If you’re on the hunt for an easy yet delicious recipe, look no further than this Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake. This dish offers a delightful combination of creamy cottage cheese, a colorful array of vegetables, and melted cheddar cheese that will surely please your palate. Not only is it bursting with flavors, but it’s also incredibly healthy, making it perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re serving it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this bake is a versatile option that delights everyone at the table.
What makes this Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake stand out is its simplicity. The blend of cottage cheese and fresh vegetables creates a wholesome dish that’s packed with protein and essential nutrients. Perfect for a vegetarian diet, it satisfies both hunger and taste without a heavy calorie count. Plus, with just a few ingredients, you can whip this up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
By customizing the vegetables and spices based on what you have available or what’s in season, you can make this bake uniquely yours. The inclusion of eggs helps bind everything together, ensuring each bite is flavorful and filling. So roll up your sleeves and get ready to experience the wholesome goodness of our Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake!
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake
- Healthy Ingredients: Made with cottage cheese and a variety of vegetables, it’s rich in protein and low in calories.
- Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, this dish is perfect for weekday meals.
- Customizable: Feel free to swap out vegetables and add your favorite herbs for extra flavor!
- Meal Prep Friendly: You can prepare it in advance for an easy reheat-and-eat meal.
- Family-Friendly: Its cheesy goodness makes it appealing to both kids and adults.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before jumping into cooking your Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake, it’s vital to prepare your kitchen and gather the necessary tools. Start by ensuring your workspace is clean and organized. You will need a mixing bowl, a cutting board, and a sharp knife for chopping vegetables. A sauté pan is essential for cooking the veggies, and don’t forget a baking dish for the oven. Additionally, keep measuring cups and spoons handy to accurately portion out the ingredients, ensuring your bake turns out as delicious as possible.
Preheating the oven to 350°F (177°C) is essential to ensure the dish cooks uniformly and achieves that beautiful golden-brown top. Also, it’s helpful to have a spatula for mixing and spreading the layers in the baking dish and an oven mitt for safely removing the hot bake once it’s done. Having everything in place will streamline the cooking process and make your experience more enjoyable.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli), chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C). This step is crucial as it ensures that once you place your bake inside, it will cook evenly and develop that desirable golden-brown crust on top.
Step 2: Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, two large eggs, dried basil, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to blend these ingredients thoroughly until they’re well mixed. The eggs will not only add flavor but also help bind the bake together.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chopped mixed vegetables and finely chopped onions. Stir them around in the skillet for about 3-4 minutes until they are slightly tender but not fully cooked. This step helps to release the flavors and makes for a better texture in the finished dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
In a greased baking dish, evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables and onions. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the top, using a spatula to smooth it out evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the entire dish, and if you choose, finish with a layer of breadcrumbs or panko to add a delightful crunch.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is a lovely golden-brown color. This is when the delicious aromas will fill your kitchen, signaling that dinner is nearly ready!
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Once done, remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This cooling time is essential as it allows the dish to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut into squares or scoop out for serving.
Variations
- Protein: Add cooked chicken or ground turkey for a heartier bake.
- Vegetables: Substitute or add seasonal veggies like spinach, asparagus, or carrots.
- Spices: Experiment with paprika, garlic powder, or chili flakes for a punch of flavor.
Cooking Notes
- For a creamier texture, you can substitute some cottage cheese with ricotta cheese.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored uncooked in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair this bake with a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
- Serve with a drizzle of balsamic reduction for an elegant touch.
Tips
- Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after baking helps with setting, making it easier to slice.
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses based on your preference!
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 18g
- Sodium: 480mg
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake in advance and store it in the refrigerator before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly.
What vegetables work best in this recipe?
Feel free to use any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, but bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli work particularly well.
Can I freeze the Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake?
Yes! You can freeze the unbaked dish. When ready to cook, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Is this recipe suitable for non-vegetarians?
Definitely! You can easily add cooked proteins such as chicken or turkey for a more filling option.
Conclusion
The Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake is not only simple to prepare but also delicious and nutritious. With its creamy texture and cheesy topping, it’s bound to become a hit in your household. Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below or any variations you tried. This dish encourages creativity, so don’t hesitate to experiment with different flavors! We hope you enjoy every bite of this delightful bake!
Print
Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake is a deliciously healthy option packed with flavors and nutrients.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli), chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or panko (optional)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (177°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, two large eggs, dried basil, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and black pepper.
- In a skillet, heat two tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped mixed vegetables and finely chopped onions.
- In a greased baking dish, evenly distribute the sautéed vegetables and onions. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the top.
- Carefully transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven, and allow it to bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
- Once done, remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes.
Notes
This dish can be made ahead of time and stored uncooked in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Protein: 18 g