If you're anything like me, eating enough protein is a constant struggle! This hasn't always been an issue, but ever since I had kids I feel like I scrounge for food all day just trying to survive! Now that my youngest is 2, I do find it easier to meal prep and I FINALLY feel like I am getting back into the groove of things. My best friend and I frequently send recipes to each other that we both think look great, but know we will never have time actually to make, until recently. We both have been trying to find ways to increase our protein intake (which is SO important for weight management), but she can't stomach the thought of cottage cheese. We have both found so many great-looking recipes using Greek yogurt and I am thrilled that my Macaroni KID following is curious about it!
If you had seen my post on Facebook, you would have already known I was skeptical of baking with Greek yogurt, but it works! And better yet, it is kid & husband-approved. Feel free to give them a try! Please let me know if you try them, how you like them, and if you know of any others! I will keep this list updated as I come across and try new recipes. Pro tip, after making these once, I highly recommend doubling the recipe the next time you make them! These things tend to get eaten fast in my house. Enjoy!
1.) Greek Yogurt Pancakes
- 1 egg
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 Tbsp maple syrup
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- Mix wet ingredients
- Mix dry & wet ingredients (the batter will be thick)
- Butter your pan/griddle before cooking
- Cook until the pancake can freely slide on the pan. Flip, and continue cooking until it is firm
2.) Greek Yogurt Bagels (makes 4 bagels)
- 1 1/4 cups flour
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 cup whole milk Greek yogurt
Optional:
- Egg wash
- Everything seasoning, poppy seeds, sesame seeds
- Melted butter, cinnamon & brown sugar
- Preheat oven to 375
- Mix flour & baking powder
- Mix in yogurt until a dough forms. If it is too sticky, add more yogurt, 1Tbsp at a time
- Lightly sprinkle the counter with flour
- Roll the dough into a ball and divide it into 4 sections
- Roll each section into a log shape and connect each end to form a bagel
- Beat the egg to create an egg wash. Brush on each bagel top and sprinkle the desired topping
- Bake for 20-25 minutes
You can get creative with these bagels too! Add cinnamon & raisins to the dough, chocolate chips, food coloring! I have even made bagel bites and put cream cheese in the middle, rolled them into a ball, and baked them.
3.) Greek Yogurt Pizza Dough
This one is GREAT! What family doesn't love pizza? This is fast, easy, affordable, and healthy! This is essentially the same recipe as the protein bagels, so you could easily double and make both!
- 1 1/4+ cups flour (if the dough is too sticky, more may need to be added. Depending on the brand of yogurt & amount of moisture in it)
- 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Preheat oven to 425
- Mix flour, baking powder & salt
- Add yogurt and mix
- Once mixed, use your hands to mix until a dough is formed
- Lightly sprinkle the counter with additional flour (dough may be a little sticky. If it continues to stick to your hand, add more flour)
- Roll out the dough and transfer to a baking sheet or pizza stone
- Top with toppings of choice
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted
- Enjoy your 40g+ of protein pizza!
4.) Yogurt Marinated Grilled Chicken (Modified from Cooking Classy)
- 2/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 1-2 Tbsp garlic (or as much as you desire)
- 1 tsp cumin, coriander, paprika & salt (omit if you would like)
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon & cayenne pepper
- 2lbs or chicken thighs or breasts
- Mix yogurt, olive oil & spices
- Place chicken into a ziplock bag and pour yogurt mixture ontop
- Allow chicken to marinate for a minimum 1 hour, but can leave for up to 24 hours
- Grill chicken (I use a grill pan indoors during winter) until temperature reaches 165* (approximately 10-15 minutes total cooking time)
I would love to see this list continue and grow! Do you have a Greek yogurt recipe your family loves? Email me at Emilye@macaronikid.com.
