Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

This Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake is a delightful way to start your day! Perfect for breakfast or brunch, this dish combines the fluffiness of pancakes with the heartiness of a Dutch baby. Packed with protein and low in carbs, it’s not only delicious but also nutritious. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a quiet morning, this bake is sure to impress with its vibrant blueberries and creamy texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High Protein: This bake is loaded with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, making it a filling breakfast option.
• Low Carb: With oats as the base, it’s a low-carb dish that won’t derail your healthy eating goals.
• Versatile Ingredients: Use fresh or frozen blueberries depending on what you have on hand. You can even customize it with your favorite fruits!
• Quick Preparation: With just a 15-minute prep time, you’ll have a warm and satisfying meal ready in no time.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this sweet treat that feels indulgent but is actually quite wholesome.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools to help streamline your process.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Blender or food processor
• Mixing bowl
• 8×8” baking dish
• Measuring cups and spoons

Why These Tools Matter

• Blender or food processor: Essential for creating smooth batter and blending oats into flour efficiently.
• Mixing bowl: A sturdy bowl helps combine ingredients thoroughly without spills.
• Baking dish: The right size ensures even cooking and easy slicing when serving.

Ingredients

This blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake is an easy, high protein, low carb recipe that’s a cross between a pancake and a Dutch baby. So easy and healthy!

Dairy & Eggs

• 1 cup cottage cheese (We used 4% Good Culture cottage cheese, any 4% brand will be fine)
• 4 large eggs

Grains & Sweeteners

• ½ cup rolled oats (blended into oat flour)
• 2 –3 Tbsp maple syrup (or sugar-free maple syrup)

Protein & Flavor Enhancers

• 1 30g scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1 tsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• ½ tsp cinnamon
• 1 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt (optional)

Fruits

• 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen – we used fresh. Frozen could make it a little wetter)

How to Make Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease an 8×8” baking dish with non-stick baking spray.

Step 2: Prepare Oat Flour

Blend oats in a blender or food processor until fine to create oat flour.

Step 3: Combine Wet Ingredients

In a blender or large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, sweetener, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and protein powder. Blend until smooth.

Step 4: Mix Dry Ingredients

Add in the blended oat flour, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Stir until fully combined.

Step 5: Fold in Blueberries

Gently fold in the blueberries to maintain their shape.

Step 6: Pour Batter into Dish

Pour the batter into your greased baking dish evenly.

Step 7: Bake

Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set, the edges are golden brown, and the bake starts to pull away from the sides.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Let cool slightly before slicing into 4 squares. You can top with powdered sweetener if desired or drizzle with maple syrup like you would on pancakes.

Enjoy your delicious Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake!

How to Serve Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

Serving your Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake can elevate your breakfast experience. Here are some delightful ideas to enjoy this wholesome dish.

Pair with Fresh Fruits

• Sliced Bananas: Add sweetness and creaminess with fresh banana slices on top.
• Mixed Berries: Enhance the berry flavor by serving with a mix of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries.

Drizzle with Sweet Toppings

• Maple Syrup: A classic choice, drizzle pure maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Honey: For a natural sweetener, drizzle honey over the warm bake for a floral note.

Add Crunchy Elements

• Chopped Nuts: Top with almonds or walnuts for a nutritious crunch.
• Granola: Sprinkle some granola for added texture and flavor contrast.

Serve with Yogurt

• Greek Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt adds creaminess and extra protein while balancing flavors.
• Flavored Yogurt: Use vanilla or berry-flavored yogurt to complement the blueberries.

How to Perfect Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

To ensure your Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake turns out perfectly every time, follow these handy tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh blueberries yield the best flavor; however, frozen can work if that’s all you have.
• Blend Well: Ensure all wet ingredients are blended until smooth for an even texture throughout.
• Watch Baking Time: Keep an eye on the baking process; ovens can vary. It’s done when the edges are golden and the center is set.
• Cool Before Cutting: Allow the bake to cool slightly before slicing; this helps it hold its shape better.
• Experiment with Spices: Feel free to add nutmeg or cardamom for additional flavor complexity.
• Store Properly: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days for best freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

Complementing your Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Consider these delicious options:

1. Fresh Fruit Salad: A vibrant mix of seasonal fruits adds freshness and color to your plate.
2. Scrambled Eggs: Fluffy scrambled eggs provide a savory contrast that pairs nicely with the sweet bake.
3. Avocado Toast: Creamy avocado on whole-grain toast offers healthy fats and fiber, making it a great addition.
4. Smoothie Bowl: Blend up your favorite fruits and serve in a bowl topped with seeds or nuts for added nutrition.
5. Cottage Cheese with Pineapple: The combination of cottage cheese and sweet pineapple is refreshing and adds more protein.
6. Chia Seed Pudding: This light pudding makes an excellent side that complements the flavors of blueberries beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making the Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.

• Using the wrong type of cottage cheese: Ensure you use full-fat cottage cheese for a creamy texture. Low-fat versions can affect the bake’s consistency.
• Skipping the blending step: Blending the ingredients helps create a smooth batter. If you skip this step, your bake might be lumpy.
• Not measuring oats properly: Accurately measuring oats is crucial since it impacts the bake’s texture. Use a kitchen scale or measuring cups for precision.
• Overmixing the batter: Gently fold in the blueberries to prevent them from breaking apart. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
• Ignoring baking time: Every oven is different. Keep an eye on your bake and test for doneness before removing it from the oven.

Refrigerator Storage

• Duration: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Containers: Use airtight containers to keep the bake fresh and moist.

Freezing Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

• Duration: You can freeze portions for up to 2 months.
• Containers: Wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.

Reheating Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F, place slices on a baking sheet, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat individual portions in 30-second intervals until hot, being careful not to overcook.
• Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake high in protein?

The combination of cottage cheese and protein powder significantly boosts the protein content, making it a nutritious breakfast option.

Can I use frozen blueberries in the Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake?

Yes, frozen blueberries can be used; however, they may make the batter slightly wetter.

How can I customize my Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake?

You can add spices like nutmeg or swap blueberries for other fruits such as strawberries or raspberries for variety.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake stores well and is perfect for preparing ahead of time for busy mornings.

Conclusion

The Easy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Bake is not only delicious but also versatile and packed with nutrients. It’s perfect for breakfast or brunch and offers room for customization with your favorite fruits or add-ins. Try it today and enjoy a wholesome start to your day!

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