Are you tired of the same old breakfast routine? Looking for a healthy yet comforting dish to start your day off right? Look no further than the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake! This flavorful and filling breakfast casserole combines the goodness of eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables into a protein-packed dish that’s perfect for any time of the day.
Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or hosting a cozy weekend brunch, this easy recipe is bound to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why this dish stands out. Cottage cheese may not always be the first ingredient you think of for breakfast, but it offers a surprising array of health benefits. When paired with eggs and veggies, it creates a hearty, nutritious, and satisfying meal.
Top Reasons to Love This Dish:
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High in Protein
Eggs and cottage cheese provide a rich source of protein to keep you full and energized. -
Rich in Calcium
Cottage cheese supports strong bones and teeth thanks to its high calcium content. -
Low in Carbs
Perfect for low-carb or keto diets—this bake is low in carbs and high in healthy fats. -
Customizable
Add your favorite vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for variety. -
Meal Prep Friendly
Make it ahead and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick, nutritious meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this easy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake:
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6 large eggs
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1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
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1 cup spinach (or substitute with bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions)
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½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)
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¼ cup milk (optional, for creaminess)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the baking dish)
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Fresh herbs (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Creating this dish is quick and simple. Just follow these steps:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil.
Step 2: Prep the Vegetables
Wash and chop spinach or your chosen veggies. Cut into small, even pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, optional milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Stir in the chopped vegetables, making sure they’re well mixed into the egg and cheese mixture.
Step 5: Bake It
Pour everything into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top. Bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and fully set (a toothpick should come out clean).
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes. Slice into squares, garnish with fresh herbs, and enjoy warm!
Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This dish is more than just tasty—it’s packed with nutritional goodness:
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Protein Power
The combination of eggs and cottage cheese delivers a high-protein meal to fuel your day. -
Bone Health Support
With plenty of calcium and phosphorus, it’s great for maintaining strong bones. -
Digestive Support
Healthy fats and amino acids in eggs aid in digestion and gut health. -
Nutrient-Rich
Veggies like spinach add essential vitamins and minerals like Vitamin A, C, iron, and potassium.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cottage cheese, plant-based milk (like almond or oat), and non-dairy shredded cheese.
2. Can I add meat?
Absolutely. Cooked bacon, sausage, or shredded chicken are great additions.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) or microwave.
4. Can I prep it the night before?
Yes, assemble it the night before and refrigerate. In the morning, bake as instructed.
5. Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, especially when made with non-starchy veggies like spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers.
6. How can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or use a spicy cheese blend for extra heat.
7. What cheese works best?
Cheddar, mozzarella, and feta are all great choices. Mix and match to suit your taste.
8. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out the moisture before adding it to the mix.
9. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! It’s naturally gluten-free, perfect for those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
10. Can I make individual portions?
Definitely. Use muffin tins and bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes.
Conclusion
The Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a simple, nutritious, and delicious recipe that deserves a spot in your breakfast rotation. It’s ideal for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or healthy meal prep.
Thanks to the versatility of ingredients and the rich nutritional value, it’s a dish you can feel good about serving your family—or yourself. So preheat that oven and give this wholesome egg bake a try—you won’t be disappointed!
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