Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe

The Cheesy Morning Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe

Breakfast champions always search for a hearty cottage cheese egg bake that delivers both comfort and nutrition.

Creamy cottage cheese blends seamlessly with fluffy eggs to create a protein-packed morning delight.

Herbs and seasonings dance through each savory bite, elevating this simple dish from ordinary to extraordinary.

Weekend brunches sparkle with this effortless casserole that comes together faster than traditional breakfast recipes.

Cheesy layers melt into golden perfection, promising a satisfying start to your day.

Home cooks will love how easily this dish feeds a crowd with minimal preparation.

Nourish your morning with this delectable egg bake that transforms basic ingredients into a memorable meal.

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Highlights

  • Swap ingredients like bacon, cheese, or veggies to match your taste preferences or pantry availability, making this recipe super flexible for any meal.
  • Packed with protein, cheese, and bacon, this egg bake delivers a hearty, satisfying dish that appeals to both kids and adults, perfect for family gatherings or weekend brunches.
  • Requires simple mixing and baking steps, allowing even novice cooks to create a delicious, restaurant-worthy meal without complex techniques or extensive kitchen skills.
  • Combines all ingredients in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making this recipe a convenient option for busy households seeking a nutritious, stress-free meal solution.

Ingredients in Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Protein Base:
  • Eggs: Fresh eggs provide the foundational structure for this hearty breakfast bake.
  • Cottage Cheese: Creamy cheese adds rich texture and extra protein to the dish.
  • Beef Bacon: Flavorful meat that brings a savory element to the breakfast bake.
Cheese and Dairy:
  • Colby Jack Cheese: Melty cheese that provides gooey richness and depth of flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that adds a nutty and salty accent to the dish.
  • Butter: Melted butter enhances the overall richness and moisture of the bake.
Vegetables and Seasonings:
  • Spinach: Nutritious green that adds color and healthy elements to the egg bake.
  • Red Pepper, Onion: Fresh vegetables that contribute a sweet and aromatic dimension.
  • Flour: Helps bind the ingredients and provides a slight thickening effect.
  • Lawry's Seasoned Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall flavor profile.
  • Green Onion: Optional fresh garnish that brings a bright, crisp finishing touch.

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish

Fire up the oven to 350°F and let it warm up completely.

Grab a 9″ x 13″ baking pan and give it a quick spray of nonstick cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Crisp Up the Bacon

Cook the beef bacon until it reaches a perfectly chewy-crisp texture.

Let it cool on a paper towel-lined plate, then chop into bite-sized pieces.

Discard any extra fatty bits that don’t look appetizing.

Step 3: Create the Egg Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re smooth and uniform.

Prepare your ingredients:
  • Chopped bacon (save a small portion for topping)
  • Shredded colby jack cheese (reserve 1/2 cup)
  • Fresh spinach
  • Cottage cheese
  • Melted butter
  • Diced red pepper
  • Minced onion

Combine all these ingredients, stirring until they’re well mixed.

Step 4: Season and Bind the Mixture

Fold in the following dry ingredients:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Lawry's seasoned salt
  • Black pepper
  • Parmesan cheese

Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings and to help bind the ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble the Bake

Transfer the egg mixture to the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly.

Top with the reserved ingredients:
  • Remaining Parmesan cheese
  • Saved bacon pieces
  • Remaining red pepper
  • Reserved colby jack cheese

Add an extra sprinkle of black pepper for extra flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover the pan with a lid or aluminum foil.

Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the cover and continue baking for 20-30 minutes.

Look for a set center that doesn’t jiggle.

If the top browns too quickly, cover it again to prevent burning.

Step 7: Final Touches and Serving

Allow the bake to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven.

This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Cut into generous portions and serve warm.

Tips for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

  • Drain excess moisture from spinach by squeezing it thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel before adding to the egg mixture.
  • Swap beef bacon for turkey bacon or add diced ham to increase protein content while maintaining a lean profile.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like feta, mozzarella, or sharp cheddar to create unique flavor profiles.
  • Prepare the entire dish the night before, refrigerate, and bake directly from the cold state, adding 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time.
  • Replace flour with almond flour or omit completely to create a gluten-free and lower-carbohydrate version of the egg bake.

How to Store Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
  • Wrap individual portions in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place single serving on microwave-safe plate. Heat at 50% power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
  • Preheat oven to 350°F. Place portion in oven-safe dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until heated completely. Add fresh cheese on top for extra flavor boost.

Pairings for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

  • Pair with Bright Morning Mimosa: Citrusy champagne and orange juice complement the rich, savory egg bake, cutting through the cheese and bacon's heaviness while refreshing the palate.
  • Create Crisp Green Salad Side: Light arugula or mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette balance the dish's richness, adding a fresh, peppery contrast to the creamy egg bake.
  • Match with Bold Red Wine: A medium-bodied Pinot Noir or Grenache offers earthy undertones that enhance the bacon and cheese flavors, creating a sophisticated breakfast or brunch experience.
  • Serve with Fresh Herb Yogurt Sauce: Blend Greek yogurt with chopped dill, chives, and a touch of lemon zest to provide a cool, herbal counterpoint to the warm, cheesy egg dish.

