Looking for a high-protein, low-carb breakfast that’s easy to make and perfect for meal prep? This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is the answer! Packed with fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, and colorful veggies, it’s a nutritious and satisfying way to start your day. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving brunch to a crowd, this dish will keep you feeling full and energized.
The best part? This egg bake is incredibly customizable! Add in your favorite vegetables, swap in different cheeses, or throw in some cooked bacon or ham for an extra protein boost. Serve it with fresh fruit, toast, or avocado slices for the perfect balanced meal. One bite, and you’ll see why this dish is a game-changer!
Full Recipe:
- 6 large eggs
- 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat for extra creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or your favorite)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- ½ cup diced bell pepper
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional)
- Sliced tomatoes or avocado for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until light and fluffy. Stir in the cottage cheese until well combined.
- Add the spinach, bell pepper, onion, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together.
- Gently fold in the shredded cheese, reserving a little for topping.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Let cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs, tomatoes, or avocado if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes
Kcal: 200 kcal per serving | Servings: 6
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
If you’re looking for a high-protein, easy-to-make breakfast that will keep you full and energized, this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is the perfect choice. It combines fluffy eggs with creamy cottage cheese and fresh vegetables, resulting in a deliciously satisfying dish. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving it fresh for brunch, this egg bake is packed with flavor, nutrients, and versatility.
Unlike traditional egg casseroles that rely on heavy cream or milk, the cottage cheese adds a rich texture and boosts the protein content significantly. This makes it a fantastic option for those looking to fuel their mornings with a balanced meal that supports muscle growth, weight management, and overall health. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and vegetarian, making it a great option for different dietary preferences.
A Perfect Meal Prep Option
One of the best things about this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is that it’s meal-prep friendly. It can be made ahead of time, stored in the refrigerator, and reheated as needed throughout the week. The flavors continue to develop, and the texture remains soft and fluffy, making it just as delicious on day five as it was fresh out of the oven.
To store leftovers, simply slice the egg bake into portions and keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. If you’d like to extend its shelf life, freeze individual portions and reheat them in the oven or microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.
Health Benefits of This Recipe
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not just delicious—it’s also packed with health benefits that make it a great choice for breakfast or even a light dinner.
- High Protein Content – Eggs and cottage cheese are both rich in protein, making this dish an excellent choice for those looking to maintain muscle mass, stay fuller for longer, and avoid unhealthy snacking.
- Low in Carbs – Unlike many breakfast casseroles that include bread or potatoes, this recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals – The combination of eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables provides a range of nutrients, including vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
- Supports Weight Management – Because of its high protein and low carb content, this dish is both satisfying and helps regulate hunger levels, making it easier to maintain a healthy weight.
How to Customize Your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
One of the best aspects of this recipe is its flexibility. You can easily swap or add ingredients to suit your personal taste, dietary needs, or what you have in the fridge.
- Add More Protein – If you want an extra protein boost, try adding diced ham, cooked turkey bacon, or crumbled sausage to the mixture before baking.
- Switch Up the Cheese – While shredded cheddar works great, you can also experiment with mozzarella, feta, Swiss, or Parmesan to change up the flavors.
- Incorporate Different Vegetables – Spinach and bell peppers are a great starting point, but you can also try mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrients.
- Make It Dairy-Free – If you’re avoiding dairy, try using dairy-free cottage cheese and cheese substitutes. The texture and flavor will still be delicious.
- Spice It Up – For a little extra kick, consider adding red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce to the egg mixture.
What to Serve with This Egg Bake
While this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with a variety of side dishes to create a more complete meal.
- Fresh Fruit – A side of berries, sliced oranges, or a fruit salad can add a naturally sweet contrast to the savory egg bake.
- Toast or Whole-Grain Bread – If you’re not avoiding carbs, a slice of whole-grain toast or an English muffin makes a great addition.
- Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado adds healthy fats and extra flavor to the dish.
- Greek Yogurt – A small serving of Greek yogurt on the side provides even more protein and a refreshing balance to the meal.
- Salad – If serving this dish for lunch or dinner, a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a perfect accompaniment.
Tips for the Best Egg Bake
For the best results, follow these expert tips to ensure your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake turns out fluffy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
- Whisk the Eggs Well – Beating the eggs thoroughly before adding other ingredients helps create a lighter, more airy texture.
- Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese – While low-fat versions work fine, full-fat cottage cheese provides a creamier consistency and a richer flavor.
- Grease Your Baking Dish – This prevents the egg bake from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.
- Let It Rest Before Slicing – Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before cutting into it. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
- Check for Doneness – The egg bake is ready when the center is set and no longer jiggles. Insert a knife or toothpick in the middle—if it comes out clean, it’s done!
Why Cottage Cheese Works So Well in This Recipe
Many people associate cottage cheese with snacking or diet food, but it’s actually a game-changer in baked dishes. Here’s why it works so well in this egg bake:
- It adds creaminess without making the dish too heavy.
- It boosts the protein content significantly.
- It melts slightly, creating a soft, fluffy texture in the egg bake.
- It blends well with eggs and cheese, enhancing the flavor without overpowering it.
If you’ve never baked with cottage cheese before, this recipe is a great introduction to how versatile and delicious it can be.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is the ultimate breakfast recipe for busy mornings, meal prep, or a nutritious start to the day. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and incredibly easy to customize, making it a fantastic addition to any meal plan. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and fresh vegetables, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Whether you enjoy it fresh out of the oven, slice it up for grab-and-go breakfasts, or serve it as part of a brunch spread, this egg bake is a delicious and healthy option that will keep you feeling full and satisfied. Give it a try, experiment with different ingredients, and make it your own!