A wholesome and protein-packed dish, Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is the perfect solution for a nutritious breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. With a mix of creamy cottage cheese, fresh vegetables, and savory seasonings, this bake offers a satisfying and flavorful experience that suits many dietary needs. Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or hosting a brunch gathering, this dish delivers convenience, taste, and health all in one pan.
This egg bake is incredibly versatile—you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, add a kick of spice, or even throw in some leftover meats for extra protein. What makes this dish stand out is the use of cottage cheese, which not only adds creaminess but also boosts the protein content significantly, making it ideal for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low-carb, and can easily be made vegetarian or keto-friendly.
With minimal prep and cook time, this dish proves that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated. So, if you’re looking for a simple, tasty, and nourishing meal, this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake just might become your new go-to recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein – With eggs, cottage cheese, and parmesan, it provides a powerful protein punch to keep you full longer.
- Easy to Make – Simple prep and one-pan baking make this a no-fuss meal anyone can whip up quickly.
- Customizable – You can easily swap in different vegetables, cheeses, or spices based on your taste or what you have on hand.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Stores well in the fridge or freezer and reheats beautifully for quick weekday meals.
- Low Carb and Gluten-Free – Ideal for those on special diets or trying to eat healthier without sacrificing flavor.
Ingredients
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Yellow onion
- Spinach
- Cherry tomatoes
- Zucchini
- Shredded parmesan
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Black pepper
Variations
- Add Meat: Include cooked bacon, sausage, or diced ham for an extra boost of flavor and protein.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cottage cheese and parmesan for plant-based alternatives.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- Herby Twist: Mix in fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or chives for extra freshness.
- Different Cheese: Substitute parmesan with cheddar, feta, or mozzarella for a flavor change.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Dice the onion, cherry tomatoes, and zucchini. Chop the spinach finely.
Step 3: Beat the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, crack the eggs and beat until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Add cottage cheese, chopped vegetables, half the shredded parmesan, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the eggs. Mix thoroughly.
Step 5: Pour and Top
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining parmesan over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Drain excess moisture from vegetables to avoid a watery bake.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
- Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts.
- Bake in muffin tins for individual servings.
- Avoid overbaking to keep the eggs tender, not rubbery.
How to Serve
- Pair with a side salad for a light lunch.
- Serve with toast or roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
- Top with avocado slices or a dollop of sour cream.
- Enjoy with fresh fruit for a balanced breakfast.
- Serve chilled or reheated—tastes great both ways.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Wrap slices individually and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or in the oven at 325°F until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, you can substitute some or all of the whole eggs with egg whites for a lighter version.
2. Is cottage cheese necessary?
Cottage cheese adds creaminess and protein, but you can substitute it with ricotta or Greek yogurt if needed.
3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the mixture the night before and bake fresh in the morning.
4. Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze out excess water before adding.
5. What baking dish size should I use?
An 8×8 or 9×9-inch baking dish works well for this recipe.
6. How do I know when it’s done baking?
The center should be set, and a knife inserted should come out clean.
7. Can I add mushrooms or bell peppers?
Definitely! Just make sure to sauté them first to remove moisture.
8. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well into a keto meal plan.
9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just use a larger baking dish and increase the baking time as needed.
10. What’s the best way to reheat?
Microwave on medium or reheat in the oven at 325°F for best texture.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a flavorful, nutritious, and versatile dish that deserves a spot in your regular recipe rotation. Packed with protein and bursting with fresh veggies, it’s perfect for meal prep, family brunches, or simply enjoying a healthy start to your day. Whether you stick with the base ingredients or get creative with your own variations, this recipe is both forgiving and foolproof. Try it once, and you’ll likely find yourself coming back to it again and again.
PrintCottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Total Time: ~45–60 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6 slices (if using a 9×9 baking dish) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A high‑protein, veggie‑packed egg bake that delivers creamy pockets of cottage cheese, savory onion, zucchini, and spinach, finished with melty Parmesan—perfect for make‑ahead breakfasts that fuel your day.
Ingredients
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12 large eggs
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1 cup cottage cheese
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½ cup yellow onion, diced (~½ an onion)
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1 cup spinach, chopped
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6 cherry tomatoes, diced (~½ cup)
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½ zucchini, diced or shredded (~½ cup)
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1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese, divided
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
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¼ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350 °F (175 °C). Grease a 9×9‑inch (or similar) baking dish.
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In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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Stir in the onion, spinach, diced zucchini, and cherry tomatoes until evenly distributed.
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Fold in half of the Parmesan (reserve the other half for topping).
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Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining Parmesan on top.
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Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Adjust timing depending on your oven.
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Let the bake rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing to ensure cleaner cuts.
Notes
Full‑fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest texture.
Feel free to substitute or add vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or use different cheeses.
Perfect for meal prep—store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Leftovers reheat well in the microwave (about 30 seconds) or oven (at 350 °F for 10 minutes).
- Prep Time: ~10–15 minutes (combining and chopping ingredients)
- Cook Time: ~35–45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast / Brunch
- Method: Baking (oven-baked casserole)
- Cuisine: American