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 1 serving

Equipment

  • 1 blender or food processor
  • 1 9×13-inch baking sheet

Ingredients

  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried herbs seasoning and/or spices (optional)

For the chicken caesar wrap filling:

  • 1 cup cooked chicken chopped
  • 1 cup chopped romaine
  • 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons caesar dressing

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 350°F and line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper.
  • Blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and seasonings until completely smooth.
  • Pour onto the prepared sheet pan and spread into a thin, even layer.
  • Bake for 30–35 minutes until set and lightly golden around the edges.
  • Let cool completely, then carefully peel off the parchment. Fill, wrap, and enjoy!

To make the chicken caesar wrap:

  • Add the chicken, romaine, parmesan cheese, and caesar dressing to a bowl and toss to coat. Then, pour the filling mixture on top of the wrap, roll it up, and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition info is just for the wrap, without any filling.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 200kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 11g | Sugar: 3g
View Post
By
30 Minutes or Less

5-Ingredient Strawberry Lemonade Electrolyte Gummies

By
strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies in a small bowl.

If you liked my 3-Ingredient Healthy Watermelon Gummies, then you’re going to LOVE these strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies! Fresh strawberries and lemon, sweetened with honey, set with gelatin, and finished with a pinch of high-mineral sea salt (or an electrolyte packet!) for an actual hydrating, nourishing gummy. They’re sweet, tart, chewy, and genuinely will leave you feeling amazing from the inside out! ✨

These aren’t just a fun snack, they’re a functional one too. The grass-fed gelatin provides collagen to support glowing skin, healthy hair, and gut health. The fresh strawberries are packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. The lemon juice is bright and alkalizing. And the mineral sea salt or electrolyte packet? That’s what sets these apart from every other healthy gummy out there. Real electrolytes to keep you hydrated and energized all day long! These are the gummies I grab after a workout, before a long day in the sun, or honestly… whenever my toddler asks for “candy” (he doesn’t know the difference, ha!). & if you’re looking for healthier ways to hydrate, pair these gummies with my homemade lemon-lime gatorade!

Why You’ll Love These Strawberry Lemonade Electrolyte Gummies

  • They taste like actual strawberry lemonade. Sweet, bright, perfectly tart – these gummies capture every bit of the classic summer drink flavor in chewy, poppable form. Kids go absolutely crazy for them, and honestly so do I!
  • Packed with real health benefits. Collagen from the gelatin, vitamin C from the strawberries and lemon, antioxidants, and real electrolytes from the mineral salt or electrolyte packet. These aren’t just a treat, they’re genuinely good for you.
  • Easy to make and great for the whole family. Blend, strain, heat, pour, chill. That’s it. They take about 15 minutes of active work (NO baking, obviously) and keep in the fridge all week for a healthy snack that’s ready whenever you need one.
hand holding strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies.

What Are the Health Benefits?

Grass-Fed Gelatin: Gelatin is the star ingredient in these gummies and where most of the nutritional magic happens. I use and love the Further Foods Grass-Fed Gelatin on Amazon. It’s naturally rich in collagen-supporting amino acids (particularly glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) that support healthy skin elasticity, gut lining integrity, joint health, and hair and nail strength. Gelatin also supports digestion by helping to heal and seal the gut lining — which is why these gummies are one of my favorite gut-healthy snacks.

Fresh Strawberries: Strawberries are one of the best sources of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis, meaning they make the gelatin’s collagen benefits even more effective! They’re also rich in antioxidants, fiber (strained out in this recipe), and polyphenols that support heart health and reduce inflammation.

Fresh Lemon: Lemon is alkalizing, liver-supportive, and packed with vitamin C. The bright acidity also naturally preserves the gummies and gives them that irresistible strawberry lemonade flavor.

High-Mineral Sea Salt or Electrolyte Packet: This is the secret ingredient that takes these from a healthy snack to a truly functional, hydrating treat. High-mineral sea salt (I love Baja Gold Mineral Sea Salt) contains over 90 trace minerals including sodium, magnesium, and potassium – the electrolyte trifecta that supports cellular hydration, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. Alternatively, use your favorite electrolyte packet for a convenient, flavor-customizable option!

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh strawberries, stems removed – Fresh, ripe, in-season strawberries give the best flavor and the most vibrant pink color. The juicier the berry, the better!
  • 2 whole lemons, peeled – Remove as much of the white pith as possible, it’s very bitter and will affect the flavor of the gummies. You want mainly the fruit and juice.
  • ¼ cup – ½ cup honey – Start with ¼ cup and taste before adding more. The sweetness level depends on how tart your lemons are and how sweet you like your gummies. Raw honey adds the most nutritional benefit, but any honey works.
  • ¼ cup unflavored gelatin powder – Use a good quality grass-fed gelatin powder for the most nutritional benefit. I love Great Lakes or Vital Proteins. Don’t substitute with agar agar, it will change the texture significantly.
  • 1 teaspoon high-mineral sea salt, or 1 electrolyte packet – This is what makes these gummies genuinely hydrating and sets them apart from a regular fruit gummy. Redmond’s Real Salt is my go-to for the mineral content. Alternatively, add your favorite unflavored or lemon/strawberry electrolyte packet!

