Start your day with a delightful and wholesome meal that truly satisfies! These baked cottage cheese eggs offer a fantastic way to enjoy a protein-packed breakfast without the fuss.
A high-protein breakfast offers numerous benefits, from supporting muscle health to aiding in weight management. Learn more about the benefits of a high-protein breakfast.
This recipe is incredibly easy to make, highly customizable, and perfect for busy mornings or simple meal prep. Get ready to discover your new favorite breakfast staple!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love These Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs
You’ll quickly fall in love with this versatile and healthy dish. Here’s why this cottage cheese egg bake will become a kitchen favorite:
- High Protein Powerhouse: Each serving delivers over 20 grams of protein, keeping you full and energized throughout the morning.
- Minimal Cleanup: Everything bakes in one dish, meaning less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.
- Quick & Simple Preparation: With just a few basic steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in under an hour.
- Endless Customization: Easily adapt the flavors with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and seasonings to suit any craving.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Bake a batch ahead of time and enjoy a nutritious breakfast or snack for days.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious egg and cottage cheese bake:
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 8 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup 2% or full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion or green onions
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting quality ingredients enhances the flavor of your egg bake with cottage cheese.
- Eggs: Use large eggs for consistency. Organic or pasture-raised eggs often provide richer yolks and better flavor.
- Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese adds a wonderfully creamy texture and richness. You can use 2% or even fat-free if you prefer a lighter option, but the texture might be slightly less decadent.
- Spinach: Fresh spinach works best, but you can substitute with thawed and thoroughly drained frozen chopped spinach. Squeeze out all excess water to prevent a watery bake. Baby spinach is also a great choice.
- Onion: Yellow onion provides a sweeter, milder flavor when baked. Green onions (scallions) offer a sharper, fresher bite, especially if added just before baking or as a garnish.
- Parmesan Cheese: Freshly shredded Parmesan offers superior flavor, but pre-shredded works too. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or a Monterey Jack blend.
Equipment
You don’t need fancy tools for this recipe. Just a few kitchen essentials:
- 9×9-inch baking dish: A ceramic or glass dish works perfectly.
- Medium mixing bowls: One for whisking and one for combining ingredients.
- Whisk: For thoroughly blending the eggs and seasonings.
- Measuring cups and spoons: For accurate ingredient portions.
Instructions
Creating your high protein egg bake with cottage cheese is incredibly straightforward.
Follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time:
- Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Generously mist a 9×9-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Whisk the Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the 8 eggs, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the eggs are well combined and slightly frothy, ensuring all seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Fold in Additional Ingredients: Gently stir the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, chopped spinach, and diced onion into the egg mixture. Be careful not to overmix; just combine everything until evenly distributed.
- Pour and Bake: Pour the entire egg and cottage cheese mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out with a spatula if needed to ensure an even layer.
- Bake Until Set: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is completely set and the top is lightly golden brown. You can gently jiggle the dish to check for any liquid movement in the middle.
- Rest and Serve: Once baked, remove the baked cottage cheese eggs from the oven. Let them rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period allows the eggs to set further and makes for cleaner cuts.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your cottage cheese egg bake turns out perfectly with these helpful tips. You’ll easily achieve a delicious, consistent result.
Ensuring proper egg handling and cooking is crucial to prevent foodborne illnesses. Review the FDA’s guidelines on safe egg handling and cooking practices to ensure food safety.
- Drain Cottage Cheese: If your cottage cheese seems very watery, gently drain off any excess liquid before adding it to the egg mixture. This helps prevent a watery bake.
- Don’t overmix: Mix the egg and cheese mixture until combined. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a less dense texture.
- Check for Doneness: A knife inserted into the center should come clean. The edges will be firm and slightly puffed.
- Prevent Watery Bake: Ensure your spinach or any other vegetable add-ins are very well-drained. Excess moisture is the primary culprit for a watery egg bake.
- Pre-Cook Meats: If adding ingredients like sausage or turkey bacon, cook and drain them thoroughly before adding to the egg mixture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overbaking: Overbaked eggs can become rubbery. Remove them as soon as the center is set.
- Insufficient Seasoning: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper; they bring out the flavors of the eggs and cheese. Taste a small amount of the raw mixture before adding to the dish.
- Too Many Watery Add-ins: Be mindful of vegetables with high water content. Always ensure they are thoroughly drained or sautéed first.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
These high protein egg bake with cottage cheese are wonderfully versatile. Enjoy them in many different ways!
Serving Ideas
- Fresh Toppings: Garnish with fresh chives, chopped parsley, or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick. A dollop of salsa or a spoonful of pesto also works beautifully.
- Side Dishes: Serve alongside a simple green salad, a slice of whole-grain toast, or a bowl of fresh fruit for a complete meal. Turkey sausage makes an excellent savory pairing.
- Brunch Spreads: Cut into squares and arrange on a platter for an impressive addition to any brunch spread or potluck.
Storage and Reheating
Proper storage keeps your baked cottage cheese eggs fresh and delicious.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Duration: They will keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for meal prep.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or gently warm them in a nonstick skillet over medium-low heat until heated through.
- Enjoy Cold: These baked eggs are also surprisingly delicious cold, making them a great grab-and-go snack!
Flavorful Variations
Get creative with your baked cottage cheese eggs and explore new flavor combinations.
- Different Vegetables: Add finely diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or asparagus tips.
- Protein Boosts: Fold in cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage, shredded cooked chicken for extra heartiness.
- Cheese Combinations: Swap Parmesan for sharp cheddar, creamy goat cheese, or a spicy pepper jack cheese.
- Lighter Option: For a lighter version, use half egg whites and half whole eggs. Adjust the seasoning as needed.
Nutrition Information
Enjoy this delicious egg and cottage cheese bake knowing it offers excellent nutrition.
This recipe provides a fantastic source of protein and essential nutrients.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 1/4 of recipe |
| Calories | 248 calories |
| Fat Content | 15 g |
| Saturated Fat Content | 6 g |
| Sodium Content | 787 mg |
| Carbohydrate Content | 7 g |
| Fiber Content | 1 g |
| Sugar Content | 4 g |
| Protein Content | 21 g |
| Cholesterol Content | 305 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about making perfect baked cottage cheese eggs.
Why is my cottage cheese egg bake watery?
Your egg bake might be watery if you didn’t thoroughly drain high-moisture ingredients like spinach or if your cottage cheese had excess liquid. Squeeze out all the water from the vegetables.
Can I prepare this egg bake the night before?
Yes, you can assemble the entire mixture in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning as directed.
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Absolutely! You can use an equal amount of egg whites for a lower-fat, lower-cholesterol option. The texture might be slightly different, but still delicious.
What other ingredients can I add to this recipe?
Feel free to experiment with cooked, crumbled turkey bacon, diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella.
Conclusion
These baked cottage cheese eggs truly are a game-changer for anyone seeking a simple, high-protein, and utterly delicious breakfast or brunch. They combine ease of preparation with incredible flavor and satisfying nutrition, making them perfect for busy schedules or relaxed weekend mornings. Give this recipe a try and discover how effortless and enjoyable healthy eating can be. Share your creations and tell us your favorite variations in the comments below!
The Best Baked Cottage Cheese eggs – 5 Easy Steps
Equipment
- Baking dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 8 eggs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon fine salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¾ cup 2% or full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded or shaved Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach
- ½ cup finely diced yellow onion or green onions
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F (190 C). Mist a 9×9 inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. Stir in the cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, spinach, and onion.
- Pour the prepared egg mixture into the baking dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set.
- Store any leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual servings in a skillet or microwave.