Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: A Protein-Packed, Veggie-Loaded Breakfast Delight

Start your day with a nutritious and satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and packed with wholesome ingredients. This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a perfect balance of protein, fresh vegetables, and savory flavors, all baked together into a fluffy, cheesy dish. With eggs as the star ingredient, combined with creamy cottage cheese and a medley of veggies like spinach, cherry tomatoes, zucchini, and onions, this bake offers a healthy and filling option that can fuel your morning or even serve as a light dinner.

The addition of shredded Parmesan cheese and garlic powder gives it a rich, savory kick, while the cottage cheese adds moisture and a gentle tang that elevates the texture. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with your favorite vegetables or herbs, making it an excellent way to clean out the fridge or meal prep for the week ahead. Whether you’re looking for a low-carb breakfast, a high-protein snack, or a hearty brunch option, this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake fits the bill beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. High Protein and Low Carb: Packed with eggs and cottage cheese for sustained energy and satiety.
2. Loaded with Vegetables: Spinach, zucchini, tomatoes, and onion add freshness and nutrition.
3. Easy Meal Prep: Bake once and enjoy multiple servings throughout the week.
4. Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Garlic powder and Parmesan cheese boost savory taste effortlessly.
5. Versatile and Customizable: Swap veggies or add spices to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

• Eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Yellow onion, diced
• Spinach, chopped
• Cherry tomatoes, diced
• Zucchini, diced or shredded
• Shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Variations

• Add Different Veggies: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra texture and flavor.
• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes, smoked paprika, or fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives or nutritional yeast.
• Meaty Twist: Add cooked bacon, sausage, or ham for a protein boost.
• Crust Option: Sprinkle crushed crackers or breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy crust.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish lightly to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Eggs and Cottage Cheese

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until blended. Stir in the cottage cheese until combined.

Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning

Fold in diced onion, chopped spinach, diced cherry tomatoes, shredded or diced zucchini, half of the shredded Parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.

Step 4: Bake the Egg Mixture

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese evenly on top.

Step 5: Cook Until Set

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-40 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use fresh, high-quality eggs for the best texture and flavor.
• Drain excess moisture from vegetables like zucchini to avoid sogginess.
• Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing to help it hold its shape.
• For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or cream to the egg mixture.
• Customize the seasoning to your liking—don’t be afraid to experiment!

How to Serve

Serve warm slices of this egg bake for breakfast with a side of fresh fruit or toast. It’s also excellent as a protein-packed snack or light dinner paired with a green salad or roasted vegetables. Leftover slices can be reheated for a quick meal anytime.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover egg bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Cut the egg bake into portions and freeze individually wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to maintain moisture and texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular cheese instead of Parmesan?
   Yes, mozzarella, cheddar, or feta can be good alternatives.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
   Definitely! It keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.
3. Can I add more eggs for a larger bake?
   Yes, just adjust the other ingredients proportionally.
4. Can I make this vegetarian?
   This recipe is already vegetarian. Add meat if you prefer.
5. How do I prevent the bake from becoming watery?
   Drain moisture-heavy veggies before adding and avoid overmixing.
6. Can I use frozen spinach?
   Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, it contains no gluten ingredients.
8. Can I add herbs?
   Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill work beautifully.
9. How long does it take to bake?
   Typically 30-40 minutes until set and lightly browned.
10. Can I make this dairy-free?
    Use dairy-free cheese and cottage cheese substitutes.

Conclusion

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a wholesome, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for any time of day. Combining fresh vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and savory Parmesan in a fluffy egg bake creates a nutritious and delicious meal that’s easy to prepare and versatile to customize. Whether you’re fueling a busy morning or looking for a satisfying light dinner, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting flavors and nourishing goodness in every bite!

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