High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Discover a delightful way to pack your day with protein and vibrant vegetables in this easy-to-prepare bake. Featuring creamy cottage cheese, a medley of fresh produce, and a savory egg binder, this dish is both incredibly satisfying and wonderfully nutritious. It’s perfect for a light lunch, a hearty side, or a fulfilling weeknight dinner.
Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
35 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Servings
4 servings
Keywords
Why This Recipe Delivers
- It's a protein powerhouse, thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs, keeping you full and satisfied.
- Packed with a colorful array of fresh vegetables, ensuring a rich intake of vitamins and fiber.
- Incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights or meal prepping.
- Versatile and customizable; feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables.
- Offers a delicious, savory flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates.
Ingredients
- 250 grams (1 cup) cottage cheese
- 150 grams (1 cup) broccoli florets, chopped into small pieces
- 150 grams (1 cup) bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 120 grams (1 cup) zucchini, thinly sliced or diced
- 150 grams (1 cup) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 30 grams (1/2 cup) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 75 grams (1/2 cup) red onion, finely chopped
- 30 grams (1/4 cup) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) olive oil
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) garlic powder
- 5 grams (1 teaspoon) onion powder
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) black pepper
- 2.5 grams (1/2 teaspoon) salt
- 1.25 grams (1/4 teaspoon) dried oregano
- Cooking spray or 5 milliliters (1 teaspoon) olive oil for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Begin by preheating your oven to 190°C (375°F). This ensures the oven is at the correct temperature for even baking as soon as the dish is ready to go in.
- Lightly grease a medium-sized baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This crucial step prevents the bake from sticking and ensures easy serving.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cottage cheese, the chopped broccoli florets, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, roughly chopped spinach, and finely chopped red onion. Ensure the vegetables are distributed evenly.
- In a separate, smaller bowl, thoroughly whisk together the two large eggs, 15 milliliters (1 tablespoon) of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano. Whisk until the mixture is well-combined and slightly frothy, which helps integrate the flavors.
- Carefully pour the aromatic egg mixture over the vibrant vegetable blend in the larger bowl. Stir everything thoroughly with a spatula or spoon until all the vegetables and cottage cheese are evenly coated with the seasoned egg mixture. This ensures every bite is flavorful.
- Transfer the thoroughly mixed ingredients into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with your spatula. Make sure the surface is relatively flat for uniform baking.
- Evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the mixture. This will create a delicious golden crust as it bakes.
- Place the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. Keep an eye on it; the bake is ready when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center appears set and firm when gently pressed.
- Once golden brown and set, carefully remove the dish from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This cooling period allows the bake to set further, making it easier to portion and ensuring a perfect texture.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Spatula or large spoon
- Medium baking dish (approximately 20×20 cm or 8×8 inches)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board
- Chef's knife
Essential Success Tips
- Ensure your vegetables are chopped into relatively uniform sizes to ensure they cook evenly. Smaller pieces will cook faster and integrate better.
- Don't overbake! Keep an eye on the dish; it's done when the edges are golden and the center is set. Overbaking can lead to a dry texture.
- For extra flavor, consider briefly sautéing heartier vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers before adding them to the mixture. This can deepen their flavor and slightly tenderize them.
- Pat down any watery vegetables like zucchini or spinach before adding them to the mixture. Excess moisture can make the bake watery.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This allows it to firm up, making cleaner slices.
Professional Cooking Secrets
- Elevate the dish by adding a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the egg mixture; it subtly enhances the savory notes and pairs beautifully with dairy and vegetables.
- For a richer flavor and texture, briefly roast some of the harder vegetables like broccoli and bell peppers with a drizzle of olive oil before mixing. This caramelizes them and adds depth.
- Consider incorporating a sprinkle of nutritional yeast into the egg mixture for a cheesy, umami boost without adding extra dairy. It complements the existing flavors wonderfully.
Notes
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven.
- Variations: Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like mushrooms, corn, kale, or asparagus. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like chives or parsley after baking also adds a lovely fresh finish.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different vegetables in this bake?
Absolutely! This recipe is incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap in your favorite seasonal vegetables such as mushrooms, chopped kale, asparagus, or even some cooked sweet potato. Just ensure they are cut into appropriate sizes for even cooking.
Is this dish suitable for meal prepping?
Yes, it's excellent for meal prepping! You can bake it on the weekend, then portion it out for quick and healthy meals throughout the week. It reheats well in the microwave or a warm oven, making it a convenient option for busy days.
Can I make this bake ahead of time?
You can prepare the vegetable and egg mixture a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, pour it into the prepared dish, add the mozzarella, and follow the baking instructions. This saves a lot of time on busy evenings.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Per serving (approximately): Calories: 245, Protein: 20g, Fat: 14g, Carbs: 15g, Fiber: 4g.
Allergy Information
Contains dairy (cottage cheese, mozzarella) and eggs. This dish is naturally gluten-free. For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and dairy-free shredded cheese, though results may vary.
No comment