Description
A hearty and protein-packed cottage cheese egg bake perfect for breakfast or brunch, baked to perfection with vegetables.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 1/2 Cups (360 ml) Cherry Tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 Cup (15 g) Fresh Basil Leaves, torn
- 14 large Eggs
- 2 Cups (480 ml) Low Fat Cottage Cheese
- 1/2 Cup (120 ml) Milk
- 1/3 Cup (40 g) Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, optional
- 1/21/2 teaspoon (2.5 g) Kosher Salt
- 1 Roasted Red Bell Pepper, from a jar, chopped
- 1/41/2 teaspoon (1 g) White Pepper, or black pepper
- 11/2 teaspoon (3 g) Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees F. This step warms it up nicely so everything cooks evenly. You will know it is ready when you can feel the heat radiating from the door. Remember, an underheated oven can lead to unevenly cooked dishes, so do not skip this!
- Whisk the Eggs: Grab a bowl and whisk 14 large eggs until they are nice and frothy. You want them to be a light yellow and fully mixed, with no streaks of egg whites remaining. This adds air which helps the bake puff up in the oven. Keep an eye out for clumps, as they can leave parts of your dish raw.
- Add Cottage Cheese: Stir in 2 cups of low fat cottage cheese until combined smoothly with the eggs. You will notice a creamy texture developing, which is what you are aiming for. This adds protein and a rich flavor, but be careful not to overmix, as that can make the mixture coarse.
- Mix in Vegetables: Toss in 1 1/2 cups of cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup of torn fresh basil leaves, and 1 roasted red bell pepper, chopped. Gently fold them into the egg-cottage cheese mix. You will see the colors pop and the mixture become more vibrant. This is also where you can customize flavors, but avoid adding too much liquid from veggies to keep it from getting soggy.
- Pour into Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13 casserole dish, ensuring it is spread evenly. As you do this, you will feel the mixture settle, which is what you want. If it is not spread out properly, some parts might cook faster than others, leaving you with an uneven bake.
- Bake Until Set: Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes. You will know it is done when the edges begin to brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Do not be tempted to open the door too soon, or you might let the heat escape and affect cooking time.
- Let it Rest: Once out of the oven, allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before serving. It will be easier to cut and serve. Plus, giving it some time will help all those flavors meld together beautifully. If you dive in too early, you could end up with a crumbly mess!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Wrap the dish well in plastic wrap if you opt not to use a container. This recipe is also perfect to freeze after baking!
- Expert Tips: If the casserole seems watery, ensure to whisk the eggs thoroughly until no liquid remains before baking. When baking, covering the dish with foil can prevent the top from browning too quickly while the inside cooks through. For best results, allow the bake to cool for 10-15 minutes after removing it from the oven, which helps the texture set nicely.
- Reheating Instructions: To reheat, place in an oven at 350 degrees F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a side of fresh fruit for sweetness, or pair with whole grain toast for added fiber. Top with avocado for a creamy texture.
- Recipe Variations: You can add spinach for extra nutrition and color, incorporate feta cheese for a tangy twist, or mix in diced ham or turkey for additional protein.
- Ingredient Notes: Use fresh vegetables for better flavor. You can substitute low fat cottage cheese with full fat cottage cheese if desired, and mozzarella cheese can be replaced with cheddar cheese or parmesan cheese for a different flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 161
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 521mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.3g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 262mg