Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is your new go-to recipe for a delicious and nutritious brunch. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family breakfast, this dish combines the rich flavors of cottage cheese, spinach, and sundried tomatoes to create a delightful high-protein meal. With 30 grams of protein per serving, it’s not just tasty but also satisfying. The Mediterranean flair will impress your guests and keep you coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Each serving delivers an impressive 30 grams of protein, making it a filling option for breakfast or brunch.
• Versatile Flavors: The combination of feta cheese, sundried tomatoes, and spinach brings a Mediterranean twist to your table.
• Quick to Prepare: With only 10 minutes of prep time, this dish fits perfectly into any busy morning or weekend brunch.
• Perfect for Potlucks: Easily transportable and shareable, it’s an ideal choice for events where you want to impress without much hassle.
• Gluten-Free Option: This egg bake is naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Tools and Preparation

Preparing the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake requires some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 12-inch pie plate skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• 12-inch pie plate skillet: This size ensures even cooking and allows ample space for the egg mixture to rise.
• Mixing bowl: A large bowl helps combine all ingredients easily without spilling.
• Whisk: Using a whisk makes it simple to blend the eggs with cottage cheese and seasonings thoroughly.

Ingredients

Dairy Products

• 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 9 large Eggs
• 1/3 cup Feta Cheese

Vegetables and Herbs

• 1 cup Baby Spinach
• 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (stored dry, not in oil, cut into stripes)
• 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
• 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Seasonings

• 1/4 teaspoon Salt
• 1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper

Cheese Toppings

• 1/3 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (or grated mozzarella)

How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Spray a 12-inch pie plate skillet with olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach

Roughly chop the baby spinach leaves and set them aside for later use.

Step 3: Mix Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, feta cheese, pepper, salt, garlic powder, grated cheddar, and oregano until well blended.
2. Stir in sundried tomato strips and chopped spinach until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Pour Mixture into Pie Plate

Pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie plate evenly.

Step 5: Bake in Oven

Place the pie plate on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until the eggs are set in the center and no longer jiggly.

Step 6: Cool Before Serving

Remove from oven and let cool for about 10 minutes before slicing into quarters.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Slice into quarters and enjoy immediately with lettuce or roasted vegetables on the side for a complete meal.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only a delicious high-protein dish but also incredibly versatile. You can enjoy it in various ways, making it perfect for any meal or occasion.

With Fresh Greens

• Mixed Green Salad: A light salad with arugula, spinach, and a lemon vinaigrette complements the flavors of the bake.
• Arugula and Tomato Salad: The peppery taste of arugula paired with juicy tomatoes adds freshness and color to your plate.

As a Breakfast Stack

• Avocado Toast: Serve a slice of the egg bake on top of whole-grain toast with smashed avocado for a filling breakfast.
• Whole Wheat English Muffin: Place a piece of the bake on an English muffin for a delightful morning treat.

Accompanied by Dips

• Hummus: A side of hummus enhances the Mediterranean vibe of this dish, offering creamy goodness.
• Salsa Verde: A zesty salsa verde adds an exciting kick to your egg bake, enhancing its flavor profile.

With Roasted Vegetables

• Seasoned Zucchini and Bell Peppers: Roasting these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and pairs wonderfully with the egg bake.
• Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Tender asparagus spears roasted with garlic create a nutritious side that balances this hearty dish.

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How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

To ensure your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• whisk the eggs thoroughly: This ensures even mixing and fluffiness throughout the bake.
• use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and sundried tomatoes will enhance the flavor significantly compared to dried or canned options.
• avoid overbaking: Keep an eye on the bake as it approaches 15 minutes; removing it when just set keeps it moist and tender.
• let it cool before slicing: Allowing it to rest for at least 10 minutes makes slicing easier and helps maintain its shape.
• experiment with cheeses: Feel free to swap in different cheeses like goat cheese or mozzarella for varied flavor profiles.
• customize seasonings: Adjust herbs and spices based on your preferences; adding red pepper flakes can give it a spicy twist!

Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Pairing side dishes with your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake elevates your meal experience. Here are some great options:

1. Mixed Fruit Salad: A refreshing blend of seasonal fruits offers sweetness that contrasts beautifully with savory flavors.
2. Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious accompaniment that’s rich in protein.
3. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with rosemary create a satisfying texture alongside the soft egg bake.
4. Sautéed Kale or Swiss Chard: Lightly sautéed greens provide extra nutrients while complementing the Mediterranean theme.
5. Quinoa Salad: A quinoa salad mixed with cucumber, parsley, and lemon juice adds protein and freshness to your meal.
6. Baked Sweet Potato Wedges: These sweet wedges offer a delightful contrast in flavor while being packed with vitamins.
7. Cucumber Raita: This yogurt-based dip cools down any heat from spices while pairing nicely with the egg bake’s flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, avoid these common pitfalls.

• Skipping the Preheat Step: Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always preheat your oven to ensure a properly baked dish.
• Using Wet Sundried Tomatoes: If you use sundried tomatoes stored in oil, your egg bake may become too greasy. Opt for dry sundried tomatoes instead for the best results.
• Overmixing Ingredients: Overmixing can result in a tough texture. Mix just until combined to keep your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake light and fluffy.
• Ignoring Cooking Time: Baking too long can cause the eggs to become rubbery. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness around 15 minutes.
• Not Letting it Cool: Cutting too soon can make slicing difficult. Allow the bake to cool for about 10 minutes before serving for easier portions.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Allow the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

• Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container.
• The egg bake can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and reheat for about 10-15 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on a microwave-safe plate for 1-2 minutes or until warm.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over medium heat, covered, for about 5-7 minutes until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

A Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a savory dish made by mixing eggs with cottage cheese and various ingredients like vegetables and spices, then baking it until set.

How many servings does this recipe yield?

This recipe makes four servings, with each slice providing a hearty portion of protein and flavor.

Can I customize my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

Yes! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, or switch up the cheese types based on your preference.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake contains no wheat products, making it suitable for a gluten-free diet.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this bake?

Pair your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and nutritious.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only delicious but also packed with protein, making it ideal for any brunch or potluck. Its Mediterranean flavors are customizable, allowing you to incorporate your favorite ingredients. Give it a try and enjoy this versatile dish!