The Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a nutritious, delicious, and satisfying way to start your day. This simple yet wholesome dish combines the richness of cottage cheese, the natural sweetness of fresh blueberries, and the fluffiness of eggs into one easy-to-make bake. Perfect for busy mornings, it’s a great make-ahead option that offers a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidants.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with protein – Cottage cheese provides a creamy texture and a protein boost that will keep you full throughout the morning.
- Naturally sweetened – The natural sweetness of blueberries makes this dish a healthy alternative to sugary breakfast options.
- Make-ahead option – Prepare this bake the night before, and have a quick breakfast ready to go in the morning.
- Light and satisfying – A great way to enjoy a filling breakfast without feeling overly stuffed.
- Versatile – You can switch up the fruit or add other ingredients like nuts or seeds for more variety.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- Eggs
- Fresh blueberries (or frozen, thawed)
- Oats
- Baking powder
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Maple syrup (optional)
- Salt
- Chopped nuts (optional, such as almonds or walnuts)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish (about 8×8 inches) with cooking spray or butter.
- Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using).
- Add dry ingredients: Stir in oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
- Fold in blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- Pour into baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Optional topping: Sprinkle chopped nuts on top for extra texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Serve: Let it cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
Variations
- Different fruits: Swap blueberries for strawberries, raspberries, or blackberries, depending on your preference and seasonal availability.
- Add-ins: Stir in chopped nuts, seeds, or a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutrient boost.
- Dairy-free option: Use dairy-free cottage cheese or a plant-based alternative and adjust the baking time slightly if necessary.
- Sweetener alternatives: If you prefer a less sweet bake, reduce or omit the maple syrup and rely on the natural sweetness of the fruit.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Freezing: You can freeze individual slices by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. They will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Just make sure to thaw and drain any excess liquid before adding them to the batter.
Can I make this breakfast bake ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Simply bake it in the morning for a quick and easy breakfast.
Can I substitute cottage cheese with something else?
If you don’t have cottage cheese, Greek yogurt can be a good substitute for a creamy texture.
How do I know when the breakfast bake is done?
The bake should be golden brown on top and set in the center. You can test it by inserting a toothpick into the middle – it should come out clean.
Can I add protein powder to this recipe?
Yes, you can stir in a scoop of protein powder (vanilla or unflavored) for an added protein boost.
What type of oats should I use?
Use old-fashioned rolled oats for the best texture. Steel-cut oats will not work in this recipe as they need a longer cooking time.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as it only calls for oats, cottage cheese, and eggs. Just make sure to use certified gluten-free oats if necessary.
Can I add spices like nutmeg or ginger?
Yes, nutmeg, ginger, or even a touch of cloves can complement the cinnamon and add extra warmth to the flavor.
Can I reduce the amount of sugar or maple syrup?
Yes, you can reduce or omit the maple syrup, as the blueberries will provide enough natural sweetness for most people.
Can I make this recipe without eggs?
To make it egg-free, substitute the eggs with a flax or chia seed egg replacement or use a plant-based egg alternative.
Conclusion
The Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a delicious and nourishing way to kick off your day. Packed with protein, fiber, and antioxidants, it’s the perfect balance of sweet and savory to fuel your morning. Whether you make it ahead of time or bake it fresh, this breakfast bake is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Enjoy it as a wholesome breakfast or a light snack anytime during the day!
Print
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake Dessert
- Author: Emma
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
The Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a wholesome, protein-packed breakfast that combines cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, and oats for a satisfying and delicious start to your day. Perfect for busy mornings, this make-ahead dish offers a balance of protein, fiber, and antioxidants. It’s a great alternative to sugary breakfast options and is easy to customize with your favorite fruits or add-ins.
Ingredients
-
Cottage Cheese (Low-fat or Full-fat)
- 2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat depending on preference)
-
Eggs
- 4 large eggs
-
Fresh Blueberries (or Frozen, Thawed)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (thawed and drained if using frozen)
-
Oats
- 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
-
Baking Powder
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
-
Vanilla Extract
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-
Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
-
Maple Syrup (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
-
Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
-
Chopped Nuts (Optional, such as Almonds or Walnuts)
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping or added texture)
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
-
Mix the wet ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, vanilla extract, and maple syrup (if using).
-
Add dry ingredients: Stir in the oats, baking powder, ground cinnamon, and salt. Mix until well combined.
-
Fold in blueberries: Gently fold the blueberries into the batter, making sure they are evenly distributed throughout.
-
Pour into baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
-
Optional topping: Sprinkle the chopped nuts on top for added texture and flavor.
-
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
-
Serve: Let the bake cool slightly before slicing. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, use dairy-free cottage cheese or a plant-based alternative and adjust baking time if needed.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for cottage cheese if you prefer a different creamy texture.
- For more sweetness, you can add additional maple syrup or reduce it for a less sweet bake.
- Adding spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cloves can enhance the flavor.
- Make it a complete meal by adding protein powder to boost the protein content.
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