High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake: A Filling Breakfast or Brunch Option
Looking for a satisfying and protein-packed breakfast or brunch recipe? Our High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake is just the dish to fuel your day. With a generous combination of cottage cheese, eggs, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of seasoning, this bake is the ultimate healthy comfort food. It’s a perfect balance of flavors and textures, making it a great choice for a wholesome start to your morning or as a light meal throughout the day.
This recipe is ideal for anyone following a high-protein or low-carb eating plan, especially those who want to enjoy a filling meal without feeling sluggish afterward. Packed with 35.5 grams of protein per serving, it’s a great way to meet your daily protein needs, whether you’re looking to build muscle, manage weight, or simply enjoy a nutritious breakfast.
In this recipe, cottage cheese brings in a creamy texture, while the eggs provide a hearty base and help set the bake. Adding a colorful array of fresh vegetables such as spinach, roma tomatoes, and onions not only boosts the nutritional content but also enhances the flavor, making each bite more satisfying. The use of marble cheese adds a nice melty richness on top, while Everything Bagel Seasoning gives the dish an irresistible savory finish.
Why This Recipe is a Winner:
- High in Protein: With 35.5g of protein per serving, this egg bake provides a substantial amount of protein, making it ideal for anyone looking to maintain or increase muscle mass, or simply stay full for longer.
- Low in Carbs: This dish is also low in carbs, especially if served with just veggies and cheese. It’s a perfect choice for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet.
- Nutrient-Rich Vegetables: Packed with spinach, tomatoes, and onions, the dish is a great source of vitamins A and C, folate, and fiber, all of which contribute to overall health.
- Versatile: This recipe is highly customizable. You can add additional veggies like mushrooms or bell peppers, or even meats like cooked ham, turkey breakfast sausage, or bacon to boost the protein content even further.
- Quick and Easy: Whether you bake it in the oven or cook it on the stovetop like scrambled eggs, this recipe takes minimal prep time and can be ready in less than 30 minutes.
Ingredients for High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake:
- 2 cups cottage cheese: Cottage cheese is packed with protein and calcium. It also provides a creamy texture that enhances the overall mouthfeel of the dish. Opting for low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese reduces calories while still maintaining a rich taste.
- 8 large eggs: Eggs are a great source of high-quality protein and are packed with essential nutrients, including vitamins B12, choline, and selenium. They help to bind all the ingredients together and provide structure to the bake.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The basics of seasoning, salt, and pepper help bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
- Garlic powder to taste: Garlic powder provides an aromatic, savory element to the dish without the strong intensity of fresh garlic.
- 2 cups spinach, shredded or chopped: Spinach is an excellent source of iron, vitamin A, and vitamin K, and its mild flavor pairs well with the richness of the eggs and cottage cheese. It also adds a vibrant green color to the dish.
- 1–2 roma tomatoes, diced: Roma tomatoes bring a slight sweetness and juiciness to the bake, while providing an extra dose of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- 1/2 onion, diced: Onions add depth and natural sweetness when cooked, enhancing the flavor profile of the dish. They are also rich in fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.
- 4 servings skim marble cheese, grated or cubed: Marble cheese adds a melty, cheesy richness to the bake. Using skim cheese helps keep the fat content lower while still delivering the comforting taste of melted cheese.
- Everything Bagel Seasoning: This seasoning blend, typically made of sesame seeds, poppy seeds, garlic flakes, and onion flakes, adds a delightful, savory, and slightly crunchy topping to the bake, making it more flavorful and unique.
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 276 kcal
- Protein: 35.5g
- Total Fat: 13g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 4g
- Cholesterol: 240mg
- Sodium: 390mg
- Calcium: 220mg
- Iron: 2.5mg
Weight Watchers Points (WW Freestyle SmartPoints):
- Blue Plan: 6 points per serving
- Green Plan: 7 points per serving
- Purple Plan: 6 points per serving
Note: Nutritional values and Weight Watchers points may vary based on specific ingredient brands and substitutions. Adjust the recipe to fit your needs for the best results.
Directions for High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This is the perfect temperature for baking the egg mixture, allowing it to cook evenly while ensuring the cheese on top melts and turns golden.
Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with olive oil, cooking spray, or a small amount of butter. You can also line the dish with parchment paper for easy removal and cleanup.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables and Ingredients
Dice the onion and tomatoes into small pieces. If you are using fresh spinach, roughly chop it into smaller, bite-sized pieces. The spinach will cook down significantly in the oven, so don’t worry about it being too finely chopped.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, diced tomatoes, and onions. Stir well to incorporate all the ingredients evenly. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. If you want an extra punch of flavor, feel free to add some fresh herbs like basil or parsley.
Step 3: Pour the Egg Mixture into the Baking Dish
Once your ingredients are well-mixed, pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread the mixture out evenly to ensure it cooks uniformly.
Step 4: Add the Cheese
Top the egg mixture with the grated or cubed skim marble cheese. The cheese will melt beautifully as the bake cooks, creating a rich, golden crust on top that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set and the top is golden brown. If you insert a knife into the center and it comes out clean, your egg bake is ready to be served.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Cut the bake into four equal portions, and serve immediately.
To add an extra layer of flavor, you can sprinkle the top with a bit more Everything Bagel Seasoning or fresh herbs before serving. Pair the bake with a slice of whole grain toast or a side of avocado for added healthy fats and fiber.
Alternate Cooking Method (Stovetop Scramble):
If you prefer a quicker stovetop version, you can prepare the recipe as scrambled eggs. Start by heating a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add a little oil or cooking spray, then sauté your diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted.
Next, pour in the beaten eggs and cottage cheese mixture, and cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are fully scrambled and cooked through. This stovetop method takes just a few minutes and can be enjoyed as a quick, high-protein breakfast or brunch option.
Tips for Success:
- Customize the Veggies: You can easily adapt this recipe to suit your taste by adding other veggies, such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini. These vegetables will add different textures and flavors while boosting the dish’s nutritional profile.
- Increase Protein: For even more protein, consider adding cooked ham, turkey sausage, or chicken to the bake. You could also sprinkle some extra cheese on top to further elevate the dish.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: This egg bake is perfect for meal prep. Prepare a batch and store individual servings in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat portions in the microwave or enjoy them cold, making it an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
- Low Carb Option: If you’re following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, simply omit any bread or toast from the meal, and you’ve got a perfectly keto-friendly breakfast packed with protein and healthy fats.
- Make It Gluten-Free: The recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just make sure to pair it with gluten-free bread or sides if necessary.
By following these easy steps, you’ll have a delicious, nutritious, and filling breakfast that’s high in protein and perfect for keeping you energized throughout the day. Whether you bake it in the oven or cook it on the stove, this Cottage Cheese and Veggie Egg Bake is a fantastic option for anyone looking to maintain a healthy lifestyle without compromising on flavor.