Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a delightful combination of fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, crispy bacon, and vibrant vegetables. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or a quick lunch, this dish stands out with its protein-packed ingredients and rich flavors. It’s easily adaptable to be gluten-free and can be made ahead for ultimate 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
• Egg Mixture:
• Vegetables & Add-ins:
• Bacon:
• Optional Garnish:
• How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
• Step 1: Prepare the Oven and 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
• For Brunch Gatherings
• As a Quick Lunch
• For Dinner Parties
• 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 makes this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake healthy?
• Can I customize the vegetables in this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
• How do I make this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake gluten-free?
• What are some good side dishes for serving with Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
• Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Protein-Packed: Each serving delivers a hearty amount of protein, making it ideal for breakfast or lunch.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize the veggies or cheese based on what you have at home for endless variations.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and bake just before serving—perfect for busy mornings!
• Family-Approved: A crowd-pleaser that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
• Easy Cleanup: One pan means less mess and hassle after cooking!

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes preparing your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake simple and efficient. Here are the essentials you’ll need.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9×13-inch baking pan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Paper towels

Importance of Each Tool

• 9×13-inch baking pan: Provides ample space for even baking and easy serving.
• Mixing bowls: Ideal for combining ingredients without splatter.
• Whisk: Ensures your eggs are well mixed for a fluffy texture.

Ingredients

This protein-packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake combines fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, crisp bacon, bright vegetables, and gooey cheese. Perfect for brunch, potlucks, or even as a quick lunch option. It’s easily adaptable to be gluten-free and can be made ahead for convenience.

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, like Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour)
• 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper (plus extra for sprinkling)

Vegetables & Add-ins:

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

Bacon:

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

Optional Garnish:

• Chopped green onion

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How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Bacon

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray. Cook the bacon until chewy-crisp using your preferred method (stovetop or oven). Cool on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into bite-sized pieces, discarding any large pieces of fat.

Step 2: Combine Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined. Set aside ¼ cup of the chopped bacon and ½ cup of the shredded Colby Jack cheese for topping. 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 to combine.

Step 3: Add Dry Ingredients

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

Step 4: Assemble and Bake

Pour the egg mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch pan. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese, bacon, and red bell pepper evenly over the top. Add the reserved Colby Jack cheese and a generous sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper on top.

Bake Covered: Cover the pan with foil or a lid and bake for 40 minutes.

Bake Uncovered: Remove the cover and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes or until the center is firm. If the top begins to brown too much, re-cover the pan.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

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

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Serving your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake can be a delightful experience, as it pairs well with various accompaniments. Here are some creative ideas to enhance your meal.

For Brunch Gatherings

• Fresh Fruit Salad: A refreshing mix of seasonal fruits adds a sweet contrast to the savory bake.
• Greek Yogurt Parfait: Layer Greek yogurt with granola and berries for a creamy and crunchy side.
• Herbed Toasts: Serve slices of toasted bread topped with herbs and olive oil for a crunchy complement.

As a Quick Lunch

• Garden Salad: A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and vinaigrette provides freshness.
• Roasted Vegetables: Warm roasted veggies add depth and flavor to your plate.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado on the side brings healthy fats that pair beautifully with eggs.

For Dinner Parties

• Stuffed Mushrooms: These bite-sized treats filled with cheese and herbs make an excellent appetizer.
• Savory Scones: Cheddar or herb scones offer a delightful, flaky element alongside the egg bake.

How to Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

To achieve the best results when making your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Flavoring: Use fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added flavor; they complement the dish beautifully.
• Even Cooking: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking to guarantee even cooking throughout.
• Drain Spinach Well: Squeeze out excess water from the spinach to prevent a soggy texture in your bake.
• Experiment with Cheeses: Try different cheese blends for unique flavors; feta or mozzarella can provide tasty variations.
• Check Doneness: Use a toothpick in the center to test doneness; it should come out clean when fully cooked.
• Allow Rest Time: Let the bake sit after removing it from the oven for better slicing and texture.

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Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Pairing side dishes with your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake enhances its flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad balances the richness of the egg bake and adds freshness.
2. Fruit Smoothie: A smoothie made with banana, spinach, and yogurt is nutritious and complements breakfast well.
3. Breakfast Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs provide a hearty addition.
4. Baked Beans: Sweet and savory baked beans add protein and flavor that meld nicely with eggs.
5. Crispy Bacon Strips: Extra bacon on the side satisfies salty cravings and pairs excellently with eggs.
6. Pickled Vegetables: Tangy pickled veggies offer a sharp contrast that brightens up each bite.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To achieve the best results with your Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls.

• Using Wet Spinach: Not squeezing out excess moisture from the spinach can lead to a watery bake. Always drain and press the spinach well.
• Overcooking the Eggs: Cooking for too long can make the eggs rubbery. Keep an eye on it during the last 20-30 minutes of baking.
• Skipping Seasoning: Failing to season properly may result in bland flavors. Use Lawry’s Seasoned Salt and black pepper generously.
• Not Letting it Rest: Cutting into the bake immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to rest for 15-20 minutes after baking for better texture.
• Ignoring Storage Guidelines: Improper storage can affect freshness. Store leftovers in airtight containers and consume within three days.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Cottage Cheese Egg Bake in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator for best quality.

Freezing Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

• You can freeze portions of the bake for later enjoyment.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before placing in a freezer-safe container.
• The egg bake can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Heat in a nonstick skillet over low heat, flipping occasionally until warmed through.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake healthy?

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is packed with protein from eggs and cottage cheese, making it a nutritious choice for breakfast or brunch.

Can I customize the vegetables in this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap out or add any vegetables you prefer, such as mushrooms or zucchini, based on your taste.

How do I make this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake gluten-free?

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

What are some good side dishes for serving with Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

Pair your bake with a fresh salad or sliced avocado for a balanced meal that’s both filling and refreshing.

Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe?

Yes! You can experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or mozzarella based on your preference while keeping the flavor delightful.

Final Thoughts

The Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is not only delicious but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you’re preparing it for brunch or meal prep, it’s sure to impress. Try adding your favorite ingredients and enjoy this protein-packed dish any time of day!

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