Description
This High Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a nutritious and satisfying casserole perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Packed with a variety of sautéed vegetables, low-fat cottage cheese, and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, this dish offers a delicious way to enjoy a vegetarian high-protein meal. Lightly seasoned with Italian herbs and baked to a golden perfection, it’s a wholesome option for those seeking a healthy and flavorful protein-rich dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 1 cup chopped spinach
- 1 cup chopped broccoli florets
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped zucchini
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Dairy & Eggs
- 2 cups low-fat cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until fragrant. Add the broccoli florets, diced bell peppers, and chopped zucchini, cooking for an additional 5 minutes until they become slightly tender. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove the skillet from heat and let the mixture cool slightly.
- Combine Dairy and Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the low-fat cottage cheese together with the six large eggs until well combined, creating a smooth base.
- Add Cheeses and Seasoning: Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning into the cottage cheese and egg mixture.
- Fold in Vegetables: Gently fold the sautéed and cooled vegetables into the cheese and egg mixture until everything is evenly distributed.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top has turned a light golden color.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This rest time helps it firm up and enhances the flavors. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute the vegetables based on your preference, such as using mushrooms, kale, or cherry tomatoes for variety.
- For a lower-fat option, consider using reduced-fat cheese varieties.
- Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat gently in the microwave or oven before serving.
