Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake is a delightful and nutritious dish that combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the sweet burst of blueberries. This bake is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack, offering a balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High in Protein: Cottage cheese provides a substantial amount of protein, keeping you satisfied and energized.
- Naturally Sweetened: Sweetened with honey or maple syrup, this bake avoids refined sugars.
- Easy to Prepare: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, it’s a breeze to make.
- Versatile: Enjoy it warm or cold, as a main dish or a snack.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until well blended.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon to the mixture. Mix until fully incorporated.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries and chopped nuts if using. Be careful not to crush the berries.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe yields approximately 6 servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 45 minutes
Variations
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
- Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative to make the recipe dairy-free.
- Different Fruits: Replace blueberries with raspberries, strawberries, or diced apples for a new flavor profile.
- Added Spices: Incorporate nutmeg or allspice for additional warmth and depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Cut the bake into individual portions, wrap them tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
FAQs
What type of cottage cheese works best for this recipe?
Both full-fat and low-fat cottage cheese work well, but full-fat will yield a creamier texture.
Can I use steel-cut oats instead of rolled oats?
Rolled oats are recommended for this recipe due to their quicker cooking time and texture.
Is it necessary to thaw frozen blueberries before using them?
No, you can add frozen blueberries directly to the batter without thawing.
Can I substitute the honey/maple syrup with a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use agave nectar or a low-calorie sweetener, adjusting the amount to taste.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
Replace the eggs with flax eggs (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water per egg) and use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
What can I serve alongside this bake?
It pairs well with Greek yogurt, a drizzle of honey, or fresh fruit.
Can I prepare the batter in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the batter the night before, refrigerate it, and bake it in the morning.
How do I prevent the bake from becoming too soggy?
Ensure not to overmix the batter and bake until the top is golden and set.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, adding a scoop of vanilla protein powder can increase the protein content. You may need to adjust the liquid ingredients slightly.
Is this bake suitable for those with nut allergies?
Yes, simply omit the optional nuts to make it nut-free.
Conclusion
Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake is a versatile and wholesome dish that suits various dietary preferences and occasions. Its combination of creamy cottage cheese, sweet blueberries, and hearty oats makes it a satisfying choice for any time of day. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a healthy snack, or a dish to impress at brunch, this recipe is sure to delight.
Print
Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: reakfast, Snack
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake is a high-protein, naturally sweetened dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a healthy snack. Made with cottage cheese, oats, and fresh blueberries, it’s an easy and nutritious recipe that’s gluten-free adaptable and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract until smooth.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon until fully combined.
- Fold in Blueberries: Gently mix in blueberries and nuts (if using). Avoid overmixing to keep berries intact.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread evenly, and bake for 30-35 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool & Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use certified gluten-free oats.
- Dairy-Free Option: Swap cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative.
- Sweetener Alternatives: Substitute honey/maple syrup with agave or a low-calorie sweetener.
- Fruit Variations: Try raspberries, strawberries, or diced apples instead of blueberries.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
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