Description
A nutritious and delicious high-protein veggie bake featuring cottage cheese and a medley of fresh vegetables, baked to golden perfection. This dish is perfect for a healthy breakfast, brunch, or light dinner, combining wholesome ingredients with satisfying flavors and a creamy texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Dairy & Eggs
- 1 cup low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese
- 4 large eggs
- ½ cup milk (any kind – dairy or plant-based)
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or parmesan)
Vegetables
- 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color)
- ½ cup red onion or green onions, sliced
- 1 cup spinach or kale, roughly chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- Optional: ¼ cup grated carrot
Seasonings & Herbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or basil)
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for heat
Other
- Olive oil or nonstick spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease your baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Mix dairy base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add vegetables: Fold in all the chopped vegetables gently, making sure everything is evenly coated. Ensure leafy greens like spinach or kale are thoroughly chopped to blend well.
- Assemble bake: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese and fresh herbs over the top. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you desire a little heat.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is fully set and the top is golden brown. Test doneness by inserting a knife into the center—it should come out clean.
- Rest and serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting step helps the bake firm up, making it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- You can customize the vegetables based on seasonal availability or preferences.
- Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese depending on your dietary needs.
- Plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk works well as a dairy substitute.
- Adding fresh herbs enhances the flavor, but dried herbs can be used if fresh are not available.
- This bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For a vegan version, substitute eggs and dairy with appropriate plant-based alternatives, though texture and flavor will vary.