Instructions

  1. Add the fresh strawberries and peeled lemons to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth.
  2. Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer and into a medium saucepan, pressing with a spoon to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the solids.
  3. Add the honey and unflavored gelatin powder to the strained juice in the saucepan. Stir well to begin incorporating the gelatin into the liquid.
  4. Place the saucepan over low heat and warm for just about 2 minutes, stirring continuously, until the mixture is warm and the gelatin has fully dissolved. Do NOT bring to a simmer or a boil – too much heat will break down the gelatin and prevent the gummies from setting properly.
  5. Remove from heat. Stir in the high-mineral sea salt or electrolyte packet until fully dissolved.
  6. Carefully pour or ladle the mixture into gummy molds. A squeeze bottle makes this step much easier and less messy! Transfer the molds to the refrigerator and chill for at least 30 minutes, or until the gummies are completely firm and set.
  7. Pop the gummies out of the molds and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
three strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies stacked on a table.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen strawberries?

Yes! Frozen strawberries work well in this recipe, just thaw them completely before blending. Keep in mind that frozen strawberries can be slightly less sweet than fresh, so you may want to add a bit more honey to compensate. The color and flavor will be very similar to fresh!

Can I use lemon juice instead of whole lemons?

You can use ½ cup of fresh lemon juice as a substitute for the 2 whole peeled lemons. If using bottled lemon juice, I recommend using 100% pure lemon juice with no additives. Keep in mind that whole peeled lemons add a slightly thicker, more full-bodied texture to the gummies that you won’t get from juice alone.

What gummy molds do you recommend?

Any silicone gummy mold works! I love small bear-shaped molds for a fun, candy-store feel, but heart shapes, star shapes, or even a simple ice cube tray all work perfectly. Silicone molds make it much easier to pop the gummies out once set. A squeeze bottle or small measuring cup with a pour spout makes filling the molds neat and easy!

Why are my gummies not setting?

This is almost always caused by overheating the gelatin mixture. If the liquid comes to a simmer or boil, the gelatin proteins break down and lose their ability to set. Keep the heat on low and remove from heat as soon as the gelatin is fully dissolved, the mixture should feel warm, not hot. If your gummies aren’t setting, try again with a lower heat setting and shorter warming time.

Made this recipe? I’d love to see it! Tag me on Instagram @samdoesherbest or TikTok @samdoesherbest — I repost my favorites! And if you loved it, please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating below. It means the world and helps other readers find this recipe!

strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies in a small bowl.
No ratings yet

Strawberry Lemonade Electrolyte Gummies

These strawberry lemonade electrolyte gummies are a fun, functional snack made with just 5 simple ingredients! Packed with collagen-boosting gelatin, vitamin C from fresh fruit, and real electrolytes for hydration. These gummies are as nourishing as they are delicious!
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 60 gummies (approx.)

Equipment

  • 1 blender
  • 1 medium saucepan
  • 2 gummy molds

Ingredients

  • 2 cups fresh or frozen strawberries stems removed
  • 2 whole lemons peeled, remove as much white pith as possible (or 1/4 cup lemon juice)
  • 1/4 – 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup unflavored gelatin powder
  • 1 teaspoon high-mineral sea salt or 1 electrolyte packet

Instructions

  • Blend strawberries and peeled lemons until smooth.
  • Strain through a fine mesh strainer into a medium saucepan. Discard solids.
  • Add honey and gelatin powder to the strained juice. Stir to combine.
  • Warm over low heat for about 2 minutes, stirring, until gelatin fully dissolves. Do NOT boil!
  • Remove from heat and stir in sea salt or electrolyte packet.
  • Pour into gummy molds and refrigerate for 30 minutes or until set.
  • Pop out of molds and enjoy! Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Notes

  • Do NOT bring the gelatin mixture to a simmer or boil, this will prevent the gummies from setting.
  • A squeeze bottle makes filling the molds much easier and less messy.
  • Use a grass-fed gelatin powder for the most collagen and nutritional benefit.
  • Taste the mixture before pouring into molds and adjust honey to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gummy | Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 2g | Sugar: 6g
View Post
By
Desserts

6-Ingredient Healthier Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

By
overhead image of healthier cookie dough ice cream sandwiches.

These cookie dough ice cream sandwiches are everything you love about the classic kind, but made with just 6 wholesome ingredients and NO baking required! They’re gluten-free, refined sugar-free, endlessly impressive, and genuinely one of the most delicious treats I’ve… maybe ever made?!

