Name: High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
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 additional olive oil for greasing the baking dish

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I make this dish when I need a fast, full meal that fills me up. I started using the High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese after I wanted more protein at dinner and less meat. It fits simple weeknights and quick lunches. I like that it uses the same oven time each week. The dish helps when I plan food for a few days. I can cook once and eat twice or three times.

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This bake works when I am short on time. I mix the veggies and dairy in one bowl. I put it in the oven and walk away. The name High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese fits what it is. It keeps well and tastes good cold or warm. I use it at work lunches, at home dinners, and for easy weekend brunches.

This recipe is a simple oven bake with cottage cheese, eggs, and many vegetables. It tastes mild, creamy, and fresh. The cheese keeps it soft. The eggs hold the bake together. The vegetables add texture and a light bite. You can taste the broccoli, pepper, and tomato in each forkful. People make this for a quick meal. They often make it for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner. It works for meal prep for a few days. If you like baked egg dishes, you might also read this easy baked cottage cheese eggs page for a similar idea.

Why make this recipe

Make this when you want food that is quick and healthy. It cooks in about 30 minutes in the oven. You need one bowl to mix and one dish to bake. It uses simple store items. The flavor is mild and not heavy. The cottage cheese gives protein without much work. The bake stays good for days in the fridge. It saves time on busy nights. It is easy to change the veg or spice to match what you have. You also get many veggies in one dish. This helps you hit a good balance of protein and fiber with little planning.

How to make High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese

First, you will mix the cottage cheese with the cut vegetables so the cheese coats the veg. This step gives a base that holds flavors. Next, you whisk the eggs and oil with the spices in a small bowl. The egg mix adds protein and acts as a binder. Then you pour the egg mix over the veggies and stir until you see even coating. This makes sure each bite cooks the same. You move the mix into a greased baking dish and spread it out. Add the shredded mozzarella on top for a light crust. Bake until the top is golden and the center feels set. If you want tips on baking times and texture, see a related oven-baked dish like this baked cranberry cream cheese dip which uses similar bake ideas.

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

These items are common and easy to find. The amounts work for a medium baking dish. You can use fresh or frozen broccoli if you prefer. If you have no mozzarella, you can skip it or use a small amount of any meltable cheese. The eggs give the dish structure and the cottage cheese gives cream and protein. The spices are simple. Olive oil helps the bake brown and adds mild flavor. The list keeps the bake plain and flexible so you can change what you have at home. The total is good for two to four servings depending on appetite.

Directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This sets the oven to a steady heat so the center cooks through. Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. Greasing keeps the bake from sticking and makes cleanup easy. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red onion. Mixing here spreads the cottage cheese so it blends with the veg. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano. The whisked eggs and oil form a smooth mix that will bind the vegetables. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Stirring well helps the bake cook evenly and gives each bite the same flavor. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Spread it so the top cooks and browns in the oven. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. The cheese will melt and give a light crust. 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. A set center means the eggs have cooked through. Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Cooling helps it firm up and makes it easier to slice.

How to serve High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese

Serve this bake warm or at room temperature. Cut it into squares for a simple plate meal. You can place a piece on toast for a quick open sandwich. Add a small side salad to make a fuller meal. For breakfast, serve with a slice of whole grain bread. For lunch, pack a slice with raw carrot sticks and fruit. For dinner, add a steamed green side or a light soup. You can also serve it cold as part of a picnic. Top with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a fresh touch. A dollop of plain yogurt or a light vinaigrette works if you want more moisture. Keep the serving size to one or two squares per person for a balanced meal.

How to store High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese

Let the bake cool to room temperature before you store it. Place slices in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes or use a microwave for 1-2 minutes per slice. For longer storage, wrap slices well and place them in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before you reheat. If you plan to freeze, consider leaving off the mozzarella top and add it after thawing. Label the container with the date so you know how long it has been stored. Use small containers if you want to defrost single portions.

Tips to make High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese

Drain any very wet veggies before you mix. Too much water can make the bake soggy. Chop vegetables to similar sizes so they cook evenly. Beat the eggs well so the bake sets in the center. Use a metal or glass baking dish; both work but heat time may vary a little. If your cottage cheese has large curds, stir it a bit so it mixes better with the eggs. Do not overbake. Take it out when the center is set and not jiggly. Let it rest 5 to 10 minutes before cutting to get clean pieces. If you like more browning, place under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end while you watch it. For more ideas on oven technique, you can look at a related baked dish like baked cranberry cream cheese dip recipe to compare oven tips.

FAQs

Q: Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
A: Yes. Low-fat cottage cheese works fine. The bake may be slightly less creamy.

Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: This is already vegetarian. It has no meat. It contains dairy and eggs.

Q: Can I add cooked meat?
A: Yes. Add cooked chicken or turkey if you want more protein. Mix in before baking.

Q: How do I know when it is done?
A: The top should be golden and the center should not jiggle. A toothpick in the center should come out clean.

Conclusion

For another similar take on a cottage cheese egg bake, you can try the recipe at Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Veggies | Toshi’s Table, which shows a related method. For more veggie egg bake ideas, see Cottage Cheese & Veggie Egg Bake – Land of 10,000 Recipes for extra inspiration.

High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese