Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a delicious and protein-packed dish that makes for an excellent brunch option or a potluck centerpiece. With Mediterranean flavors from spinach, sundried tomatoes, and Feta cheese, this bake delivers both taste and nutrition. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also offers versatility – perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High Protein Content: Each serving contains 30 grams of protein, making it a filling choice.
- Mediterranean Flavors: Enjoy the delightful combination of spinach, sundried tomatoes, and Feta cheese that adds depth to your meal.
- Quick and Easy Preparation: With just a 10-minute prep time, you can have this dish ready in no time.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family brunch or a potluck gathering, this egg bake suits any event.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it warm with salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into making your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 12-inch pie plate skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to blend ingredients thoroughly without spills.
- Whisk: Ensures eggs are beaten evenly and air is incorporated for lightness in the bake.
- 12-inch pie plate skillet: Ideal size for even cooking and easy serving.
Ingredients
Dairy Products
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 9 large Eggs
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese
Vegetables
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
- 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (stored dry, not in oil, cut into stripes)
Seasonings
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Cheeses
- 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. Set aside for later use.
Step 3: Mix the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl:
1. Whisk together the eggs until well-blended.
2. Add cottage cheese, Feta cheese, pepper, salt, garlic powder, grated cheddar (or mozzarella), and oregano. Mix until combined.
Step 4: Incorporate Spinach and Tomatoes
Gently stir in sundried tomato strips and chopped spinach into the egg mixture until evenly distributed.
Step 5: Pour Mixture into Pie Plate
Carefully pour the egg mixture into the prepared pie plate. Spread it out evenly.
Step 6: Bake the Dish
Place the pie plate on the middle rack of the oven. Bake for 15-25 minutes or until the eggs are set and there’s no jiggle in the center.
Step 7: Cool Before Serving
Remove from oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before slicing.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Slice into quarters and serve immediately with lettuce or roasted vegetables for a nutritious meal!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve it in many ways to suit your occasion, whether it’s a casual breakfast or a festive brunch.
With Fresh Greens
- Mixed Green Salad: Toss together arugula, spinach, and cherry tomatoes for a fresh accompaniment.
- Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: The peppery flavor of arugula pairs beautifully with the creamy egg bake.
With Roasted Vegetables
- Seasoned Roasted Zucchini: Slice zucchini, season with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast until tender.
- Mediterranean Roasted Bell Peppers: Add bell peppers with some Italian herbs for a colorful side.
With Bread
- Whole Wheat Toast: Serve slices of toasted whole wheat bread for a hearty addition.
- Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread complements the flavors of the egg bake wonderfully.
With Dips
- Tzatziki Sauce: This yogurt-based dip adds a refreshing Greek twist to your meal.
- Salsa Verde: A zesty green sauce enhances the Mediterranean notes of the dish.
How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
To make your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake even better, consider these helpful tips.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheese enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Adjust Seasoning: Personalize the dish by adding more herbs or spices according to your taste.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently combine ingredients to maintain the texture of the eggs.
- Check Doneness: Ensure that the center is set before removing it from the oven for best results.
- Let It Rest: Allowing it to rest for about 10 minutes after baking improves slicing and serving.
Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Pairing your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with the right side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here are some great options:
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer yogurt with granola and berries for a nutritious side.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocados provide healthy fats and complement the egg bake perfectly.
- Potato Hash: Crispy potatoes seasoned with herbs create a satisfying crunch alongside the bake.
- Pesto Pasta Salad: A cold pasta salad dressed in pesto offers a refreshing change of pace.
- Quinoa Salad: This protein-packed option is light yet filling, making it an excellent pairing.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the final outcome. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the Preheat: Not preheating the oven can lead to uneven cooking. Always ensure your oven is at 400°F before baking.
- Overmixing Ingredients: Mixing too much can make the egg bake dense. Gently combine your ingredients until just mixed.
- Using Wet Sundried Tomatoes: Using sundried tomatoes in oil can make your dish soggy. Make sure to use dry sundried tomatoes for the best texture.
- Ignoring Cooling Time: Cutting into the bake too soon can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Not Adjusting Seasoning: Each brand of cottage cheese has a different salt level. Taste your mixture before baking and adjust as needed.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe container.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place slices on a baking sheet and heat for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Place a slice on a microwave-safe plate. Heat for 1-2 minutes, checking for warmth throughout.
- Stovetop: Heat slices in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making and enjoying this delicious Cottage Cheese Egg Bake:
What can I serve with Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
This dish pairs well with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, or even toast for a hearty brunch.
Can I customize my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Absolutely! Feel free to add ingredients like bell peppers, onions, or different herbs based on your taste preferences.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
How long does it take to prepare?
The total time from prep to eating is about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only high in protein but also bursting with Mediterranean flavors. It’s versatile enough to customize with your favorite veggies and cheeses. Try it today for a delightful brunch option that everyone will love!
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 8 slices 1x
Description
Indulge in this delightful Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, a protein-packed dish infused with Mediterranean flavors. Bursting with fresh spinach, tangy sundried tomatoes, and creamy Feta cheese, this bake is a perfect choice for brunch or a potluck centerpiece. Easy to prepare and versatile enough for any meal of the day, it offers a nutritious option that your family and friends will adore.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 9 large Eggs
- 1/3 cup Feta Cheese
- 1 cup Baby Spinach
- 1/2 cup Sundried Tomatoes (dry)
- 1/3 cup Grated Cheddar Cheese (or mozzarella)
- 1/4 teaspoon Salt
- 1/8 teaspoon Ground Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a 12-inch pie plate skillet with olive oil.
- Chop the baby spinach and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and add cottage cheese, Feta cheese, grated cheddar, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Mix until combined.
- Gently fold in the chopped spinach and sundried tomatoes.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared pie plate evenly.
- Bake for 15-25 minutes until the center is set.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Brunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 320mg
