Description
Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs is a delicious and protein-packed breakfast casserole combining creamy cottage cheese, eggs, and a medley of fresh vegetables. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a nutritious morning meal that is both satisfying and flavorful, featuring bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and touches of garlic and paprika to enhance the savory profile.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 2 cups Cottage Cheese (Use lactose-free for dietary restrictions)
- 4 large Eggs (Opt for large eggs for the best texture)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Substitute with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free option)
Seasonings and Herbs
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (Switch to fresh minced garlic for a more robust flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Pepper (Adjust according to your spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon Paprika (Smoked paprika can deepen the flavor profile)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Chives (Green onions can work as a substitute)
Vegetables
- 1 cup Bell Peppers (Be sure to drain excess moisture if using)
- 1 cup Spinach (Fresh or frozen, thawed well, works beautifully)
- 1/4 cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes (Drain well to prevent sogginess)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a nicely browned top.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or an 8×8-inch baking dish lightly with oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Blend Cottage Cheese: Blend the cottage cheese in a food processor for about 30 seconds until you achieve a smooth, creamy texture, which will integrate better in the mixture.
- Mix Eggs and Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. Gently fold in the blended cottage cheese along with Parmesan cheese, fresh chives, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the bell peppers, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes evenly into the egg and cheese mixture.
- Pour Mixture into Dish: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, until the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle, indicating it is cooked but still moist.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to set further, then slice and serve warm for a delightful breakfast.
Notes
- For a dairy-free version, substitute Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast and use lactose-free cottage cheese or a plant-based alternative.
- You can customize the vegetables by adding mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes according to your preference.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can be added for more aromatic flavor.
- Ensure excess moisture is drained from vegetables like bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes to avoid a soggy casserole.
- Serve with whole-grain toast or a side salad for a balanced meal.
- This dish can be prepared in advance and refrigerated; reheat gently before serving.
