High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe

Introduction

This high-protein veggie bake is a delicious and nutritious way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables combined with creamy cottage cheese. It’s perfect for a healthy breakfast, lunch, or dinner and grills up with a golden, cheesy top that everyone will love.

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

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
2. Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and finely chopped red onion.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano until well blended.
4. Step 4: Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Feel free to swap the vegetables with your favorites, such as mushrooms or asparagus, to suit your taste.
• For extra flavor, add fresh herbs like basil or parsley before baking.
• Use part-skim mozzarella if you prefer a lighter dish without compromising protein.
• If you want a crispier top, broil the bake for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This bake also freezes well; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese for this bake?

Yes, you can substitute mozzarella with cheddar, feta, or goat cheese depending on your preference. Just keep in mind the flavors and melting properties may vary.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Absolutely. This veggie bake holds up well in the fridge and makes a convenient, high-protein meal ready to enjoy throughout the week.

High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 65 reviews

This High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a wholesome and delicious casserole packed with fresh vegetables and rich cottage cheese. It combines the creaminess of cottage cheese and eggs with a medley of colorful veggies like broccoli, bell pepper, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, spinach, and red onion, baked to golden perfection with a cheesy mozzarella topping. Ideal for a nutritious breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this easy-to-make dish is both satisfying and healthy.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
• Total Time: 45-50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Vegetables and Cheese

• 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

Egg Mixture and Seasonings

• 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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Mix Vegetables and Cottage Cheese: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and finely chopped red onion. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4. Prepare Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano until well combined and smooth.
5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable and cottage cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all the vegetables and cheese are evenly coated with the egg mixture.
6. Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish to ensure uniform cooking.
7. Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the mixture to create a delicious, melty crust.
8. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set, indicating that the casserole is fully cooked.
9. Cool and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool slightly for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and make slicing easier.

Notes

• Feel free to swap in other vegetables such as mushrooms, carrots, or asparagus based on availability and preference.
• This dish can be prepared a day ahead and reheated, making it convenient for meal prep.
• For a dairy-free version, try using a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and vegan mozzarella.
• Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley as a garnish to add extra flavor and color before serving.
• If you prefer a crispier top, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to prevent burning.

Keywords: High protein veggie bake, cottage cheese casserole, healthy vegetable bake, baked vegetable casserole, vegetarian protein bake, easy veggie bake, nutritious casserole