These Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs are a tasty and healthy meal! With creamy cottage cheese and fluffy eggs, it’s perfect for breakfast or a light lunch. Add some herbs for extra flavor!
I love how easy this dish is to whip up. Just mix everything, pop it in the oven, and enjoy a warm, cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s a great way to start the day right! 🥚💚
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are the base of this dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use egg whites which will still give you great texture. I’ve tried both ways, and both work well!
Cottage Cheese: This is what gives the dish its creamy texture. You can substitute it with ricotta for a slightly different flavor, or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Both alternatives add a nice creaminess!
Spinach: Fresh spinach works amazing here, but you can swap it with other greens like kale or Swiss chard. Frozen spinach is also easy and can be used if fresh isn’t on hand. Just make sure to drain it well.
Green Onions: They add a mild onion flavor. If you don’t have green onions, go for regular onions or shallots but use them sparingly as they have a stronger taste.
Milk or Cream: I prefer using milk for a lighter dish, but feel free to go for heavy cream if you want something richer. Nut milk can also work for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Know When the Eggs Are Perfectly Set?
Getting the eggs just right is important to avoid a rubbery texture. Here’s how to check:
- After baking for about 20 minutes, gently shake the dish. If there’s a slight jiggle in the center, that’s perfect! It will firm up as it cools.
- Another test is to insert a knife into the center; it should come out clean. If it looks a bit too runny, give it another 5 minutes.
Remember, it’s better to slightly underbake than overbake. Enjoy your fluffy baked cottage cheese eggs!
Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh spinach, chopped (or any leafy greens)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons milk or cream
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika or smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking time. Overall, you’ll have a delicious dish ready in under 40 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s heating up, lightly grease a small oven-safe dish or cast-iron skillet with olive oil or butter. This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier!
2. Mix the Base:
In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, milk or cream, salt, pepper, and half of the chopped green onions. Make sure everything is well combined and looks creamy.
3. Add the Greens:
Gently fold the chopped spinach into your egg mixture. This will add a fresh taste and a vibrant green color to the dish!
4. Assemble and Season:
Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it cooks evenly. Sprinkle the top with paprika for a pop of flavor and color.
5. Bake:
Put the dish in the oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You want the eggs to be set but still have a little jiggle in the center. Check at 20 minutes just to be safe!
6. Cool and Garnish:
Once done, take the dish out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve. Garnish the top with the remaining green onions and chopped parsley or cilantro for a fresh finish.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your baked cottage cheese eggs warm, either on their own or with a side of toast or fresh salad for a complete meal. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness along with the fresh herbs!
This baked cottage cheese eggs dish is creamy, slightly tangy from the cottage cheese, and bursting with flavor from the greens and herbs. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese can be used in this recipe without losing the creamy texture. Just make sure to choose one that’s not too watery, as that can affect the consistency of your dish.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to mix in other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or tomatoes. Just chop them finely and consider pre-cooking any that have high water content to avoid excess moisture in the dish.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the oven or microwave until heated through. If reheating in the microwave, place a damp paper towel over it to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! To make it dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like cashew cheese or silken tofu blended until smooth. You can also use almond or oat milk instead of milk or cream.
