High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a nutritious and satisfying dish perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Packed with colorful vegetables and creamy cottage cheese, it’s both wholesome and delicious. Enjoy this easy bake that’s full of flavor and protein.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Cooking spray or a small amount of additional olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil.
3. Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red onion.
4. Step 4: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano.
5. Step 5: Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
6. Step 6: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
7. Step 7: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
8. Step 8: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
9. Step 9: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a brighter flavor.
• Swap mozzarella for cheddar or feta for a different cheese twist.
• Add cooked quinoa or chickpeas to boost protein and texture.
• For a spicier dish, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in this bake?

Yes, you can easily substitute or add vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or asparagus depending on your preference and what’s in season.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This veggie bake keeps well and makes a convenient protein-packed meal for busy weekdays. Just portion it out and reheat when ready to eat.

High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 128 reviews

This High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a nutritious and flavorful casserole packed with fresh vegetables and a creamy cottage cheese base. Perfect for a healthy breakfast, brunch, or light dinner, it combines protein-rich ingredients with vibrant veggies, baked to golden perfection with a crispy mozzarella topping.

• Author: Leo
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Vegetables

• 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
• 1 cup bell pepper, diced
• 1 cup zucchini, sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped

Dairy & Eggs

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 eggs

Seasonings & Oils

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Cooking spray or a small amount of additional olive oil for greasing the baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish using cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent the bake from sticking and to help with easy serving.
3. Combine Vegetables and Cottage Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, finely chopped red onion, and cottage cheese. Mix these ingredients together to distribute the veggies evenly.
4. Whisk Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano until fully combined, creating a flavorful egg base for the bake.
5. Mix Egg and Vegetable Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable and cottage cheese mixture. Stir thoroughly until every piece is coated evenly, ensuring the flavors blend well and the bake holds together.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to create a uniform layer for even cooking.
7. Add Mozzarella Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface of the vegetable mixture. This will melt and brown during baking, adding a delicious crust.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the cheese turns golden brown and the center of the bake is fully set and firm to the touch.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool slightly before slicing and serving to make it easier to cut and enjoy.

Notes

• You can substitute the mozzarella with cheddar or your favorite melting cheese if preferred.
• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before baking.
• This bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
• To make this dish vegetarian, ensure the cheese and eggs align with your dietary needs; this recipe is already vegetarian.
• Feel free to add cooked chicken or turkey for more protein if desired.

Keywords: high protein, vegetable bake, cottage cheese, healthy casserole, vegetarian, baked veggies, protein-rich meal