Name: Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup bell pepper, diced (red, yellow, or orange); 1 cup finely diced yellow onion; 3 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 12 large eggs; 2 cups cottage cheese; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; ½ teaspoon salt; 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided (can substitute regular cheddar, Monterey Jack, or similar); 1 tablespoon cooking oil (grapeseed, avocado, or olive oil; can substitute butter); Optional garnish: sliced green onions or chives

Jump to Recipe· 4.1 from 41 reviews

If you are searching for a wholesome and delicious breakfast or brunch idea, the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe is an absolute game-changer. This dish combines creamy cottage cheese with fresh spinach and sharp cheddar to create a satisfying, protein-packed bake that’s bursting with flavor and color. It’s incredibly easy to make, comforting in texture, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal-prepping for the week. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your all-time favorite recipes to add to your morning routine or even a cozy dinner.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl on a white marbled surface holds a mixture with three distinct layers visible: the bottom layer is a bright yellow smooth liquid, likely eggs; on top of this, on one side, is a pile of shredded orange cheese with a soft texture; next to the cheese, on the other side, is a chopped vegetable mix with green leaves, red pieces, and small brown bits, creating a colorful contrast. Near the bowl, a white and gray striped cloth is partially visible. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe is in its simple but carefully chosen ingredients. Each component adds its own special touch, from the vibrant bell peppers for color and crunch to the creamy cottage cheese that keeps every bite moist and rich. Here’s what you’ll need:

1 tablespoon cooking oil: Use grapeseed, avocado, or olive oil for a light, neutral flavor and perfect sautéing.
1 cup bell pepper, diced: Choose red, yellow, or orange for a burst of sweetness and lovely color contrast.
1 cup finely diced yellow onion: Adds subtle sweetness and an aromatic base to the bake.
3 cups packed baby spinach, roughly chopped: Offers fresh earthiness and brilliant green color while packing in nutrients.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Lends fragrant depth and a little savory kick to balance the dish.
12 large eggs: The essential protein foundation that helps the bake set beautifully.
2 cups cottage cheese: Provides a creamy, tangy texture that makes this bake truly special and moist.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle zing and enhances all the flavors.
½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives an extra layer of savory flavor.
½ teaspoon paprika: Infuses a gentle smoky warmth and lovely color to the bake.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances and brings together all the seasoning.
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided: One cup mixed in for melty richness; one cup on top for that irresistible golden crust.
Optional garnish: sliced green onions or chives: Perfect fresh herbs to brighten up the final presentation.

How to Make Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This initial step ensures your bake won’t stick and will have a nice, even cook throughout.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat your chosen cooking oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and bell peppers, cooking them gently for 3 to 5 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some crunch and vibrant color. This builds a flavorful base that carries through the whole dish.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach and Add Garlic

Next, stir in the chopped spinach and minced garlic. Cook everything for another minute until the spinach is just wilted and the garlic smells fragrant and delicious. This step makes sure the greens lose their raw edge and blend effortlessly into the bake later.

Step 4: Whisk Together the Egg Mixture

In a large bowl, combine all the wet ingredients: eggs, cottage cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk them thoroughly until smooth and creamy. For a super velvety consistency, you could use an immersion blender to combine everything—but just a few pulses so you don’t overwork the eggs.

Step 5: Mix in Vegetables and Cheese

Fold the sautéed vegetables along with 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. This distributes the flavors and textures nicely, ensuring every bite has a bit of melty cheese and tender veggies.

Step 6: Pour and Top

Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and give the pan a gentle shake to level everything out. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top to create a gorgeous, golden crust once baked.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes to let the bake start setting up. Then remove the foil and continue baking for another 20 to 30 minutes until the center is completely set and the cheese topping is a beautiful golden brown. This staged baking helps keep the bake moist while giving you that perfect top layer.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle on optional sliced green onions or chives for a fresh, colorful touch. Let the bake cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting time helps it set completely, making serving easier and neater.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe

A square piece of egg casserole sits on a white plate with a silver fork beside it. The casserole has three layers: the base is a soft, light yellow egg mixture speckled with green spinach and small red bell pepper bits, the middle is filled with the same colorful vegetable mix with some white cheese pieces, and the top layer is melted bright orange cheddar cheese that slightly drips over the edges. Fresh, round green onion slices are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh, vibrant touch. The plate rests on a white marbled surface, with a soft, blurred background and part of a striped cloth visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Adding fresh herbs like green onions or chives not only brings a punch of bright flavor but also makes your bake look incredibly inviting. A sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or even a dash of hot sauce could add a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.

Side Dishes

This egg bake pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider fresh fruit salad for sweetness, crispy breakfast potatoes for hearty comfort, or a light mixed green salad to balance the richness. Toasted sourdough or crusty bread are also fantastic for mopping up any melty cheese left on your plate.

Creative Ways to Present

You can make the Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe feel extra special by serving it in individual ramekins for personalized portions or by layering in colorful vegetables like cherry tomatoes or mushrooms to add visual interest. Sprinkling some smoked paprika or fresh herbs just before serving creates a beautiful finishing touch everyone will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers should be cooled to room temperature, then covered tightly or placed in an airtight container before refrigerating. They will stay fresh for up to 4 days, making this bake an excellent option for quick breakfasts or lunches during the week.

Freezing

You can freeze the egg bake in portions by wrapping cooled slices individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag. Properly stored, the bake can last for up to 2 months in the freezer without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

To reheat, remove the thawed slice from the freezer or refrigerator and warm it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until hot throughout. Reheating slowly helps retain the creamy texture and melty cheese without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I substitute the spinach for another green?

Absolutely! Kale, Swiss chard, or even arugula can work beautifully in this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe. Just make sure to sauté your greens to reduce moisture and soften their texture before adding.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try substituting the cottage cheese and cheddar for plant-based alternatives made from nuts or soy. The texture will be a bit different, but the bake will still come together nicely, especially with flavorful plant-based cheeses and a touch of nutritional yeast.

What can I do if I don’t have Dijon mustard?

If you don’t have Dijon on hand, you can use yellow mustard or even a little prepared horseradish to keep that tangy note. The Dijon adds a subtle complexity but it’s not a deal-breaker if missing.

Can this bake be made vegan?

This recipe relies heavily on eggs and cheese for texture and protein, so turning it fully vegan would require major substitutions, such as a tofu scramble base and vegan cheese. It’s doable but quite different from the classic Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Great news! This bake is naturally gluten-free as it contains no bread or flour. Just ensure your mustard and spices do not contain any hidden gluten ingredients.

Final Thoughts

This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Spinach and Cheddar Recipe is a warm hug on a plate, combining simple ingredients into something truly unforgettable. Whether you’re feeding family, entertaining guests, or preparing meals ahead, it fits the bill perfectly with its ease, wholesome nutrition, and fantastic taste. Give it a try—you might just find your new go-to for breakfast, brunch, or anytime comfort food!