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- 2 cups cottage cheese (either low-fat or regular) - 1 cup cooked quinoa - 1 bell pepper, diced (any color) - 1 medium zucchini, grated - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 medium onion, finely diced - 2 cloves of garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - Salt and pepper, to taste - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 large eggs - Olive oil, for greasing You can use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter dish. For a vegan option, swap cottage cheese with tofu and eggs with a flaxseed mix. This keeps the protein high while catering to dietary needs. Using fresh herbs in place of dried can enhance flavors too. {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with olive oil. - In a large bowl, mix 2 cups of cottage cheese and 1 cup of cooked quinoa. - Add in 1 diced bell pepper, 1 grated zucchini, 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1/2 diced onion, and 2 cloves of minced garlic. - Stir until everything is well mixed. - Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, and season with salt and pepper. - Mix again to blend the flavors. - In another bowl, whisk 2 large eggs until frothy. - Fold the eggs into the cottage cheese mix gently. - Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. - Spread it out evenly with a spatula. - Top with 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. - Bake for 30-35 minutes. - Check if the top is golden brown and the center is set. It should not jiggle when shaken. Mix your ingredients well but avoid overdoing it. Overmixing can make the bake dense. A gentle fold keeps it light. Once baked, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This cooling time helps the layers hold together. If you slice too soon, it may fall apart. To boost flavor, try adding fresh herbs like thyme or chives. Fresh herbs bring bright notes that dried herbs can't match. Dried herbs work well too, but they take time to release their flavor. Use them wisely to balance your dish. Fresh garlic can also make a big impact on taste. For a beautiful presentation, serve generous wedges of the bake on a colorful plate. Pair it with a fresh salad for a nice crunch. A drizzle of balsamic glaze adds a sweet touch. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil for extra color. These small details make your dish stand out. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh vegetables whenever possible to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of your dish. Experiment with Herbs: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or rosemary for an extra layer of flavor that complements the dish. Adjust the Cheese: If you're a cheese lover, try adding a blend of cheeses such as feta or cheddar for a unique taste. Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven for the best texture. {{image_4}} Want to up the protein in your High Protein Veggie Cottage Cheese Bake? You can easily add different legumes. Chickpeas, lentils, or black beans work well. These legumes add protein and fiber, making your dish hearty. You can also incorporate lean meats or seafood. Grilled chicken or shrimp can add a tasty twist. Just make sure to cook them first, and then mix them into your bake. Experimenting with different cheeses can change the flavor of your bake. Try cheddar or feta for a new taste. Each cheese offers a unique texture and flavor, keeping it interesting. Changing up the vegetables used is another fun way to vary your dish. Use mushrooms, broccoli, or even sweet potatoes for a different texture and taste. This way, you can match your bake to the seasons or your pantry. For gluten-free options, stick to the ingredients listed in the recipe. Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, so you're already on track. Just be sure to check labels on any packaged items. If you want to make vegetarian vs. vegan modifications, swap the cottage cheese with a plant-based version. You can also replace the eggs with flaxseed meal or a commercial egg replacer. This way, everyone can enjoy the bake! Store leftovers in the fridge. Use an airtight container to keep the dish fresh. It will last up to three days. Make sure it cools down before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup inside the container. You can reheat in the oven or microwave. The oven gives a nice crispy top. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 15 minutes. For a quick option, use the microwave. Heat for one to two minutes. Check if it’s hot all the way through. To freeze portions, cut the bake into squares. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This keeps them fresh for up to three months. For thawing, move the squares to the fridge overnight. Reheat using the oven or microwave as mentioned above. This keeps the taste and texture just right. To make this dish vegan, replace cottage cheese and eggs. Use silken tofu in place of cottage cheese. Blend the tofu until smooth for a creamy texture. For eggs, use a mixture of ground flaxseed and water. Combine 1 tablespoon of flaxseed with 2.5 tablespoons of water to make one egg substitute. Let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens. This mix binds the ingredients without eggs. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Make the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. This allows the flavors to blend. On baking day, just pour it into the dish and top with cheese. You can also bake it ahead and reheat it later. Just make sure to cool it before storing. Each serving has about 250 calories. It contains 20 grams of protein, which is great for muscle health. The dish also has a good amount of fiber from the veggies and quinoa. Keep in mind that the values may change based on your ingredient choices. For a more precise count, use a nutrition calculator. You can use frozen vegetables for this recipe. They are convenient and save time. Just make sure to thaw and drain them before mixing. This avoids excess water in the bake. Fresh veggies add crunch, but frozen will work well, too. Choose a mix of your favorites for extra flavor. This blog post shared a simple yet tasty recipe using basic ingredients. You learned about using cottage cheese, quinoa, fresh veggies, and a blend of seasonings. I provided steps for prepping, baking, and serving your dish. Also, there are helpful tips for storage and reheating, with a nod to dietary adaptations. Remember, you can switch ingredients based on your needs. So, get creative, enjoy the cooking process, and savor your delicious meal!

High Protein Veggie Cottage Cheese Bake

A delicious and nutritious bake packed with protein and veggies.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa
  • 1 whole bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, grated
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
  • 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • for greasing olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a 9x9-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, cooked quinoa, diced bell pepper, grated zucchini, chopped spinach, softened onion, and minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until the ingredients are well blended and evenly distributed.
  • Add the dried oregano, basil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir the mixture again to ensure the seasonings are evenly incorporated throughout the veggie medley.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk the eggs until they become frothy and slightly pale in color. Carefully fold the beaten eggs into the cottage cheese mixture, ensuring all the ingredients are well combined without overmixing.
  • Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it out evenly across the surface.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the mixture to create a cheesy layer that will melt and brown as it bakes.
  • Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. The bake is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set and firms up when gently shaken.
  • Once baked, allow the dish to cool for a few minutes before slicing it into squares. This will help the layers hold together when serving.

Notes

Serve with a fresh salad and drizzle with balsamic glaze for added flavor.
Keyword bake, cottage cheese, high protein, vegetarian