Name: High-Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Breakfast Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 4 cups packed baby spinach; 12 large eggs; 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese; 1/2 cup whole milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; Cooking spray or additional oil for the baking dish; 2 tablespoons sliced green onions, optional

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Breakfast Bake

A fluffy make-ahead egg bake filled with cottage cheese, spinach, bell pepper, onion, and cheddar for a protein-rich breakfast that reheats especially well. Blending cottage cheese into the eggs creates a tender, creamy texture without making the casserole heavy, while sautéing the vegetables first prevents excess moisture from collecting in the pan. Slice it into individual portions for easy breakfasts throughout the week or serve it warm for a weekend brunch.

Prep

20 min

Cook

40 min

Total

60 min

Servings

Difficulty

easy

Cuisine

American

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the onion and bell pepper and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.

Add the spinach in handfuls and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until wilted.

Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the vegetables to cool for approximately 5 minutes.

Place the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper in a blender.

Blend for approximately 20 to 30 seconds, until the cottage cheese is mostly smooth and the mixture is evenly combined.

Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle 1 cup of the cheddar cheese over the vegetables.

Pour the egg mixture evenly over the vegetables and cheese.

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar over the top.

Bake for 32 to 40 minutes, until the edges are lightly golden and the center is fully set.

Check the center with an instant-read thermometer. The egg casserole should reach at least 160°F.

Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

Sprinkle with green onions if desired.

Cut into 8 portions and serve warm.

Recipe Notes

Blending the cottage cheese into the eggs creates a smoother texture than simply stirring it into the casserole.

Sautéing the vegetables before baking removes excess moisture and prevents a watery egg bake.

Do not overbake. Remove the casserole once the center is set and reaches 160°F so the eggs remain tender.

The casserole can be baked completely, cooled, portioned, and refrigerated for convenient breakfasts.

Refrigerate individual portions in airtight containers for up to 4 days.

Reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until hot throughout.

Individual portions can be frozen for up to 2 months.

For the best texture, thaw frozen portions overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sheet-Pan Maple Dijon Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes

Juicy pork tenderloin roasts alongside caramelized sweet potatoes, crisp-tender green beans, and apples in a savory maple-Dijon glaze. Staggering when each ingredient goes onto the pan allows the vegetables and pork to finish at the same time without overcooking either one. The combination of pork, apples, maple, mustard, and thyme makes this an easy family dinner with the flavors of a cozy fall meal and the convenience of one-pan cleanup.

60 min · Serves 6 · Easy

American

One-Pot Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta

Plump Cajun-seasoned shrimp, tender pasta, bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic, Parmesan, and a lightly creamy sauce come together in one pot for a flavorful weeknight dinner with minimal cleanup. The shrimp are cooked separately just until tender, then folded back into the finished pasta so they stay juicy instead of becoming overcooked. A combination of Cajun spices, tomato, cream, and Parmesan creates a savory sauce with gentle heat that clings to every piece of pasta.

45 min · Serves 6 · Easy

Fudgy One-Bowl Cocoa Brownies

Rich, deeply chocolatey brownies with shiny tops, chewy edges, and soft fudgy centers, all made in one mixing bowl with everyday baking ingredients. Warm melted butter blooms the cocoa for fuller chocolate flavor, while careful mixing keeps the texture dense rather than cakey. These brownies are simple enough for an everyday dessert but polished enough for a premium recipe collection.

45 min · Serves 16 · Easy

Sheet-Pan Lemon Garlic Cod with Potatoes & Green Beans

Flaky cod fillets roast alongside golden potatoes and tender-crisp green beans with fresh lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs. The potatoes get a head start so the entire meal finishes together without overcooking the fish. It is a bright, satisfying sheet-pan dinner with simple ingredients and very little cleanup.

45 min · Serves 4 · Easy