What makes these different from every other cookie dough ice cream sandwich recipe out there? The cookie dough is made with almond flour instead of regular flour – which means it’s completely gluten and grain-free, plus higher in protein and fiber. It’s also naturally sweetened with maple syrup instead of refined sugar, and uses nut butter instead of butter for a satisfying, nutrient-dense base. If you love no-bake desserts that look impressive but are actually super easy to make, you’ll also love my Healthy Peanut Butter Cup Bars and 5-Ingredient No-Bake Cookies – both freezer staples in my house!

overhead close up image of healthier cookie dough ice cream sandwiches.

Why You’ll Love These Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

  • Seriously impressive, shockingly easy. Two thick layers of chewy, chocolate-chipcookie dough sandwiching creamy vanilla ice cream, sliced into beautiful bars that look like they came from a gourmet ice cream shop. Nobody needs to know it took you just 15 minutes to prep!
  • No-bake, no refined sugar, and gluten-free!
  • Keep a batch in the freezer all summer. These bars keep beautifully in the freezer for weeks, which means you’re always just a few minutes away from a delicious frozen dessert. Make a batch on Sunday and you’re set for the week!

What Makes These Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches Healthier?

  • Almond flour instead of all-purpose flour – Almond flour is naturally gluten-free, lower in carbohydrates, and higher in protein, healthy fats, and fiber than regular flour. It also doesn’t need to be heat-treated before eating raw, making it the perfect flour for no-bake cookie dough.
  • Maple syrup instead of refined sugar – A natural liquid sweetener that provides the same sweetness as refined sugar without the blood sugar spike. Maple syrup also contains trace minerals and antioxidants that white sugar simply doesn’t have.
  • Nut butter instead of butter – Peanut or cashew butter replaces the traditional butter, adding healthy fats, protein, and a rich, slightly nutty flavor that makes these cookie dough bars completely irresistible.
healthier cookie dough ice cream sandwiches in a sheet pan.

Adjust This Recipe to Your Dietary Needs

Make it dairy-free: Simply swap the vanilla ice cream for your favorite dairy-free ice cream. Coconut milk ice cream, oat milk ice cream, and cashew milk ice cream all work beautifully here. The cookie dough layer itself is already completely dairy-free!

Make it vegan: Use a dairy-free vanilla ice cream as above, and swap the honey (if using) for maple syrup. Every other ingredient in this recipe is already plant-based, making this an easy vegan adaptation.

Make it refined sugar-free: The cookie dough layer is already refined sugar-free thanks to the maple syrup sweetener. To keep the entire recipe refined sugar-free, choose chocolate chips sweetened with dates or coconut sugar, a vanilla ice cream sweetened with dates or honey, or make your own no-churn vanilla ice cream sweetened with maple syrup.

overhead close up image of healthier cookie dough ice cream sandwiches.
No ratings yet

6-Ingredient Healthier Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches

These cookie dough ice cream sandwiches are made with two thick layers of no-bake, gluten-free cookie dough sandwiching a generous layer of creamy vanilla ice cream – sliced into bars and pulled straight from the freezer for the ultimate summer treat! Made with just 6 wholesome ingredients, they're refined sugar-free, gluten-free, healthier, but just as delicious as the store-bought kind.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Freeze Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 15 servings

Equipment

  • 1 8×8-inch baking pan
  • 1 large bowl

Ingredients

  • 2 1/2 cups almond flour
  • 1 cup creamy peanut butter or cashew butter unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup
  • 1/2 cup coconut oil melted
  • 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
  • 1 quart vanilla ice cream

Instructions

  • Mix together almond flour, nut butter, maple syrup, melted coconut oil, and vanilla extract until fully combined. Fold in chocolate chips.
  • Press half the cookie dough into a parchment-lined 8×8-inch pan. Add a new sheet of parchment and press the second half of cookie dough on top. Freeze for 30 minutes.
  • Remove ice cream from freezer to soften while the cookie dough firms up.
  • Remove cookie dough from freezer. Lift out the top layer and peel off the parchment. (If the cookie dough breaks, simple press it back together with your fingers.) Spread softened ice cream over the bottom cookie dough layer, then place the top layer back on.
  • Freeze for at least 3 hours. Lift out, slice into bars, and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use cashew butter for a more neutral, classic cookie dough flavor; peanut butter for a bolder taste.
  • Let the melted coconut oil cool slightly before mixing so it doesn’t cause the nut butter to seize up.
  • If the top cookie dough layer breaks when separating, just press it back together – the dough is very forgiving!
  • For dairy-free, use your favorite dairy-free vanilla ice cream.
  • Store in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month.
  • Dip a sharp knife in hot water and wipe dry between slices for the cleanest cuts.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 290kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 6g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g
View Post
By