Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a nutritious and delicious way to start your day! Packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, sweetened naturally with fresh blueberries, and made with wholesome oats, this bake is a perfect balance of creamy, fruity, and hearty flavors. It’s quick to assemble and can be prepped the night before for a hassle-free breakfast. Whether you’re looking for a healthy morning option or a satisfying snack, this dish is sure to hit the spot. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – add your favorite fruit, nuts, or seeds for a personalized touch.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or similar-sized pan.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or honey), and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Combine dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, baking powder, and salt. Mix until the oats are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
- Add fruit and optional ingredients: Gently fold in the blueberries, chopped nuts (if using), and chia or flax seeds for extra texture and nutrients.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake in the preheated oven for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool and serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Variations
- Fruit Swap: If you don’t have blueberries, feel free to use raspberries, strawberries, or even diced apples. You can also mix and match fruits to create your favorite combination.
- Add-ins: For extra crunch, add walnuts, almonds, or pecans. You can also incorporate dried fruits like cranberries or raisins.
- Sweetener Options: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can use agave syrup, stevia, or coconut sugar. Adjust the quantity to taste.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese and a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flax + 3 tablespoons water) to make this breakfast bake vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Ensure your oats are certified gluten-free to make this recipe completely gluten-free.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes until warmed through.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen blueberries work well in this recipe. Just fold them in gently while frozen to avoid the color bleeding too much into the batter.
2. Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish the night before by assembling all the ingredients in the baking dish and storing it covered in the fridge. In the morning, just bake it as directed.
3. Is this recipe dairy-free?
To make this dairy-free, swap out the cottage cheese for a plant-based alternative, such as vegan cottage cheese or silken tofu, and use a dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk.
4. Can I add protein powder to this bake?
Yes! You can add a scoop of your favorite protein powder to the mixture to boost the protein content. Just make sure to adjust the amount of liquid accordingly to maintain the right consistency.
5. How can I make this recipe lower in sugar?
If you want to reduce the sugar content, you can decrease the maple syrup or honey and rely on the natural sweetness of the blueberries or use a sugar-free sweetener like stevia.
6. Can I use a different type of oats?
Old-fashioned rolled oats work best for this recipe, but if you only have quick oats, you can substitute them in, though the texture may be slightly different.
7. Can I use other seeds instead of chia or flax?
Yes, you can substitute chia or flax seeds with sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or hemp seeds for a different texture and added crunch.
8. Can I make this recipe without eggs?
Yes, you can substitute the eggs with a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed + 3 tablespoons water) or another egg replacement, such as applesauce or a mashed banana.
9. Can I double this recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe and bake it in a larger dish. Just increase the baking time by a few minutes and check for doneness by inserting a toothpick into the center.
10. Can I serve this breakfast bake as a dessert?
Absolutely! This dish has a subtle sweetness and creamy texture, making it great as a light dessert. You can top it with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream for an extra indulgence.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a wonderful way to enjoy a wholesome, protein-packed breakfast that’s also quick and easy to make. The creamy cottage cheese, naturally sweet blueberries, and chewy oats create a perfectly balanced dish that can be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re in need of a filling breakfast or a nutritious snack, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Prep it ahead of time, bake it in the morning, and enjoy a healthy start to your day!
Print
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 50-55 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Start your day with a nutritious and delicious breakfast! This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake combines protein-packed cottage cheese, oats, and sweet blueberries into a satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy mornings. Easy to make, customizable, and filling, it’s the ideal healthy breakfast or snack!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1/2 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh blueberries (or frozen)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1 tablespoon chia seeds or flax seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, milk, vanilla extract, maple syrup (or honey), and cinnamon until smooth and well combined.
- Combine Dry Ingredients: Stir in oats, baking powder, and salt until the oats are fully incorporated into the wet mixture.
- Add Fruit & Optional Ingredients: Gently fold in blueberries, chopped nuts (if using), and chia or flax seeds.
- Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool for a few minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Fruit Swap: Use other fruits like raspberries, strawberries, or diced apples.
- Add-ins: Add walnuts, almonds, or pecans for extra crunch. Try dried fruits like cranberries or raisins for variety.
- Sweetener Options: Substitute maple syrup or honey with agave syrup, stevia, or coconut sugar. Adjust sweetness to your preference.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based cottage cheese and a flax egg to make this vegan-friendly.
- Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free oats to make this dish gluten-free.
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