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Twists

  • Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace bacon with crispy tempeh or plant-based bacon bits for a meat-free version that maintains protein content and adds smoky flavor.
  • Low-Carb Keto Adaptation: Substitute flour with almond flour or coconut flour, ensuring the dish remains gluten-free and keto-friendly while preserving the creamy texture.
  • Dairy-Free Alternative: Use cashew-based cottage cheese replacement, swap colby jack with dairy-free cheese shreds, and replace butter with olive oil for lactose-intolerant individuals.
  • Mediterranean Herb Remix: Incorporate fresh basil, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes instead of red peppers to create a Mediterranean-inspired egg bake with vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

FAQs

  • Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?

While the recipe contains some carbs from flour and vegetables, you can modify it by replacing regular flour with almond flour or coconut flour to reduce carbohydrate content. The high protein from eggs, cottage cheese, and bacon makes it a relatively protein-rich dish.

  • Can I make this egg bake vegetarian?

Yes, simply replace the bacon with vegetarian alternatives like plant-based bacon bits, chopped mushrooms, or additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You’ll want to maintain similar quantities to keep the recipe’s texture consistent.

  • How do I know when the egg bake is fully cooked?

Check the center of the dish – it should be set and not liquidy or wobbling. When you insert a knife or toothpick in the middle, it should come out clean without any raw egg residue. The top should also be golden brown and slightly firm to the touch.

  • What makes cottage cheese a good ingredient in this recipe?

Cottage cheese adds creamy texture, extra protein, and a slight tanginess to the egg bake. It helps create a softer, more luxurious consistency while boosting the nutritional value of the dish with calcium and protein.

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Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe


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4.5 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Creamy cottage cheese egg bake delivers comfort and protein in one delightful dish. Savory ingredients meld perfectly, creating a simple yet satisfying breakfast that energizes you for the whole morning.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Proteins:

  • 12 large eggs
  • 1 pound beef bacon, divided
  • 32 ounces small curd cottage cheese

Dairy and Cheese Components:

  • 16 ounces shredded colby jack cheese, divided
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
  • 3/4 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled

Vegetables and Seasonings:

  • 10 ounces frozen, chopped spinach, thawed and drained very well
  • 1 cup small diced red bell pepper, divided
  • 1/2 cup minced yellow onion
  • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, plus more for sprinkling
  • chopped green onion (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.
  2. Cook beef bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces, discarding any excess fatty portions.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk eggs until well blended, then incorporate most of the chopped bacon, reserving some for topping.
  4. Add shredded colby jack cheese (saving 1/2 cup for later), spinach, cottage cheese, melted butter, half the diced red pepper, and minced onion to the egg mixture. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed.
  5. Sprinkle flour, Lawry’s seasoned salt, black pepper, and half the Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Gently fold to create a uniform consistency.
  6. Transfer the egg mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
  7. Garnish the top with remaining Parmesan cheese, reserved bacon bits, red pepper pieces, and colby jack cheese. Add an extra dash of black pepper for enhanced flavor.
  8. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.
  9. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the center is set and no longer liquid.
  10. Allow the egg bake to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps it firm up slightly.
  11. Slice and serve, optionally garnishing with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Boost the bacon’s flavor by using thick-cut varieties or experimenting with different types like turkey or plant-based bacon for dietary preferences.
  • Swap cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or tofu for a lighter protein option that maintains creamy texture and adds nutritional variety.
  • Control moisture by patting spinach dry before adding to prevent excess liquid from making the egg bake soggy and ensuring a perfect consistency.
  • Customize heat levels by adding red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or using spicy cheese blends to create a more intense flavor profile for those who enjoy a kick.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 1 hour
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 415
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 830 mg
  • Fat: 30 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 370 mg
Clara Thompson

Clara Thompson

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Developing accessible single-serving recipes, Food writing and content creation, Plant-based and allergen-friendly cooking, Culinary education and workshop facilitation

Education

​Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)
Diploma in Culinary Arts

Specialized in plant-based cooking and sustainable kitchen practices.​

Portland Community College
Certificate in Food Writing and Media

Focused on recipe writing, food photography, and digital content creation.​


Clara’s food journey began with a curiosity for color, texture, and ingredients pulled straight from the garden. Her background in plant-forward cooking and creative writing gives her a unique edge – she makes healthy, flavorful food feel inviting, not intimidating.
She specializes in meals that work for busy lives and different diets, all without sacrificing taste. Clara’s voice comes through in every recipe she writes – clear, kind, and encouraging.

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