Description
High-Protein Cottage Cheese Veggie Bake is a nutritious, filling dish made with cottage cheese, vegetables, and eggs, packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups chopped spinach (or any leafy green like kale or swiss chard)
- 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini or yellow squash
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped tomatoes (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the pan)
- Fresh herbs for garnish (optional, such as parsley or basil)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped bell peppers, zucchini (or squash), and red onion. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, until the vegetables are soft and slightly browned. If using spinach, add it to the pan during the last minute of cooking just to wilt it. Set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined. Stir in the sautéed vegetables and chopped tomatoes (if using). Add the shredded cheese at this point if you’re using it for extra flavor.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is set and lightly golden. The center should be firm and the edges slightly browned.
- Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
Add more veggies like mushrooms, broccoli, or carrots for extra nutrition. Just sauté them before adding to the mix.For a spicy version, add chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce.Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano for a flavor boost.To make a meat lover’s version, add cooked ground turkey, chicken, for more protein.For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cottage cheese and non-dairy cheese substitutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 185mg
