Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs is a delicious, high-protein breakfast or brunch dish that’s simple to make, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying. The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture to the eggs while boosting the protein content, making this dish a filling and healthy option to start your day. You can customize the recipe by adding your favorite herbs, vegetables, or seasonings for extra flavor.
Here’s a basic recipe for Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs:
Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, based on preference)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or feta)
- 1 tbsp fresh herbs, such as parsley, chives, or dill (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1/2 cup sautéed vegetables (optional – spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, onions, etc.)
- Chopped green onions or cherry tomatoes for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Baking Dish:
- Grease a small baking dish or individual ramekins with olive oil or butter. A 9×9-inch baking dish works well for 4 eggs, or you can use individual ramekins for single servings.
3. Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a medium bowl, crack the 4 eggs and beat them until the yolks are well combined with the whites.
- Add the cottage cheese and stir until well combined. If you’re adding shredded cheese, mix it into the egg-cottage cheese mixture.
- Season the mixture with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika (if using). You can also stir in your choice of fresh herbs at this point.
- If you’re using sautéed vegetables, fold them in gently.
4. Bake the Eggs:
- Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish (or distribute evenly into individual ramekins).
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the eggs are set in the center and slightly golden on top. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of the dish and the number of eggs, so check by gently pressing the center – it should feel firm, not jiggly.
- If you prefer a slightly softer texture, you can bake for a bit less time.
5. Serve:
- Once the eggs are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh herbs, or cherry tomatoes if desired.
Tips:
- Vegetable Add-ins: To add extra flavor and nutrition, sauté some spinach, mushrooms, or onions in a bit of olive oil before adding them to the egg mixture. You can also use roasted vegetables or any leftovers you have on hand.
- Cheese Options: Try different cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, or feta for a different flavor profile. You can also top the baked eggs with a bit of extra cheese during the last few minutes of baking if you want a melty topping.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or some jalapeño slices for a little heat.
- Customize the Herbs: Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or tarragon can add a delightful flavor to the eggs. Feel free to use whatever herbs you prefer or have on hand.
Storage:
- Leftovers: Store any leftover baked cottage cheese eggs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, or in a low-temperature oven (around 300°F / 150°C) for 10 minutes.
Freezing:
- Freezing: These baked eggs freeze well! Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. They can be frozen for up to 1-2 months. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven.
