Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs are a light and tasty dish that’s super easy to whip up! With creamy cottage cheese and fluffy eggs, this meal is perfect for breakfast or a quick snack.
What I love most is how simple it is to make! Just mix, pour, and bake. Plus, you can add your favorite veggies or spices for a fun twist. It’s a healthy option that still feels special!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the dish! Choose a good quality cottage cheese for creaminess. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try tofu blended for a similar texture.
Eggs: Fresh large eggs are best for a satisfying texture. For a vegan alternative, consider using a chickpea flour mixture (1/4 cup of chickpea flour mixed with 1/4 cup of water per egg).
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings a nice flavor and color. You can substitute it with cooked kale or Swiss chard if you prefer.
Herbs: Fresh dill and basil add great flavor. If you don’t have these, dried herbs like oregano or thyme can work, but use less since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Red Chili Flakes: They add a little kick. You can skip them or use paprika for a milder flavor. If you love spice, consider adding diced jalapeños!
How Do I Ensure My Eggs Cook Just Right?
Getting the eggs just right is key! Here’s how you can nail it:
- Preheat your oven and monitor the temperature closely; 350°F is ideal.
- Check the eggs around the 15-minute mark. Baking time may vary based on your oven, so keep an eye on them.
- If you prefer runny yolks, remove them when whites are just set; if you like them hard, give them a couple more minutes.
Resting the dish for a bit after baking helps the flavors meld and the dish to cool slightly for easier serving. Enjoy your cooking!
Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon red chili flakes (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
- Toasted bread slices, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, with an additional 15-20 minutes in the oven. Overall, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in about 30 minutes! Perfect for a quick breakfast or a light brunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a small baking dish or an oven-safe skillet with olive oil or butter. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Cottage Cheese Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped spinach, half of the fresh dill, and basil. Season this mixture with a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Spread the cottage cheese and spinach mixture evenly in your greased baking dish. Make sure it covers the bottom well to allow for even baking.
4. Add the Eggs:
Now it’s time to crack the eggs! Carefully crack each egg on top of the cottage cheese mixture, making sure to space them evenly so that every serving has an egg.
5. Season and Garnish:
Sprinkle the remaining dill and red chili flakes over the eggs and mixture. The chili flakes add a lovely spicy touch, but feel free to skip them if you prefer a milder flavor.
6. Baking Time:
Slide your dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the egg whites to be set, while the yolks can remain slightly runny or be cooked to your liking.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs warm, alongside toasted bread slices for dipping. You can also garnish with extra herbs for a fresh touch. Enjoy your nutritious and delicious meal!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese Instead?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you’re looking to reduce calories, but keep in mind the texture may be slightly different. The dish might be a bit less creamy, but it will still taste great!
How Can I Add More Flavor?
Feel free to experiment with additional seasonings! For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, or nutritional yeast. You could also mix in some sun-dried tomatoes or cooked mushrooms for added depth.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of water to keep it moist.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add other veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts. Just make sure to chop them finely and, if necessary, sauté them briefly to reduce moisture before adding to the mixture.