Are you looking for a quick, healthy, and incredibly tasty breakfast or brunch option? Or perhaps a light yet satisfying dinner? Look no further! This cottage cheese egg bake is the perfect solution. It's packed with protein, incredibly versatile, and surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. This recipe offers a delicious twist on classic egg bakes, adding the creamy texture and nutritional boost of cottage cheese for a truly satisfying meal. Get ready to elevate your breakfast game (or any meal, for that matter!) with this simple yet impressive dish.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup small or large curd cottage cheese (full-fat recommended for richer flavor)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (whole milk or unsweetened almond milk work well)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (any color)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, pinch of red pepper flakes for extra spice
Instructions:
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Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small oven-safe dish (approximately 8x8 inches) or individual ramekins.
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. Stir in the cottage cheese, ensuring it's evenly distributed.
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Add Veggies & Cheese: Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and shredded cheese to the egg mixture. Gently stir to combine. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and red pepper flakes (if using).
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Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the egg bake is set and lightly golden brown. The baking time might vary slightly depending on your oven and the size of your dish. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
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Garnish & Serve: Let the egg bake cool slightly before garnishing with fresh chives or parsley. Serve warm and enjoy! This dish is perfect on its own or paired with a side of fresh fruit or toast.
Cooking Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Egg Bake:
- Don't overmix: Overmixing the egg mixture can make the egg bake tough. Gently stir until the ingredients are just combined.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less salt, pepper, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes to suit your taste preferences.
- Add-ins: This recipe is incredibly versatile. Experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to create your own unique variations. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes would all be delicious additions.
- Make it ahead: This egg bake can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Simply bake it when you're ready to eat.
Variations:
- Spicy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Veggie-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: Increase the amount of vegetables to make this a truly healthy and hearty meal. Consider adding zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus.
- Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: Incorporate crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: Approximately 15-20g
- Fat: Approximately 10-15g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 5-10g
This cottage cheese egg bake is a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals. It's a great quick dinner idea, perfect for busy weeknights, and a surefire way to enjoy a delicious and nutritious homemade breakfast or brunch. Enjoy!