Meet your new favorite meal-prep superhero: the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese. It’s everything you love about a big veggie casserole—jam-packed with fresh, colorful vegetables, boosted with creamy cottage cheese, and bubbling with melted mozzarella—except lighter, higher in protein, and equally satisfying for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Whether you’re chasing an easy weeknight dinner or a make-ahead breakfast that keeps you energized, this bake balances nutrition and flavor in every wholesome, forkful bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This dish features simple and familiar ingredients, each playing an important role in delivering flavor, protein, and gorgeous color. Fresh vegetables, a medley of creamy and melty cheeses, plus protein-rich eggs and cottage cheese all make this Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese a standout staple for any meal.
- Low-fat cottage cheese (1 cup): The secret ingredient that adds extra creaminess and a solid protein boost, all while keeping things light.
- Large eggs (6): The heart of the dish, eggs help bind everything together and keep the bake fluffy and rich.
- Egg whites (1/2 cup): Adds more protein with fewer calories and helps the texture stay moist.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup): For that perfectly gooey, golden top and a bit of melty magic inside.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a touch is all you need to sauté the veggies until they’re perfectly tender and fragrant.
- Small red onion (diced): Provides sweet sharpness and color throughout the bake.
- Red bell pepper (diced): Pops of brightness and a hint of natural sweetness with every bite.
- Zucchini (chopped): A tender, mild vegetable that soaks up flavor.
- Chopped spinach (1 cup): Packs in an easy serving of greens and adds vibrant color.
- Cherry tomatoes (1/2 cup, halved): Their juicy burst brightens the whole bake and looks gorgeous dotted on top.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): An easy flavor boost for that classic savory foundation.
- Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Brings subtle Mediterranean vibes and depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For just the right touch of warmth and balance.
- Nonstick spray: Makes cleanup a breeze and ensures nothing sticks to the baking dish.
How to Make Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Step 1: Prep and Preheat
Start your Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese adventure by getting everything ready and preheating your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray—this bit of prep will make sure the bake slices come out picture-perfect and cleanup doesn’t take all night.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Add a swirl of olive oil to a skillet and set it over medium heat. Toss in your diced red onion, bell pepper, and zucchini. Sauté for about 5 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently until the veggies are softened, fragrant, and glistening. To finish, stir in the spinach and cook just until it wilts—it only takes a minute or two but adds a fresh, earthy greenness to the mix. Remove from heat so the veggies don’t overcook.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large bowl, combine your eggs, egg whites, low-fat cottage cheese, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and slightly frothy; the cottage cheese should be incorporated well but a few small curds here and there just add to the texture of the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese.
Step 4: Assemble the Bake
Now it’s time to bring everything together! Stir the sautéed vegetables into the egg mixture, then gently fold in the cherry tomatoes and half of your shredded mozzarella. Pour the vibrant, savory mixture into your prepared baking dish, making sure you get an even spread. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella evenly across the top, so every bite gets a hint of golden cheese.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35 to 40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is lightly golden and the center is set—it should have a slight jiggle but no runniness. Let it cool for at least 5 minutes; this helps the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese set up so you can slice perfect squares for serving.
How to Serve Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Garnishes
Brighten each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. If you feel extra fancy, a little crumbled feta or goat cheese on top right before serving adds even more creaminess and tang—taking your Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese straight from weekday comfort to weekend brunch level.
Side Dishes
This bake pairs beautifully with a simple side salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, or you can serve it alongside roasted potatoes or a warm slice of sourdough bread. If you’re making brunch, fresh fruit or a dollop of tangy yogurt balances the savory flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Cut the bake into small squares for a nutritious grab-and-go breakfast, or use a round cookie cutter for appetizer-sized bites at parties. For a brunch spread, layer slices over toasted multigrain bread and top with microgreens for a fun, upscale twist on the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your bake to cool completely, then transfer slices to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days—making it a meal prep dream for busy weeks and spontaneous healthy lunches.
Freezing
You can freeze the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese either whole or in individual portions. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for about a minute until hot. If you’re reheating a larger portion, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for 10 to 15 minutes. The texture stays lovely and the flavors continue to deepen with time.
FAQs
Can I swap out any of the veggies?
Absolutely! The Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is endlessly flexible. Feel free to use mushrooms, broccoli, asparagus, or whatever is in-season or waiting in your fridge. Just be sure to chop everything evenly for the best results.
Is there a dairy-free option for this recipe?
While cottage cheese and mozzarella are key to this particular dish, you can try dairy-free ricotta and vegan shredded cheese substitutes for an experiment, although the texture and flavor will be different.
Do I need to use both eggs and egg whites?
Combining whole eggs and egg whites balances richness and protein content. You can use all whole eggs or all whites if you prefer; just adjust the total volume to equal about 7 large eggs for a similar texture in the Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese.
Can I make this in advance for meal prep?
This recipe is a meal prep superstar! Simply bake, cool, slice, and store your portions in the fridge. Warm up for a quick breakfast, lunchbox hit, or after-work dinner all week long.
Why use cottage cheese—will I notice the texture?
Cottage cheese melts right into the egg mixture, bringing a pillowy lightness and plenty of protein without a heavy, cheesy feel. After baking, the curds mostly blend away, leaving creaminess instead of a distinct cottage cheese texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to brighten up your meal routine or just crave something filling, wholesome, and easy, this Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is the answer. Give it a try—whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping ahead, or just treating yourself to a delicious, protein-packed meal that truly keeps you satisfied!
Print
Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a delicious and nutritious dish perfect for breakfast or as a main course. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, and loaded with colorful vegetables, this bake is easy to make and customizable to suit your taste.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup egg whites
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Vegetables:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small red onion (diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 zucchini (chopped)
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional:
- Nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Sauté vegetables: In a skillet, sauté onion, bell pepper, and zucchini until softened. Add spinach and cook until wilted.
- Prepare egg mixture: In a bowl, whisk eggs, egg whites, cottage cheese, seasonings. Stir in sautéed vegetables, cherry tomatoes, and half of the mozzarella.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish, top with remaining mozzarella, and bake for 35-40 minutes until set and golden.
- Serve: Let cool, slice, and serve.
Notes
- This recipe is customizable with your favorite vegetables.
- Sprinkle feta or goat cheese for extra flavor.
- Stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast, Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 195mg
