Description
Savory cottage cheese egg bake promises a delightful breakfast fusion, blending creamy textures with hearty protein. Culinary enthusiasts will relish this simple yet satisfying morning meal that delivers comfort and nutrition in every delectable bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 12 large eggs
- 32 ounces (907 grams) small curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat recommended)
- 1 pound (454 grams) bacon (cooked and chopped)
Cheeses:
- 16 ounces (454 grams) shredded Colby Jack cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese (divided)
Vegetables and Seasonings:
- 1 package (10 ounces/283 grams) frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained well)
- 1 cup (150 grams) small-diced red bell pepper (divided)
- 1/2 cup (75 grams) minced yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (plus extra for sprinkling)
Other Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup (170 grams) unsalted butter (melted and cooled)
- 3/4 cup (90 grams) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute, such as Bob’s Red Mill 1-to-1 Gluten Free Baking Flour)
Garnish:
- Chopped green onion
Instructions
- Prepare the oven at 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray for optimal cooking surface.
- Render bacon until crispy using stovetop or oven method, then drain on paper towels and chop into small, uniform pieces.
- Vigorously whisk eggs in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly blended and smooth.
- Separate and reserve ¼ cup chopped bacon and ½ cup Colby Jack cheese for final topping.
- Incorporate remaining bacon, Colby Jack cheese, spinach, cottage cheese, melted butter, half the red bell pepper, and entire onion quantity into whisked eggs, mixing comprehensively.
- Dust flour, Lawry’s Seasoned Salt, black pepper, and half the Parmesan cheese over egg mixture, stirring until fully integrated.
- Transfer combined mixture into prepared baking dish, ensuring even distribution.
- Artfully sprinkle remaining Parmesan cheese, bacon fragments, and red bell pepper across the surface.
- Distribute reserved Colby Jack cheese and generously dust with freshly ground black pepper.
- Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes to develop initial structure.
- Uncover and continue baking 20-30 minutes until center solidifies, monitoring browning and re-covering if excessive coloration occurs.
- Allow egg bake to rest 15-20 minutes post-baking, permitting natural firming while maintaining cottage cheese’s soft texture.
- Optional: Garnish with chopped green onions and serve while warm for optimal enjoyment.
Notes
- Customize the bacon thickness for varied texture, ensuring crispy edges without burning.
- Replace cottage cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta for different protein and tangy flavor profiles.
- Swap spinach with kale or Swiss chard to enhance nutritional variety and add deeper green color.
- Use gluten-free flour alternative like almond or coconut flour for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 60-70 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 341
- Sugar: 1.8 g
- Sodium: 510 mg
- Fat: 26 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.4 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 1.2 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 260 mg