It’s magical to start your day with a warm, filling meal that makes you feel good about what you eat. The Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a family favorite. It’s full of protein, easy to make, and great for busy mornings when you need to feed a lot of people. This is the kind of dish that gets everyone to the table, and the smell that fills the house is enough to wake anyone up!
A dear friend of mine who is an amazing cook served this delicious bake at a brunch I went to. She served this dish, and I was hooked right away by how fluffy and tasty it was. It was a great mix of eggs and cottage cheese, with fresh herbs and veggies on top. At that moment, I knew I had to make it for my own family, and I’ve enjoyed serving it at many brunches since. It always brings back happy memories of that day, with lots of laughter and good conversation.
Let me give you this recipe because your taste buds will thank you and you’ll want to make it again and again!
What are the ingredients in Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Cottage cheese is the best part of the dish! This cheese is not only rich, but it is also a great source of protein. Depending on my mood and what I have on hand, I like to use either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese.
Eggs are the most important part of the bake! They give us that fluffy texture we all love. They also have a lot of nutrients and protein. I always get free-range eggs because I think they taste better.
Spinach, whether fresh or frozen, adds a nice green color and is full of vitamins A and K. I like fresh better when I have the time because it wilts nicely and adds a bright color.
Bell Peppers: I usually use a mix of red and yellow bell peppers to add sweetness and crunch. They also make our bake look amazing with their color!
Onions: A little bit of sautéed onion gives the dish a savory base. Even when they are only a small part of the dish, onions can add a lot of flavor.
Garlic: Because garlic makes everything taste better, right? It adds depth and a comforting smell that stays in the house.
Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives make the dish taste better. I like to use whatever herbs I have on hand because it can be a nice surprise!
Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese on top gives it a nice golden crust and an extra layer of flavor. For that gooey goodness, I usually use a mix of cheddar and mozzarella.
Salt and pepper are important spices that bring all the flavors together. Don’t skip these; a good pinch can make your bake taste a lot better!
Is it healthy to eat cottage cheese egg bake?
Yes, of course! This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a great way to start your day and is also good for your health in many ways. Let’s look at some of its parts:
Cottage cheese is a great source of protein, as I said before. It has few calories and little fat, so it’s a great choice for people who want to keep their weight the same or lose weight. It also has a lot of calcium, which is good for your bones.
Eggs: Eggs are a great source of protein and contain many important nutrients, like vitamins B12 and D. If you’re trying to control your cravings, they can help you feel full longer, which is great.
Spinach is a leafy green that is very good for you. It has a lot of vitamins, iron, and magnesium, but not many calories. Eating spinach is a great way to stay healthy overall.
Bell Peppers: They are full of antioxidants, especially vitamin C, which helps keep you healthy and strong. They also add color to the dish, which makes it look better!
This dish is healthy, but you should be careful about how much you eat. Cottage cheese is rich, and eggs and cheese have a lot of calories, so eat it as part of a balanced diet.
List of Ingredients
This recipe makes enough food for about six people, which is great for a family brunch or a get-together with friends. This is what you’ll need:
– 2 cups of cottage cheese, either full-fat or low-fat
– 6 big eggs
– 2 cups of fresh spinach, chopped, or 1 cup of frozen spinach that has been thawed and drained
– 1 cup of diced bell peppers (red and yellow for a colorful touch)
– 1 medium onion, cut up – 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon of olive oil (for frying)
– 1 tablespoon of fresh herbs, like parsley, dill, or chives
– One cup of shredded cheese, like a mix of cheddar and mozzarella
– Add salt and pepper to taste
How do you make an egg bake with cottage cheese?
I promise that making this delicious bake is very easy! Here’s how to put it all together:
1. **Preheat Your Oven:** Turn your oven on to 350°F (175°C). This makes sure that your bake will cook evenly.
2. **Cook the vegetables in a pan:** Put the olive oil in a big skillet and heat it over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook it for 3 to 4 minutes, or until it is clear. Add the bell peppers and minced garlic and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, or until the peppers are soft. Finally, add the chopped spinach and stir it in until it wilts. Take it off the heat and let it cool a little.
3. **Combine the Cheese and Eggs:** In a big bowl, beat the eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh herbs together. Add a lot of salt and pepper to taste. This is where you can really make it your own. If you want to, you can add some red pepper flakes to make it more interesting.
4. **Mix the ingredients together:** After the vegetables have cooled down a bit, gently fold them into the cheese and egg mixture. Be sure that everything is mixed in well.
5. **Pour into the baking dish:** Use a little olive oil or cooking spray to grease a baking dish that is 9×13 inches or close to that size. Pour your mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
6. **Add Cheese on Top:** Spread the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the mixture. This will give you the golden crust that we all love.
7. **Bake:** Put it in the oven that has already been heated for 30 to 35 minutes. When the edges are golden brown and the center is set but still moist, you’ll know it’s done.
8. **Cool it down:** After baking, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting and serving. This makes it easier to serve because it stays together better.
9. **Serve and Enjoy:** Cut into squares and serve hot! You can eat it by itself or with a side of fresh fruit or a light salad.
Tasty Extras and Ideas for Serving
Now that you have the basic recipe, let’s talk about how to make it your own. There are a lot of ways to make this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake more interesting, and I can’t wait to share some of my favorite ones:
If you like meat, you can add cooked and crumbled bacon or sausage to make a filling breakfast. Just make sure to change the seasoning as needed!
More Veggies: You can add any vegetables you want to this dish because it is so flexible. You can use zucchini, mushrooms, or even tomatoes here.
Lots of herbs: Try out different herbs; fresh thyme or basil can really change the taste.
Add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture if you like it hot.
To make it creamier, top it with a dollop of Greek yogurt or sour cream. For a fresh twist, serve it with avocado slices on the side.
I usually bring this dish straight from the oven to the dining room. It always gets all the attention! People always ask for the recipe and rave about it, and I love sharing this simple but tasty dish with everyone.
I love hosting brunches, and I can tell you that this bake stays fresh in the fridge. It’s also a great choice for planning meals ahead of time. You can quickly make breakfast or lunch by slicing it, storing it, and reheating it all week.
I hope this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake becomes a regular meal in your house like it has in mine. It’s always fun to hear how other food lovers put their own spin on recipes, so let me know how yours turned out! Enjoy how warm, happy, and tasty it makes your table. Have fun cooking!
