Key takeaways
- Leanna’s pull-apart sticks combine cottage cheese, mozzarella and a little flour for a cheesy, golden, high-protein snack.
- Her figures: about 140 calories, 9 g protein, 7 g fat and 12 g carbs per stick.
- Mix, shape and bake at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. Don’t forget the egg when you mix.
- They work as a snack, an appetizer or a side with soup or salad.
- Pair two sticks with a lean protein to build a fuller meal.
Cheesy, golden and pull-apart soft. Leanna Chanco’s cottage cheese pull-apart sticks taste like something from a pizza place, but they’re built on cottage cheese and mozzarella, so each one carries a solid hit of protein. Who said a high-protein snack can’t be comfort food?
Use them as an afternoon snack, a game-night appetizer or a side with soup. Here’s the recipe.
The ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 whole egg
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp salt
How to make them
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet.
- Mix the cottage cheese, egg, mozzarella, flour, olive oil and seasonings until a dough forms.
- Shape the dough into sticks and place them on the sheet.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until golden.
A quick note: the egg is in Leanna’s ingredient list, so add it with the cottage cheese in step 2. If the dough is sticky, lightly oil or flour your hands before shaping. For a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese first.
The macros
These numbers come from Leanna and they check out: 9 g protein, 12 g carbs and 7 g fat add up to roughly 147 calories. So how many sticks does a batch make? Leanna doesn’t say, so we ran the numbers ourselves.
Estimated protein per whole batch, by ingredient
Approximate grams, using typical nutrition-label values
Estimate, not lab data. Based on typical values from USDA FoodData Central. About 94 g of protein per batch suggests roughly 10 to 12 sticks at Leanna’s 9 g each.
The mozzarella does most of the work here, which is also why these are richer than they look. If you want a little more protein and a little less fat, part-skim mozzarella and low-fat cottage cheese are easy swaps.
How to fit them into your day
A review by Leidy and colleagues (2015) suggested at least roughly 25 to 30 g of protein per meal to support fullness and lean mass during weight loss. Two sticks give you about 18 g, so they make a strong snack, or a full meal when paired with something else.
| Serve 2 sticks with | Approx. extra protein | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tomato soup | ~2 to 4 g | A cozy light lunch (add a protein if it’s a meal) |
| Grilled chicken salad | ~25 to 30 g | A full, balanced dinner |
| Marinara for dipping | ~1 to 2 g | Game-night appetizer |
| A glass of milk | ~8 g | An after-school snack |
Looking for more snacks like this? Try Leanna’s banana bread protein balls, breakfast buns or her smarter food swaps. For more high-protein recipes, follow her on Instagram, or apply for coaching.
This article is general education, not medical advice. Check with your doctor before big changes to diet or exercise, especially if you have a medical condition, take medication, or are pregnant or postpartum. This recipe contains dairy, egg and wheat, and cheese can be high in sodium, so check labels if you watch your salt intake or have allergies.
Frequently asked questions
How many sticks does this recipe make?
Leanna doesn’t give a number, but based on her macros, a batch likely makes about 10 to 12 sticks. Count your own batch to log it accurately.
Where does the egg go?
Mix it in with the cottage cheese, mozzarella, flour, olive oil and seasonings in step 2. It helps bind the dough.
Can I make them in an air fryer?
Many people do. Use parchment, cook in batches, and check early, since air fryers tend to brown faster than ovens.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Cheddar or a mozzarella-parmesan mix works, but the macros and texture will change.
How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container and eat within a few days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crisp edges.
Can I make them gluten-free?
A gluten-free flour blend can work, though the dough may be softer. Try a small batch first.
Are these kid-friendly?
Most kids love cheesy sticks, which makes these an easy family snack or lunchbox addition.
Sources
- Leanna Chanco. Instagram reel, October 20, 2026. instagram.com/p/DetmrfphsFf
- Leidy HJ, Clifton PM, Astrup A, et al. The role of protein in weight loss and maintenance. Am J Clin Nutr. 2015;101(6):1320S–1329S. doi:10.3945/ajcn.114.084038
- USDA FoodData Central (typical values for mozzarella, cottage cheese, flour and egg). fdc.nal.usda.gov
- Featured image: Photo by Nano Erdozain on Pexels.
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Written by
Leanna Chanco
Professional Fitness Coach
With about 15 years of coaching experience, Leanna focuses on holistic conditioning, mobility and fat-loss habits that last. She helps clients build routines that fit family life and a busy calendar.
- Conditioning
- Mobility
- Sustainable fat loss
