Cottage Cheese, Kimchi Butter & Chili Crisp: Exploring Viral TikTok Micro-Trends in Recipes

TikTok isn’t just a place for dances and lip-syncs—it’s also ground zero for some of the most viral micro-trends in food. From savory twists on breakfast to upgraded condiments that add punch to every meal, this wave of culinary content is turning fridge staples into flavor powerhouses. Let's break down three of the biggest hits of the year: cottage cheese, kimchi butter, and chili crisp.

🥣 Cottage Cheese: From 1980s Diet Food to High-Protein Hero

Cottage cheese has made a dramatic comeback thanks to creators blending it into everything from pancakes and ice cream to savory dips. Why the resurgence? It's loaded with protein, low in fat, and surprisingly creamy when whipped. TikTokers are transforming this humble curd into silky spreads, high-protein pasta sauces, and even “cheesecake bowls” sweetened with honey and topped with berries or nuts.

🧈 Kimchi Butter: Funky, Fatty, and Full of Umami

Imagine the rich smoothness of butter fused with the spicy, funky depth of fermented kimchi. That’s kimchi butter—a simple mix that’s taken over everything from steak toppings to toast spreads. Creators show how to blend softened butter with chopped kimchi, garlic, and scallions, then let it firm up again. The result? A bold, crave-worthy upgrade to your basic compound butter.

🌶 Chili Crisp: The OG Viral Condiment Goes Next-Level

Chili crisp has been a pantry essential in many Asian households for years, but TikTok catapulted it into mainstream stardom. From drizzling it on eggs to mixing it into noodles and even ice cream (yes, really), this crunchy, spicy oil is no longer just a condiment—it’s a headliner. Now, people are DIY-ing their own versions with fried shallots, garlic chips, and customized heat levels.

✨ Why It Matters

What makes these micro-trends so compelling is that they’re easy, accessible, and endlessly adaptable. They also tap into larger themes—health-conscious eating (cottage cheese), fermentation and gut health (kimchi), and bold global flavors (chili crisp). Whether you’re a home cook or a restaurant innovator, these viral hits prove that sometimes the best upgrades start with what’s already in your fridge.

Next up? Expect TikTok to turn to even more fermented flavors, nostalgic snacks, and high-protein swaps. The only question is: what will go viral next?