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
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and prepare a 9″ x 13″ baking dish with nonstick cooking spray to ensure easy release after baking.
- Cook beef bacon until crisp, then drain on paper towels and chop into small pieces, discarding any excess fatty portions.
- In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly whisk eggs until well blended, then incorporate most of the chopped bacon, reserving some for topping.
- 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.
- Sprinkle flour, Lawry’s seasoned salt, black pepper, and half the Parmesan cheese into the mixture. Gently fold to create a uniform consistency.
- Transfer the egg mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- 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.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 40 minutes at 350°F.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 20-30 minutes until the center is set and no longer liquid.
- Allow the egg bake to rest for 15-20 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps it firm up slightly.
- 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