Is there anything better than a hearty breakfast that fuels you through the day? I honestly don’t think so! This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is one of my go-to recipes for those busy mornings when I want something wholesome, delicious, and easy to prepare. Plus, it reminds me of cozy Sunday brunches at my grandma’s house—packed with family, laughter, and of course, her amazing cooking.
What I love about this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand. You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or even swap in some different cheeses. It’s a delightful dish that brings the warmth and comfort of home-cooked meals right to your table. Are you ready to whip up something scrumptious? Let’s do this!
What’s in Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Cottage Cheese: This creamy dairy staple is essential for adding richness and a delightful texture. I love using full-fat cottage cheese for its flavor and consistency, but feel free to use low-fat if that’s your preference!
Eggs: The base of our bake! I use large eggs—they’re packed with protein and perfect for binding all the other ingredients together.
Fresh Spinach: A great way to sneak in some greens! Fresh spinach wilts beautifully in the oven, adding both nutrition and a beautiful color.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet little gems add pops of color and juiciness. They burst with flavor during baking, making every bite a delight!
Breakfast Sausage (or Ground Turkey): This adds a savory element that balances the dish perfectly. I often opt for breakfast sausage, but ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works just as well.
Shredded Cheese: I usually go for sharp cheddar for that extra kick, but mozzarella will lend a nice melty texture too. Choose your favorite!
Onion: Finely chopped onion adds a flavor base that’s hard to resist! It also contributes a subtle sweetness that works beautifully with the other ingredients.
Garlic Powder: Just a sprinkle adds depth and enhances the flavors of the other ingredients. Plus, garlic makes everything better!
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning this egg bake to perfection.
Olive Oil: A little bit of oil for greasing the baking dish ensures your wonderful creation comes out smoothly without sticking.
Is Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Good for You?
Absolutely! This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a protein-packed powerhouse that will keep you satisfied well into lunch!
Cottage Cheese: Not only is it high in protein, but it also contains calcium, which is great for bone health.
Eggs: They’re a versatile protein source packed with vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D and B12, which promote overall health.
Spinach: Loaded with antioxidants, vitamins A and C, spinach contributes to immune function and skin health.
Cherry Tomatoes: These beauties are rich in lycopene, an antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
Sausage: While delicious, it’s worth noting that sausage can be high in saturated fats and sodium, so opting for lower-fat or turkey versions is wise if you’re watching your intake.
This dish does contain cheese, which provides calcium, but it’s good to balance it with plenty of veggies!
Ingredients:
– 1 cup cottage cheese
– 6 large eggs
– 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
– 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage, crumbled (or ground turkey as a lighter option)
– 1/2 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
– 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp salt
– 1/4 tsp black pepper
– 1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the dish)
Serves: 6
How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
3. Stir in the chopped spinach, diced tomatoes, crumbled sausage, chopped onion, and shredded cheese until evenly mixed.
4. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
5. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes or until the edges are lightly golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut into squares and serve warm.
Delicious Tips for Your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake!
– Feel free to add in any extra veggies you have lying around. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be fantastic additions!
– If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes before baking.
– This dish also freezes great! Just slice and wrap individual portions to have a quick meal ready any day of the week.
– Serve it up with a fresh side salad or some whole grain toast to complete the breakfast experience.
I truly hope you enjoy making and devouring this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake as much as I do! It’s a dish packed with flavor and nutrition that brings together family and friends around the table. I would love to hear how yours turns out, so don’t forget to share your experience! Happy cooking!
