Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a delightful fusion of classic Italian flavors and wholesome ingredients. This savory dish combines the creaminess of cottage cheese, the freshness of ripe cherry tomatoes and basil, and the richness of eggs for a satisfying meal that serves great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. High in protein and easy to whip up, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or as a meal prep solution to keep you energized throughout the week.
Why make this Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake recipe
- Protein-rich: Packed with protein from eggs and cottage cheese, this dish helps to fuel your day.
- Quick prep: Whip it up effortlessly, making it easy to fit into your busy routine.
- Meal-prep friendly: Perfect for making ahead and storing for busy days or busy families.
- Low-carb: A great option for those on a low-carb diet without sacrificing flavor.
- Budget-friendly: Inexpensive ingredients make this recipe not only healthy but also economical.
“This Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a hit in my family. Easy to make and so delicious!” — Happy Cook
How to make Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Creating the Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is straightforward and requires minimal kitchen tools. You will need a mixing bowl, a blender (or immersion blender), and a baking dish. The baking process itself is simple and allows you to focus on other tasks, making it easy to enjoy a nutritious meal without hassle. If you love fast protein breakfasts, try our Cottage Cheese Pancakes.
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
This egg bake is versatile; if you’re looking to switch things up, feel free to customize the ingredients based on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand. For instance, you can use ricotta instead of cottage cheese or different cheeses for varied flavor.
Directions
- Preheat: the oven to 350°F and grease a 7×10 dish.
- Mix: Blend eggs, cottage cheese, and salt until smooth; pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Cook/Bake: Add spinach, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to the blend. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly. Bake for 45–60 minutes until golden and set.
- Finish: Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 6 squares. Enjoy warm.
How to serve Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This dish is wonderfully versatile. Serve your Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake warm as a main dish or slice it into squares for a delicious breakfast option or brunch dish. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light meal, or enjoy it alongside some crusty bread for added texture. It gives you a fabulous balance of nutrients without overwhelming flavors.
How to store
To store leftovers, simply cover any uneaten portions with plastic wrap or an airtight lid and refrigerate them. They should stay fresh for 3–4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for up to a month. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes.
For safe storage timing, see USDA FoodData Central.
Tips to make
- Blend thoroughly: Ensure the egg and cottage cheese mixture is well blended for a smooth texture.
- Add seasoning: Personalize your bake with salt, pepper, or your choice of herbs to enhance the flavor.
- Don’t overcrowd: While it’s tempting to load up on ingredients, be mindful not to overfill the baking dish as it needs space to rise.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh basil and ripe tomatoes make a significant difference in taste.
Variations
- Cheese swaps: Experiment with different cheese types; feta or goat cheese can add a unique tang.
- Veggie add-ins: Feel free to include other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, for added nutrition.
- Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or fresh jalapeños for a spicy kick.
FAQs
Can I meal prep Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Yes, Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake keeps well for 3–4 days in the fridge; store it in an airtight container.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze portions for up to a month; thaw overnight, then reheat gently in the oven.
What substitutions work best?
You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta or omit spinach if necessary; adjust seasoning to taste and texture.
For nutrition insights, visit Healthline.
Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake provides a flavorful, nutritious solution for any meal of the day. Enjoy this easy recipe, and feel free to share your thoughts or variations in the comments!
Caprese Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 pieces eggs
- 1.5 cups cottage cheese
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 2 big handfuls baby spinach, chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 7×10 dish.
- Blend eggs, cottage cheese, and salt until smooth; pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
Cooking
- Add spinach, tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella to the blend. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
- Bake for 45–60 minutes until golden and set.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into 6 squares. Enjoy warm.