Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: An Easy, Delicious, and Nutritious Meal Prep!
Healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. As a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, I always emphasize that you need to have a go to list of nutritious meals that are quick and easy to prepare in order to achieve your health and weight goals. Today, I’m excited to share one of my favorite go-to recipes that embodies this philosophy perfectly: the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake. This dish is not only packed with protein and vegetables but also incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast or a light lunch, this egg bake with cottage cheese is a simple, versatile and delicious option.
Why Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?
Cottage cheese is a fantastic ingredient that often gets overlooked, mainly because its texture tends to turn people off. I must admit, I don’t even enjoy it on its own! However, it’s rich in protein, low in fat, and brings a creamy texture that enhances many dishes. When combined with eggs in this bake, it creates a fluffy, satisfying meal that will keep you energized throughout the day. Plus, baking the cottage cheese melts it completely, so any texture issues you might have are no longer a concern. In addition to all that, this egg bake provides a simple and delicious way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 Eggs: Eggs are a powerhouse of nutrition, offering high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- 1 Orange Pepper (chopped): Peppers add a sweet crunch and are loaded with vitamins A and C.
- 1 Cup Mushrooms (chopped): Mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and are a great source of antioxidants.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the flavors of the dish.
- 1/4 Cup Feta Cheese: Feta adds a tangy, salty kick that pairs perfectly with the creamy cottage cheese.
- 5 oz Low Fat Cottage Cheese: The star ingredient that adds protein and creaminess without excess fat.
- Nonstick Cooking Spray: Ensures your egg bake comes out of the dish easily without sticking.
Simple Steps to a Tasty Meal
- Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 400°F and spray a medium glass baking dish with nonstick cooking spray.
- Prep Your Veggies: Chop the orange pepper and mushrooms. This step is quick and brings vibrant colors and nutrients to your dish. To speed up the process we love this veggie chopper on Amazon. (affiliate)
- Mix It Up: In a large bowl, combine the eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and chopped vegetables. Whisk everything together until well mixed.
- Add Feta: Incorporate the feta cheese into the mixture and give it another whisk to distribute evenly.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
Tips for Making the Perfect Egg Bake
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to mix up the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Spinach, tomatoes, and zucchini are great alternatives or additions.
- Cheese Choices: If feta isn’t your favorite, try using shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
- Meal Prep Magic: This dish is perfect for meal prepping. Make this batch provides 4 protein packed servings and only takes 10 minutes of hands-on time if you use our favorite veggie chopper.
The Nutritional Benefits
This cottage cheese egg bake isn’t just delicious; it’s also incredibly nutritious. Here’s a quick breakdown of the health benefits you’ll enjoy with each serving:
- High in Protein: Both eggs and cottage cheese are excellent protein sources, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.
- Low in Carbs: This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it a great choice for those following a low-carb meal plan.
- Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: The vegetables provide a variety of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C from the peppers and B vitamins from the mushrooms.
Nutrition Facts
This recipe makes 4 Servings- each serving provides: Calories: 175 Total Fat: 10 g Saturated Fat: 4g Carb: 5 g Fiber: 2 g Sugar: 2 g Protein: 17 g Sodium: 475 mg
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this egg bake with cottage cheese lies in its simplicity and versatility. You can prepare it in advance, customize it with different ingredients, and enjoy it at any time of day. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy eating doesn’t have to be complicated or bland. With minimal prep time and ingredients, you likely already have in your kitchen, you can whip up a dish that is both nourishing and satisfying.
Conclusion
The Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a shining example of how easy and delicious healthy eating can be. It’s a recipe that fits seamlessly into busy lifestyles without compromising on nutrition or flavor. Next time you’re looking for a quick, healthy meal, give this egg bake with cottage cheese a try. I promise it will become a staple in your kitchen, just as it has in mine. Remember, good nutrition doesn’t have to be complicated to be effective and enjoyable. Be well!
About the Author
Rachel Roberts is a Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist in Rhode Island, a Certified Personal Trainer, business owner, mom, wife, and self-proclaimed foodie with over 20 years of experience in the field of health and wellness. She believes that healthy eating should not be complicated or time-consuming. Follow her on YouTube, Facebook, or Instagram for more delicious and nutritious recipes and tips to optimize your health.
Need some helping getting your health on track? Rachel and her team of Registered Dietitians and Nutritionist help people lose weight and achieve their health and wellness goals! Meet in person with one our of Nutritionists in RI. We also offer online nutrition coaching sessions to people in RI, MA, CT, FL and NY. Click here to schedule a consultation. In most cases our nutritionist are 100% covered by health insurance.
