Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a delightful brunch dish that brings together delicious Mediterranean flavors and high protein content, making it perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a potluck or looking for a nutritious breakfast option, this egg bake fits the bill. Packed with ingredients like spinach, sundried tomatoes, and Feta cheese, it’s not only nutritious but also incredibly tasty.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein Content: Each serving of this cottage cheese egg bake offers a whopping 30 grams of protein, making it an excellent choice for a filling meal.
- Mediterranean Flavors: The combination of spinach, sundried tomatoes, and Feta cheese creates a burst of flavor that will keep your taste buds excited.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can whip up this egg bake in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings.
- Versatile Dish: This recipe is great for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light dinner. Serve it warm or at room temperature!
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings and potlucks, this dish is sure to impress your friends and family with its rich flavors and appealing presentation.
Tools and Preparation
To create the perfect cottage cheese egg bake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Pie plate skillet (12-inch)
- Olive oil spray
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A large mixing bowl is essential for combining all the ingredients thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Whisk: A whisk helps achieve a fluffy texture by aerating the eggs and blending them well with cottage cheese.
- Pie plate skillet: This tool provides even heat distribution while baking, ensuring your egg bake sets perfectly without burning.
Ingredients
To make this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, gather the following ingredients:
Dairy Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 9 large Eggs
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese (note 1)
Vegetables & Seasonings
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
- 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (stored dry, not in oil, cut into stripes (note 2))
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Topping
- 1/3 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (or grated mozzarella)
How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray your 12-inch pie plate skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
Roughly chop the baby spinach leaves. This will allow them to distribute evenly throughout the bake.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs.
2. Add in cottage cheese, feta cheese, ground pepper, salt, garlic powder, grated cheddar cheese, and oregano.
3. Mix until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Add Spinach and Tomatoes
Stir in the sundried tomato strips and chopped spinach until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
Step 5: Pour Into Pie Plate
Pour the egg mixture into your prepared pie plate. Make sure it’s spread out evenly for consistent cooking.
Step 6: Bake
Place the pie plate on the middle rack of your preheated oven. Bake for about 15-25 minutes or until the eggs are set and no longer jiggly in the center.
Step 7: Cool and Slice
Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into quarters.
Step 8: Serve
Serve immediately with fresh lettuce or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal experience!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is versatile and can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Whether you are hosting a brunch or enjoying a cozy breakfast at home, these serving suggestions will make your dish even more delightful.
With Fresh Greens
- Mixed Greens Salad: Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing salad.
- Arugula and Lemon: Drizzle arugula with lemon juice and olive oil for a zesty complement.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Oven-Roasted Zucchini: Slice zucchini, season with herbs, and roast until tender.
- Caramelized Bell Peppers: Sauté bell peppers until they caramelize, adding sweetness to your meal.
With Avocado
- Sliced Avocado: Serve fresh avocado slices on top for creaminess.
- Guacamole: Mash avocado with lime juice and salt for a flavorful dip alongside the bake.
With Bread
- Whole Wheat Toast: Lightly toasted whole wheat bread pairs well with the egg bake’s flavors.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread adds a crunchy texture that complements the soft egg bake.
How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
To ensure your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake turns out perfectly every time, follow these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and sundried tomatoes enhance the flavor profile significantly.
- Whisk Eggs Thoroughly: A well-mixed egg mixture creates a smooth texture throughout the bake.
- Bake Until Set: Keep an eye on the baking time; remove it once the center is firm to avoid overcooking.
- Experiment with Cheese: Try different cheese combinations like mozzarella or goat cheese for varied flavors.
- Add Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate the dish’s taste profile beautifully.
- Chill Before Serving: Allowing it to cool slightly before slicing helps maintain its shape when serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Pairing your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with complementary side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside it:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness to balance the savory bake.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy texture contrast.
- Sweet Potato Hash: Sauté sweet potatoes with onions for a sweet and savory side that fills you up.
- Crispy Bacon Strips: The salty crunch of bacon provides a delicious contrast to the soft egg bake.
- Herbed Quinoa Salad: Quinoa mixed with herbs and lemon juice offers a nutritious grain option that is light yet filling.
- Potato Wedges: Seasoned potato wedges baked until crispy add texture and heartiness to your meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, certain missteps can lead to less than perfect results. Here are some common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating your oven can cause uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is properly heated before baking.
- Using Wrong Ingredients: Substituting ingredients without considering their properties can alter the dish’s flavor and texture. Stick to the recipe for the best outcome.
- Overmixing the Eggs: Mixing too much can make the bake dense and rubbery. Whisk just until combined for a fluffy texture.
- Not Letting It Cool: Cutting immediately after baking can lead to a messy slice. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes for clean portions.
- Ignoring Storage Tips: Improperly storing leftovers can affect freshness. Follow storage guidelines to maintain flavor and texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- The Cottage Cheese Egg Bake will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap or foil.
- Place in a freezer-safe container; it will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm slowly for about 5-7 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions regarding the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake that might help you prepare this delicious dish.
Can I customize my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Yes! Feel free to add your favorite vegetables or herbs to make it more personal and flavorful.
What are some good side dishes with Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Pair it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or even a light fruit platter for a balanced meal.
How do I know when my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is done?
The bake is done when the eggs are set and there is no jiggle in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I make this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before, store it in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only high in protein but also bursting with Mediterranean flavors that everyone will love. It’s versatile enough that you can customize it with various ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or looking for an easy meal prep option, this dish is sure to satisfy!
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
Description
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a nutritious and delicious brunch option that combines Mediterranean flavors with high protein content. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a gathering or seeking a healthy breakfast. With a delightful mix of spinach, sundried tomatoes, and creamy Feta cheese, this egg bake is not only satisfying but also easy to prepare. Whip it up in under 30 minutes for a meal that will impress your family and friends while keeping you energized throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 9 large eggs
- 1/3 cup Feta cheese
- 1 cup baby spinach
- 1/2 cup sundried tomatoes
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and spray a 12-inch pie plate skillet with olive oil.
- Chop spinach and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, Feta cheese, salt, pepper, garlic powder, oregano, and cheddar until well combined.
- Fold in chopped spinach and sundried tomatoes.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate evenly.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes until eggs are set.
- Allow to cool for about 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximately 140g)
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 230mg
