Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a delightful dish that brings together fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this recipe stands out with its high protein content and versatility. You can easily adapt it to be gluten-free and even prepare it ahead of time for your convenience.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Egg Mixture
• For Vegetables & Add-ins
• For Bacon
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Bacon
• Step 2: Combine Egg Mixture
• Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients
• Step 4: Assemble and Bake
• Step 5: Rest and Serve
• How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Individual Portions
• Topped with Fresh Herbs
• Accompanied by Hot Sauce
• With a Side Salad
• In Breakfast Burritos
• As a Snack
• How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Reheating Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
• How do I add extra flavor to my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
• How long does it take to prepare the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
• Can I add other vegetables?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-Packed: This dish is loaded with protein from the cottage cheese and eggs, making it a satisfying choice.
• Versatile: Customize the ingredients based on what you have on hand—swap in your favorite veggies or proteins.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake in advance and bake just before serving for an easy meal solution.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family brunch or a potluck gathering, this bake is sure to impress!
• Easy Cleanup: With minimal dishes required, you’ll spend less time cleaning up after cooking.

Tools and Preparation

To make the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: The ideal size for baking this egg dish evenly.
• Large mixing bowl: Provides ample space to combine all ingredients without mess.
• Whisk: Ensures that your egg mixture becomes light and fluffy.

Ingredients

For the Egg Mixture

• 12 large eggs
• 16 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided
• 32 ounces small curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat recommended)
• ¾ cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled
• ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute)
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus extra for sprinkling)

For Vegetables & Add-ins

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained well
• 1 cup small-diced red bell pepper, divided
• ½ cup minced yellow onion
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided

For Bacon

• 1 pound bacon, cooked and chopped (set aside ¼ cup for topping)

For Garnish

• Chopped green onion

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How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Cook the Bacon

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Cook the bacon until chewy-crisp using your preferred method (stovetop or oven). Once done, cool on a paper towel-lined plate and chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 2: Combine Egg Mixture

1. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
2. Set aside ¼ cup of chopped bacon and ½ cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese for topping later.
3. Add the remaining bacon, remaining Colby Jack cheese, spinach, cottage cheese, melted butter, half of the red bell pepper, and all of the onion to the eggs. Stir until fully mixed.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

1. Sprinkle flour, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese over the egg mixture.
2. Stir until fully combined.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

1. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking pan.
2. Sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese, chopped bacon, and red bell pepper evenly over the top.
3. Add reserved Colby Jack cheese along with a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top.
4. Cover with foil or a lid; bake for 40 minutes.
5. After that time has elapsed, remove cover and bake uncovered for an additional 20–30 minutes or until center is firm.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

1. Remove from oven; allow to sit for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
2. The texture will remain soft due to cottage cheese but will set more as it cools.
3. Garnish with chopped green onion if desired and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Egg Bake!

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways, making it ideal for brunch gatherings, potlucks, or even casual family dinners. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your meal experience.

Individual Portions

• Serve in small squares for a buffet-style setting, allowing guests to enjoy their own portion easily.

Topped with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish each slice with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added burst of flavor and color.

Accompanied by Hot Sauce

• Offer a selection of hot sauces on the side for those who enjoy a spicy kick with their egg bake.

With a Side Salad

• Pair the dish with a crisp green salad to add freshness and balance the richness of the egg bake.

In Breakfast Burritos

• Wrap slices of the egg bake in tortillas with avocado and salsa for a delicious breakfast burrito option.

As a Snack

• Serve cold leftovers as a protein-packed snack for an energy boost throughout the day.

How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

To achieve the perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, consider these helpful tips that will enhance both flavor and texture.

• Drain Spinach Well: Squeeze out excess moisture from thawed spinach. This prevents a watery bake and ensures proper texture.
• Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality eggs and cheese. This enhances flavor and overall satisfaction of the dish.
• Let It Rest: Allow the egg bake to sit after baking. This helps it firm up, making it easier to cut into neat squares.
• Customize Add-Ins: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables or meats. Customize according to your taste preferences for a unique spin each time.
• Check Doneness Carefully: Insert a toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, your egg bake is ready!
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. This maintains freshness for up to three days.

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Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Pairing your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Fruit Salad – A mix of seasonal fruits adds sweetness and freshness, balancing the savory flavors of the bake.
2. Roasted Potatoes – Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty side that pairs well with eggs.
3. Avocado Toast – Creamy avocado spread on toasted bread offers healthy fats that complement the protein-rich egg bake.
4. Yogurt Parfait – Layered yogurt with granola and berries makes for a light and refreshing contrast.
5. Baked Beans – Savory baked beans add depth and warmth, creating a filling breakfast or brunch experience.
6. Smoothie – A fruit smoothie can offer a refreshing drink option that pairs nicely with this hearty dish.
7. Sautéed Greens – Lightly sautéed greens like kale or Swiss chard provide additional nutrients alongside your meal.
8. Cheese Platter – A selection of cheeses can enhance the dining experience, allowing guests to mix flavors as they wish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not draining the spinach well: If you skip squeezing out excess water from the spinach, your bake may become watery. Always ensure it’s thoroughly drained.
• Overbaking the dish: Leaving it in the oven for too long can lead to a dry texture. Keep an eye on it and check for doneness around the 60-minute mark.
• Using cold eggs: Cold eggs can cause uneven cooking. For best results, let your eggs sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before mixing.
• Skipping the resting time: Cutting into the bake too soon can result in a mushy texture. Allow it to rest for 15–20 minutes after baking to set properly.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Personal tastes vary; don’t hesitate to tweak seasonings like salt and pepper to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or use a freezer-safe container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warm throughout.
• Microwave: Place a portion on a microwave-safe plate and heat in short intervals, about 1 minute at a time until warmed through.
• Stovetop: In a skillet over low heat, reheat slices covered with a lid until warm, flipping occasionally.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a savory dish made with eggs, cottage cheese, vegetables, bacon, and cheese. It’s perfect for brunch or meal prep.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour.

How do I add extra flavor to my Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

You can enhance flavor by adding herbs like chives or dill, or spices such as paprika or garlic powder.

How long does it take to prepare the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

The total preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, followed by baking time of about an hour.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli based on your taste preferences.

Final Thoughts

The Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only protein-packed but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting seasonings. Whether you’re serving it at brunch or enjoying it as a quick lunch option, this dish is bound to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!