Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m looking for a meal that’s healthy, high in protein, and still tastes incredibly satisfying, this High-Protein Veggie Cheese Bake is my absolute favorite. It’s a fantastic dish that combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese and eggs with the fresh flavor of your favorite vegetables, all baked into a golden, savory casserole. It’s a fantastic way to start the day, an easy lunch, or a light dinner, and the best part is how easy it is to customize.
Why I Love This Recipe
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility and simplicity. It’s a fantastic way to use up whatever vegetables you have on hand, and it’s a complete meal in one pan. The cottage cheese provides an amazing source of protein and a creamy texture, while the eggs bind everything together into a cohesive, delicious bake. This dish is perfect for meal prep—you can make a big batch on Sunday and have a quick, protein-packed breakfast or lunch for the entire week. It’s proof that a healthy meal can be just as comforting and delicious as an indulgent one.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables & Flavor
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup chopped bell pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
Swaps and Notes
- Cottage Cheese: I prefer to use a full-fat cottage cheese for the richest flavor, but low-fat or fat-free varieties also work perfectly well.
- Vegetables: This recipe is a great canvas! You can swap out the spinach, bell pepper, and onion for other veggies you love. Sautéed mushrooms, chopped broccoli, or even some zucchini would be delicious.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is a classic, but you can also use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a feta cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Seasoning: The oregano and red pepper flakes add a great, savory flavor. Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Add the Vegetables & Flavor: Stir in the chopped spinach, bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Add the Cheese: Fold in the shredded cheddar cheese, reserving a small amount to sprinkle on top.
- Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer. Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it hold its shape.
Tips for Success
- Use a Food Processor for the Base: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese, eggs, and flour in a food processor before adding the vegetables.
- Squeeze the Spinach: If you’re using frozen spinach, be sure to thaw it and squeeze out all the excess water before adding it to the mixture. This prevents the bake from becoming watery.
- Don’t Overbake: The bake is done when the center is set. Overbaking can make it dry.
- Embrace the Customization: This is a fantastic “use what you have” recipe. Don’t be afraid to add your favorite ingredients!
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This High-Protein Veggie Cheese Bake is a complete meal on its own. It’s fantastic for a hearty breakfast or brunch. You could serve it with a side of fresh fruit or a simple green salad for a light dinner. It also pairs beautifully with other savory meals like this Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole for a complete spread.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 250 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Storage and Leftover Tips
This bake is perfect for meal prep! You can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can warm individual slices in the microwave or place them in a toaster oven to get the top crispy again.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If you appreciate healthy, easy, and satisfying meals, you might also like these other recipes:
- This One-Pan Breakfast Bake will make you skip
- The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyones
- This 3-Ingredient Egg Wrap is taking over busy
- These Chicken Enchiladas are my go-to for cozy, crowd-pleasing dinners
Final Thoughts
This High-Protein Veggie Cheese Bake is a fantastic way to add more protein and vegetables to your diet without sacrificing flavor. It’s a simple, comforting, and customizable recipe that is a true winner for any meal. Give it a try, and I guarantee you’ll be making it on repeat.
What are your go-to high-protein breakfast ideas? I’d love to hear your ideas in the comments below! Be sure to follow me for more recipes that are as good for you as they are delicious.
High-Protein Veggie Cheese Bake: My Go-To Healthy Meal
Ingredients
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 4 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 2 cups chopped bell pepper
- 4 cups chopped red onion
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 4 teaspoons red pepper flakes (optional)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, and dried oregano.
- Add the chopped spinach, bell pepper, red onion, and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and cottage cheese until smooth.
- Pour the egg mixture into the vegetable mixture and stir until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with red pepper flakes if using.
- Bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
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