Easy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies

Discover the ultimate breakfast solution or an effortless weeknight meal with this amazing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies. This recipe is your secret weapon for vibrant, healthy, and satisfying home cooking. Packed with nutritious ingredients and bursting with flavor, this easy egg bake comes together quickly. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, making meal prep throughout the week an absolute breeze. Get ready to cook with confidence and joy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This versatile Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies quickly becomes a family favorite. Its simplicity and wholesome goodness shine through in every bite.

• Feeds a Crowd: This substantial bake yields up to 12 servings, making it ideal for large families, gatherings, or weekly meal prep.
• Quick and Simple: With straightforward steps and minimal fuss, you can prepare this delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Excellent for Meal Planning: Bake once, and enjoy healthy, protein-packed meals or snacks for several days, simplifying your busy schedule.
• Loaded with Healthy Vegetables: Fresh bell peppers, onions, and spinach infuse the bake with essential vitamins and fiber for a wholesome start to your day.
• Versatile for Various Meals: Enjoy it hot for breakfast, cold as a snack, or alongside a fresh salad for a light and flavorful dinner.

Ingredients

Gather your fresh ingredients for this delightful Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies. Each component plays a vital role in creating a fluffy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that everyone will adore.

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 5-6 cups fresh spinach (about 6 ounces)
• 12 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups reduced-fat cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5-10 dashes of hot sauce
• Black pepper, to taste
• ¼ cup chives, sliced
• Non-stick cooking spray

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily customize your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies to fit your preferences or what you have on hand.

• Onion: Yellow or white onions both work perfectly, offering a sweet base.
• Bell Pepper: Feel free to use any color bell pepper; green, orange, or yellow add vibrant hues and flavors.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach is best, but you can also use thawed and squeezed frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable.
• Cottage Cheese: Cottage cheese is a versatile dairy product celebrated for its impressive nutritional profile, offering a good source of protein and essential nutrients. For an extra creamy and richer texture, opt for full-fat cottage cheese.
• Spice Level: Elevate the heat by adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the veggie mix.
• Texture Preference: If you prefer a smoother texture without distinct cottage cheese curds, blend the eggs and cottage cheese until smooth before mixing with other ingredients.
• Creative Add-ins: Enhance the flavor profile by incorporating sautéed mushrooms, shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Equipment

Having the right tools makes preparing this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies a smooth and enjoyable process. You likely have most of these kitchen essentials already.

• 9×13 inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife

Instructions

Creating this wholesome Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies is incredibly straightforward. Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve a perfectly cooked and delicious result. This easy process ensures a satisfying meal every time.

1. Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the olive oil to a large skillet and heat it over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced red bell pepper and yellow onion. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until they begin to soften and become fragrant.
3. Wilt Spinach: Stir the fresh spinach into the skillet with the softened peppers and onions. Continue to sauté just until the spinach wilts down completely. Turn off the heat and set the skillet aside.
4. Whisk Eggs: Crack all 12 large eggs into a large mixing bowl. Use a whisk to beat the eggs thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined and slightly frothy.
5. Combine Ingredients: Add the reduced-fat cottage cheese, sautéed bell peppers, onions, spinach, garlic powder, salt, hot sauce, and black pepper to the whisked eggs. Whisk everything together until all ingredients are well incorporated, forming the vibrant base of your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies.
6. Prepare Pan: Lightly spray a 9×13 inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step prevents the egg bake from sticking and makes for easy cleanup.
7. Pour Mixture: Carefully pour the entire egg and vegetable mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly across the bottom.
8. Bake: Place the baking pan into the preheated oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes. The bake should be set in the center and lightly golden brown around the edges.
9. Cool and Absorb Moisture: Remove the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies from the oven. Allow it to cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes. This resting time helps the bake finish setting and makes slicing easier. Gently pat the surface with a paper towel to absorb any excess moisture, ensuring a perfect texture.
10. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh, sliced chives evenly over the top of the cooled egg bake. Slice the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies into 12 equal pieces and serve warm.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Mastering this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies is simple with a few key tips. These pointers help you achieve perfect results every time and address common concerns.

