Description
This High-Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a hearty, nutritious breakfast or brunch option packed with protein and fresh vegetables. Combining eggs with full-fat cottage cheese creates a creamy, fluffy texture, while bell peppers, onions, and spinach add vibrant color and nutrients. Topped with a blend of gruyere or gouda and cheddar cheese, this casserole is baked to perfection at 375°F, providing a delicious and satisfying meal that can serve 10 to 12 people.
Ingredients
Scale
Egg Mixture
- 12 large eggs
- 16 ounces full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup shredded gruyere or gouda cheese
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Vegetables
- 1 large red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup diced yellow onion
- 4 cups chopped spinach
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 375°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This ensures even cooking and easy cleanup.
- Layer Vegetables: Spread the diced red bell pepper, yellow onion, and chopped spinach evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish to create a flavorful vegetable base.
- Mix Eggs and Cottage Cheese: Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk thoroughly until the yolks are fully broken. Add the full-fat cottage cheese, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, black pepper, and ¼ cup shredded gruyere or gouda cheese. Stir well to combine all ingredients uniformly.
- Combine and Pour: Pour the egg and cottage cheese mixture evenly over the layer of vegetables in the baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top of the egg mixture for a golden, cheesy crust after baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish on the middle rack of the oven and bake for 50 to 55 minutes, or until the egg bake is set and a knife inserted in the center comes out mostly clean.
- Cool: Remove the egg bake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 15 minutes. Cooling helps it set further and makes slicing easier.
- Serve: Slice into portions and serve warm as a protein-packed meal perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest texture and best flavor.
- Chop vegetables into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution and easier eating.
- Check doneness by inserting a knife in the center; it should come out mostly clean when the bake is fully cooked.
- Allow the casserole to cool before slicing to help it hold its shape and make serving easier.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (approximate, based on 12 servings)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 210mg
