Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

This cottage cheese egg bake is a high-protein, creamy, and flavorful dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even meal prep. It combines fluffy eggs, rich cottage cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh vegetables to create a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a make-ahead breakfast option, this recipe is simple, delicious, and easy to customize.

What Makes This Egg Bake Special?

• Protein-Rich – The combination of eggs and cottage cheese makes this a filling meal.
• Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or brunch gatherings.
• Customizable – Easily adjust ingredients based on dietary preferences.
• Gluten-Free Option – Swap in a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute.

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Ingredients

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)

Vegetables & Add-ins

• 1 package (10 ounces) frozen chopped spinach, thawed and well-drained
• 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 (reserve ¼ cup for topping)

Optional Garnish

• Chopped green onion

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven and Bacon

• Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan.
• Cook the bacon until crispy, then chop into small pieces, setting aside ¼ cup for topping.

2. Mix the Egg Mixture

• In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined.
• Set aside ½ cup of the Colby Jack cheese for the topping.
• Add the remaining bacon, cheese, cottage cheese, melted butter, spinach, half of the red bell pepper, and onion. Mix well.

3. Add Dry Ingredients

• Sprinkle in the flour, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, and half of the Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.

4. Assemble and Bake

• Pour the mixture into the prepared pan.
• Evenly distribute the reserved Parmesan cheese, bacon, and red bell pepper on top.
• Sprinkle with the remaining Colby Jack cheese and a bit of extra black pepper.
• Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes.
• Remove the foil and bake for another 20–30 minutes, until the center is set and slightly golden.

5. Rest and Serve

• Let the bake sit for 15–20 minutes to firm up.
• Garnish with chopped green onion before serving.

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Tips for Success

• Drain the spinach well to prevent a watery texture.
• Let the butter cool before mixing to avoid scrambling the eggs.
• Bake covered first, then uncovered for a perfectly cooked, golden top.
• Allow it to rest before cutting to help it hold its shape.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

This cottage cheese egg bake is a hearty dish that can be served on its own or paired with complementary sides for a balanced meal. It is perfect for brunch gatherings, family breakfasts, or meal prep.

Best Ways to Serve

• Fresh out of the oven – Let it rest for 15–20 minutes to firm up before slicing.
• With fresh herbs – Garnish with chopped green onions, parsley, or chives for extra freshness.
• As a sandwich filling – Place a slice between toasted bread or an English muffin for a protein-packed breakfast sandwich.
• With a side salad – A crisp, refreshing salad balances the rich, cheesy flavors.
• For meal prep – Store portions in an airtight container and reheat throughout the week.

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Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even though this recipe is simple, small mistakes can affect the final result. Here are a few common pitfalls and tips to ensure success.

1. Not Draining the Spinach Properly

• Frozen spinach holds a lot of water, which can make the egg bake soggy.
• Solution: Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels before adding it to the mixture.

2. Overmixing the Egg Mixture

• Overmixing can create a dense texture instead of a fluffy bake.
• Solution: Stir just until the ingredients are combined, avoiding excessive whisking.

3. Using Too Much or Too Little Flour

• Flour helps bind the bake, but too much makes it dense, while too little may cause it to fall apart.
• Solution: Stick to the recommended amount, and use a gluten-free substitute if needed.

4. Overbaking or Underbaking

• Underbaking results in a runny center, while overbaking dries it out.
• Solution: Bake until the center is firm but still moist. If the top browns too quickly, cover it with foil.

5. Not Letting It Rest Before Slicing

• Cutting into the bake too soon can make it fall apart.
• Solution: Let it rest for at least 15 minutes before serving to allow it to set.

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Best Side Dishes to Pair with Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

1. Fresh Garden Salad

A simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette complements the richness of the egg bake.

2. Roasted Asparagus

Lightly seasoned asparagus roasted with olive oil and garlic adds a savory, slightly crispy texture to the meal.

3. Mixed Berry Medley

A combination of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries provides a fresh and slightly tart contrast to the cheesy egg bake.

4. Herbed Quinoa Salad

A light, protein-rich quinoa salad with lemon juice, parsley, and feta cheese pairs well with the bake’s creamy texture.

5. Garlic Toast

Crispy garlic toast adds crunch and is perfect for scooping up bites of the egg bake.

6. Avocado Slices with Lime

Fresh avocado slices drizzled with lime juice provide a creamy, refreshing side that complements the dish’s richness.

7. Greek Yogurt with Honey

A small serving of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey balances the meal with a creamy, slightly sweet element.

8. Grilled Zucchini

Grilled zucchini seasoned with salt, pepper, and a hint of lemon adds a light, smoky side dish that pairs well with the bake.

These side dishes enhance the flavors of the cottage cheese egg bake, making it a complete and satisfying meal for any occasion.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Proper storage and reheating ensure that your cottage cheese egg bake stays fresh and delicious for days.

How to Store Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Labeling: If freezing, label with the date to keep track of freshness.

How to Reheat

• Microwave: Heat individual portions on medium power for 30–60 seconds, checking for even warming.
• Oven: Reheat at 325°F for 10–15 minutes to maintain a crispy top. Cover loosely with foil to prevent over-browning.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a covered pan over low heat until heated through.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this egg bake ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the mixture the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Bake it fresh the next morning for the best texture.

2. How do I prevent a watery egg bake?

Make sure to drain the spinach thoroughly before adding it. Excess moisture can make the bake soggy.

3. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely. Try cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

It can be. Use a 1-to-1 gluten-free flour substitute in place of all-purpose flour.

5. Can I make this without bacon?

Yes, simply omit the bacon or replace it with turkey bacon, ham, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

6. Can I add more vegetables?

Definitely. Mushrooms, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.

7. Can I freeze this dish after baking?

Yes. Let it cool completely, then freeze individual slices for easy meal prep.

8. How do I know when the bake is fully cooked?

The center should be set and not jiggly. A knife inserted in the middle should come out clean.

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Final Thoughts

This cottage cheese egg bake is a simple, high-protein dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or meal prep. It’s easy to customize, packed with flavor, and can be made ahead of time for convenience. Serve it with your favorite sides, store leftovers properly, and enjoy a delicious, nutritious meal any time of day.