• Doneness Check: To confirm your egg bake is fully cooked, insert a fork or a knife into the center. It should come out clean without any liquid egg residue.
• Prevent Wateriness: Ensure you thoroughly sauté the vegetables to release their moisture. Additionally, always pat the surface of the baked dish dry with a paper towel after cooling to remove any residual liquid, preventing a watery texture.
• Avoid Overcooking: Remove the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies promptly once the center is set. Overcooking can lead to a rubbery or tough texture, compromising its delicious fluffiness.
• Flavor Boost: Don’t hesitate to adjust the amount of hot sauce or experiment with different spices like smoked paprika or a pinch of dried oregano for an extra layer of flavor.
• Even Cooking: Spread the vegetables evenly throughout the egg mixture before baking. This ensures consistent texture and flavor in every slice.

Serving & Storage & Variations

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies is wonderfully versatile, perfect for various occasions and easy to store.

• Serving Suggestions: Pair your delicious egg bake with air fryer diced potatoes for a complete breakfast, or serve it alongside light banana oat muffins and fresh seasonal fruit for a balanced meal. It’s also excellent with a simple green salad for lunch or dinner.
• Storage: To maintain optimal freshness and ensure food safety, proper storage practices are crucial for cooked egg dishes like this bake. Refer to FDA guidelines for the safe handling and storage of egg dishes. Store any leftover slices of the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. This makes it an ideal choice for healthy meal prep throughout the week.
• Freezing: For longer storage, individual slices can be frozen for up to 3 months. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes for a crispier edge.
• Variations Recap: Remember the flexibility to add other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or sweet potatoes. Incorporate different cheeses like sharp cheddar or a sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a different protein like cooked chicken sausage for a heartier meal.

Nutrition Information

Enjoy this healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies knowing it’s packed with goodness.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate; accuracy not guaranteed.

FAQ

Got questions about this delicious Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies? We have answers to help you master this recipe.

• Can I use full-fat cottage cheese? Absolutely! Using full-fat cottage cheese will result in an even creamier and richer texture for your bake.
• Can I use frozen spinach in this recipe? Yes, you can. Just be sure to thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the egg mixture.
• How do I make the egg bake less watery? Sautéing your vegetables thoroughly to remove moisture and patting the finished bake with a paper towel are key steps to prevent wateriness.
• Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Feel free to experiment with finely diced mushrooms, zucchini, or even roasted sweet potato chunks for added flavor and nutrition.
• Is this recipe good for meal prepping? Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! Prepare a large batch and store individual slices for quick and healthy meals throughout the week.
• How long does egg bake last in the fridge? When stored properly in an airtight container, your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Conclusion

Embrace the simplicity and flavor of this amazing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies. It’s a delightful, customizable, and incredibly easy recipe that perfectly fits any meal of the day. Enjoy a healthy, protein-packed option that brings both convenience and deliciousness to your table. We encourage you to try it out, rate your experience, and share your beautiful culinary creations with us!

Easy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies

This easy cottage cheese egg bake is packed with nutritious vegetables and protein, making it a perfect healthy breakfast or brunch option. It's simple to prepare and bakes into a satisfying dish for the whole family.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 20 minutes mins

Course Breakfast

Cuisine American

Servings 12 slices

Calories 110 kcal

Kitchen Equipment

• Oven
• Pan
• Large bowl
• Whisk
• 9×13 baking pan
• Paper towel

Recipe Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 yellow onion diced
• 5-6 cups spinach about 6 ounces
• 12 Eggs
• 1 ½ cups reduced fat cottage cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 5-10 dashes hot sauce
• black pepper to taste
• ¼ cup chives sliced
• non-stick cooking spray

For Serving

• ¼ cup chives sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

 

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then add diced red pepper and onion. Sauté for 5-8 minutes until softened.
• Stir in the spinach and sauté until it wilts, then turn off the heat.
• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until combined.
• Add the cottage cheese, sautéed vegetables, garlic powder, salt, hot sauce, and black pepper to the eggs. Whisk thoroughly to combine.
• Spray a 9×13 baking pan with non-stick cooking spray and pour the egg mixture into it.

Baking & Serving

• Bake for 40-45 minutes until set.
• Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for 10-15 minutes to finish setting; pat dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
• Sprinkle with fresh chives, slice into 12 pieces, and serve.

Notes

Allow the egg bake to cool completely after baking for easier slicing and better setting. Feel free to customize with other vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for variety, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Keyword cottage cheese egg bake