Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe
If you’re searching for a meal that ticks all the boxes — satisfying, full of flavor, nourishing, and ridiculously easy to put together — let me introduce you to the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese. This dish brings together a rainbow of veggies, fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, and a golden layer of Parmesan, making it your new go-to for meal prep or a cozy family dinner. Each bite is loaded with protein, vibrant color, and comforting taste, so don’t be surprised if it steals the show on your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese, and you might already have most of them in your kitchen. Every ingredient brings a little something special — from color to creaminess to that crave-worthy cheesy top.
- Low-fat cottage cheese (2 cups): This is the powerhouse ingredient that keeps the bake both light and rich in protein.
- Large eggs (4): They help bind everything together and add fluffiness to every slice.
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese (1 cup): Choose your favorite – it melts beautifully for ultimate gooeyness.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): A drizzle is all you need to sauté the veggies and deepen their flavor.
- Red onion, diced (1 small): Adds a touch of sweetness and color.
- Broccoli florets, chopped small (2 cups): A fiber-rich, green boost that pairs well with cheesy goodness.
- Bell pepper, diced (1 cup): For a pop of color, crunch, and subtle sweetness.
- Zucchini, diced (1 cup): Brings moisture and mild earthiness.
- Cherry tomatoes, halved (1 cup): They burst with juiciness and look stunning in the bake.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Lifts up all the flavors with its classic aroma.
- Dried oregano (½ teaspoon): Infuses herby notes that pair perfectly with veggies and cheese.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Essential for bringing all ingredients together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): For a subtle spicy undertone.
- Red pepper flakes (¼ teaspoon, optional): If you like a gentle kick, these are your friend.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (¼ cup, for topping): Creates that iconic, irresistible golden crust.
How to Make Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch (or similar-sized) baking dish. Getting things prepped in advance makes the process smooth and hassle-free.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics and Veggies
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until the kitchen smells amazing and the onion is tender. Add your chopped broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking for another 5 minutes until they’re just soft and vibrant. These veggies are the heart of your Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese, so let them shine!
Step 3: Whisk the Protein-Rich Base
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella or cheddar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. This mixture is where the magic happens, holding everything together and delivering that signature high-protein boost.
Step 4: Combine the Veggies and Cherry Tomatoes
Fold the sautéed veggie mixture and juicy cherry tomato halves into your cheesy egg base. You’ll instantly see a rainbow of color, promising flavor in every bite.
Step 5: Assemble and Top with Parmesan
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so each serving gets plenty of color and protein. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan for that classic golden, bubbling finish.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is beautifully golden. Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing, which makes serving much easier and keeps the slices looking perfect.
How to Serve Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Garnishes
Give your Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese a fresh touch by scattering some chopped parsley, basil, or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil on top just before serving. A pinch of extra Parmesan or a light grind of black pepper also adds flair and flavor.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad, roasted potatoes, or a side of toasted whole-grain bread. If you’re going for brunch vibes, a bowl of fresh fruit or a light soup on the side works wonders.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the bake in individual ramekins for a dinner party, or cut it into small bites for a protein-packed appetizer platter. You can also layer it in a wrap or stuff it into a pita for a fresh lunch option — the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is as versatile as your imagination allows!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, slice any leftovers and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese stays delicious and fresh for up to 4 days, making it ideal for hassle-free lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Freezing
For longer storage, wrap individual portions in plastic wrap and tuck them into a freezer-safe bag or container. This bake freezes well for up to 2 months – just make sure to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, either pop a slice in the microwave (cover with a damp paper towel to keep things moist) or warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. The flavors meld even more after a stint in the fridge, making leftovers just as tasty as the first day.
FAQs
Can I use different vegetables in this bake?
Absolutely! The Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese adapts well to what you have on hand. Spinach, mushrooms, or kale are fantastic choices, and you can even throw in some cooked sweet potato or peas for variety.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the main ingredients in this bake are naturally gluten-free, so it’s a great choice for anyone following a gluten-free or wheat-free diet.
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
Definitely! Prepare the full dish in advance, keep it covered in the fridge, and simply reheat individual servings throughout the week for meal prep bliss.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese can stand in for cottage cheese if needed, but the unique curds of cottage cheese really give the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese its signature texture.
How can I add even more protein?
Toss in a handful of cooked quinoa or lentils, or sprinkle some hemp seeds into the egg mixture before baking. You’ll boost the protein content without changing the craveable flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring a fresh, protein-packed favorite into your kitchen, you must try the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese. It’s wholesome, flexible, and a total crowd-pleaser — I can’t wait for you to take your first bite and fall in love with this simple star of a dish!
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Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a delicious and nutritious vegetarian dish that is perfect for a satisfying meal. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, this bake is loaded with colorful vegetables and cheesy goodness.
Ingredients
For the Bake:
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion, diced
- 2 cups broccoli florets, chopped small
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch or similar-sized baking dish.
- Sauté vegetables: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add broccoli, bell pepper, and zucchini and cook for another 5 minutes until just tender.
- Prepare the batter: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, mozzarella or cheddar, oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Fold in the sautéed vegetables and cherry tomatoes.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden. Let cool slightly before slicing.
Notes
- Use any vegetables you have on hand like spinach, mushrooms, or kale.
- You can also add cooked quinoa or lentils for even more protein.
- This dish stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is perfect for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
