Name: Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 large eggs; 32 ounces small curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat recommended); 16 ounces shredded Colby Jack cheese; 1 pound bacon, cooked and chopped; 10 ounces frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained; ¾ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute); 1 teaspoon Lawry’s Seasoned Salt; ½ cup minced yellow onion; 1 cup small-diced red bell pepper; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

The Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is everything you want in a breakfast or brunch dish: high-protein, packed with vegetables, and irresistibly cheesy with golden, crispy edges. Each slice brims with savory bacon, tender spinach, and pops of colorful bell pepper, all enveloped in a fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth egg base. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or just treating yourself to a delicious wholesome meal, this bake will quickly become a cherished staple in your kitchen.

Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes a Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake truly shine is the marriage of simple, good-for-you ingredients, each playing a crucial role in texture, flavor, and appearance. You probably have many of these on hand already, but don’t overlook the little details—they make this bake so memorable!

Eggs: The star of the show, giving structure and protein-packed fluffiness.
Small curd cottage cheese (4% milkfat): Adds unbeatable creaminess and protein, with subtle tang.
Shredded Colby Jack cheese: Lends the classic melty, gooey factor plus gorgeous golden color.
Bacon: For smoky, savory crunch in every bite—cook crisp for best contrast!
Frozen chopped spinach: Packs in greens and earthy flavor, just be sure to thaw and squeeze dry.
All-purpose flour (or gluten-free substitute): A bit of binder for perfect sliceable squares.
Lawry’s Seasoned Salt: Gives a gentle, well-rounded seasoning that ties all the ingredients together.
Minced yellow onion: For subtle sweetness and aromatic base notes.
Small-diced red bell pepper: Pops of color and gentle crunch throughout.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty saltiness and a beautiful, slightly crisped topping.

How to Make Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick spray—this ensures your Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake releases easily after baking and stays neatly portioned for every serving.

Step 2: Crisp the Bacon

Cook your bacon until it’s gloriously crispy—don’t rush this step! Crispy bacon brings both flavor and texture, and those savory bits woven throughout the casserole are little treasures in every bite. Once cooled, chop into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Mix the Wet Ingredients and Veggies

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together all twelve eggs until smooth. Add the cottage cheese, thawed and very well-drained spinach, melted butter (if using), half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, most of the chopped bacon (save a handful for the top!), minced onion, and half the diced red bell pepper. Stir until everything’s beautifully combined; this step is where the true magic happens as flavors start mingling.

Step 4: Add Dry Ingredients and Seasonings

Sprinkle the flour and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt over the mixture, along with some freshly ground black pepper and half of the Parmesan. This not only binds the veggies and meats with the eggs, but also seasons the whole bake deeply for irresistible savoriness. Mix until just combined—don’t over-stir.

Step 5: Assemble in the Pan

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared pan, smoothing the top. Scatter over the reserved chopped bacon, the rest of the Colby Jack, remaining bell pepper, Parmesan cheese, and a dusting of black pepper. This layering creates an irresistible golden top and ensures every forkful starts with flavor.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes. After this initial bake, remove the foil so the top can develop a beautiful, cheesy crust, and continue baking for another 20–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center feels firm to the touch and no longer jiggles—a sign that it’ll slice cleanly and hold together perfectly.

Step 7: Rest and Garnish

Let the Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake rest for 15–20 minutes out of the oven. This wait is absolutely worth it—the bake will firm up for easy cutting, and the flavors will settle just right. Garnish with fresh green onions or your favorite fresh herbs just before serving for a pop of color and freshness.

How to Serve Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Garnishes

For added brightness, scatter sliced green onions or chopped chives right before serving. A sprinkle of fresh parsley or even a few halved cherry tomatoes brings a lovely burst of freshness and visual appeal. These little extras truly make each slice stand out.

Side Dishes

Pair your Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with roasted potatoes, a crisp green salad, or a medley of fresh fruit for a colorful, balanced plate. For brunch feasts, serve alongside whole-grain toast, smoked salmon, or a zippy homemade salsa to keep things exciting. The bake’s hearty character plays well with just about any side!

Creative Ways to Present

While slicing classic squares is always a hit, you can also use a biscuit cutter for neat circles, serve over toast, or layer with avocado slices and hot sauce for a build-your-own breakfast bar. For a buffet or special occasion, arrange slices in a fan on a platter and add edible flowers for a stunning centerpiece.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled completely, store slices of your Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. Reheat as needed for quick breakfasts, lunches, or snacks that never get old. The bake holds up beautifully and stays flavorful even after a couple of days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftover slices for up to three months—simply wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or keep in a freezer-safe container. This way, you always have a portion of delicious, healthy breakfast ready to go, even on your busiest days.

Reheating

For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 325°F for 10–15 minutes until warmed through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works in a pinch—cover the slice and use short bursts so it stays moist and fluffy. Either way, your Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake will taste just as fresh and satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese in my Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake?

Absolutely! While Colby Jack is wonderfully melty and mild, feel free to experiment with cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a little spice. Just keep the total amount of cheese the same for best results.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

You sure can! Simply omit the bacon or substitute with sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or your favorite plant-based sausage. The bake will still be hearty, flavorful, and totally satisfying.

Is it possible to make this Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake gluten-free?

Definitely. Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free baking blend or even almond flour. The egg base is naturally gluten-free, so the change won’t affect texture or taste.

What if I don’t have Lawry’s Seasoned Salt?

No worries! Use a blend of regular salt, garlic powder, a pinch of paprika, and a touch of onion powder to mimic Lawry’s signature flavor. Adjust seasoning to taste—there’s lots of room for creativity.

How can I tell when the bake is fully cooked?

The center should feel firm and spring back lightly when touched, and a knife inserted in the center should come out clean with no liquid egg. Letting it rest after baking helps ensure perfect slices.

Final Thoughts

Treat yourself to the comfort and satisfaction of a Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake—once you try it, you’ll wonder how you made breakfast before this recipe came along! Whether you make it for a slow weekend brunch or for easy weekday meals, this crowd-pleaser deserves a spot on your table. Happy baking!

Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 15 reviews

Author: Ethan
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Healthy Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is a delicious and protein-packed dish perfect for breakfast or brunch. Loaded with cottage cheese, bacon, spinach, and cheese, this bake is a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 350°F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with nonstick cooking spray.
Cook bacon: Cook bacon until crispy, then chop into bite-sized pieces.
Prepare egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs. Add cottage cheese, melted butter, spinach, half of the shredded Colby Jack cheese, chopped bacon (reserve some for topping), onion, and half of the red bell pepper; mix well.
Season and combine: Sprinkle flour, seasoned salt, black pepper, and half of the Parmesan over the mixture; stir until combined.
Assemble and bake: Pour into the prepared baking pan and top with reserved bacon, remaining Colby Jack cheese, red bell pepper, Parmesan cheese, and black pepper. Cover with foil and bake for 40 minutes; uncover and bake for an additional 20–30 minutes until the center is firm.
Rest and serve: Let sit for 15–20 minutes before cutting. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Category: Breakfast, Brunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American