Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake Recipe

Made with the humble but mighty cottage cheese, this Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is like a melody in which every ingredient plays a crucial role— the creamy texture of the cheese, the burst of flavor from the blueberries, and the subtle wholesomeness of oats come together in perfect harmony. What’s more, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal choice for those mornings when time is a luxury, yet you refuse to compromise on the quality of your first meal.

How to make Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

A Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a wholesome baked dish often made with cottage cheese, eggs, oats, and blueberries. It’s typically sweetened lightly with honey or maple syrup and flavored with vanilla or cinnamon.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon until everything is well combined.
3. Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries and nuts (if using), being careful not to mash the blueberries.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
5. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!

Tips for a Perfect Bake:

• Choosing Cottage Cheese: The consistency of the cottage cheese can affect the texture of the bake. If you prefer a smoother consistency, consider blending the cottage cheese before adding it to the mix.
• Using Frozen Blueberries: If you opt for frozen blueberries, don’t thaw them, as they can turn the batter grayish. Toss them in a little flour before adding them to prevent them from sinking to the bottom.
• Texture Preference: To achieve a creamier inside, slightly underbake the dish. To achieve a firmer texture, leave it in the oven for a few more minutes.
• Meal Prep Friendly: This bake can be refrigerated for up to 4 days and reheated, making it a fantastic meal prep option for busy mornings.

What to serve with

Pairing your Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake with complementary sides, drinks, and extras not only rounds out your meal but elevates the dining experience, making it more balanced and fulfilling.

Beverages:

• Coffee or Tea: A freshly brewed cup of coffee or a warm mug of tea makes for a classic pairing. The bitterness of coffee or the mild flavors of tea can contrast beautifully with the sweetness of the Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake.
• Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice: The acidity and brightness of orange juice work well to cut through the richness of the cottage cheese and eggs.
• Fruit Smoothies: A fruit smoothie, perhaps made with bananas, strawberries, and a dollop of Greek yogurt, can be a nutritious and refreshing side drink.

Fruits and Vegetables:

• Mixed Berry Salad: Complement the blueberries in the Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake with a colorful salad of strawberries, raspberries, and blackberries, drizzled with honey or a splash of lime.
• Avocado Slices or Guacamole: The creaminess of avocado balances the texture of the breakfast bake and adds a different layer of flavor with its richness.
• Grilled Tomatoes: Lightly seasoned and grilled or broiled tomatoes can add a savory and slightly tangy contrast to the meal.

Proteins:

• Bacon or Sausage: For those who lean towards savory breakfasts, crispy bacon strips or a side of sausage make a great addition to balance the sweetness of the bake.
• Smoked Salmon: Offering a source of omega-3 fatty acids, smoked salmon can add a luxurious touch to your breakfast table, pairing well with the flavors in your bake.

Breads and Pastries:

• Artisanal Bread: A slice of freshly baked bread or a crispy toast can be great for scooping up bits of the breakfast bake or savoring with a bit of butter on the side.
• Croissants or Pastries: For a truly indulgent breakfast or brunch, flaky pastries or buttery croissants can complement the texture and taste of the cottage cheese and blueberries.

Ingredients Substitutes

Creating a Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake can be a delightful culinary experience, and sometimes you need alternatives for certain ingredients due to dietary restrictions, allergies, personal preferences, or availability.

1. Cottage Cheese

• Ricotta Cheese: Ricotta can be a good substitute due to its similar texture and flavor. It’s slightly sweeter and creamier than cottage cheese.
• Greek Yogurt: Thick Greek yogurt is an excellent alternative if you prefer a higher protein option with less fat. It is smoother but has a tangy profile that works well in baked goods.
• Silken Tofu: For a dairy-free option, blend silken tofu until smooth. It mimics the moisture of cottage cheese and is high in protein.

2. Blueberries

• Other Berries: Raspberries, blackberries, or chopped strawberries can replace blueberries directly. They work well with the base flavor of the breakfast bake.
• Frozen Blueberries: If fresh blueberries are unavailable, frozen ones are a perfect substitute. There’s no need to thaw them before baking; just stir them into the mix.
• Dried Blueberries: Soak them in warm water for a few minutes to plump them up before adding them to the dish, although the texture and moisture content will be different.

3. Eggs

• Flax Eggs: To make a flax egg, mix one tablespoon of ground flaxseed with three tablespoons of water and let it sit for about 15 minutes until it becomes gelatinous. This is a great vegan option.
• Applesauce: Using ¼ cup of unsweetened applesauce can replace one egg. This also adds a slight sweetness to the dish.
• Chia Seeds: Similar to flax eggs, a chia egg can be made by mixing one tablespoon of chia seeds with three tablespoons of water and allowing it to sit for about 15 minutes.

4. Milk

• Almond Milk: A lactose-free, vegan-friendly substitute that works well with the other flavors.
• Oat Milk: It’s creamier than other non-dairy milks and works as a great substitute due to its mild flavor and consistency.
• Coconut Milk: Use coconut milk for a richer, nuttier flavor. However, its distinct flavor might slightly alter the final taste of the product.

5. Sugar

• Honey or Maple Syrup: These natural sweeteners can replace granulated sugar. You may need to adjust the amount of liquid elsewhere in the recipe to accommodate the liquid sweetener.
• Coconut Sugar: This less processed substitute offers a deeper flavor with a hint of caramel.
• Stevia or Erythritol: These sweeteners can be used by those cutting down on sugar. They are much sweeter than sugar, so you will need significantly less.

6. Butter

• Applesauce: Can be used in equal amounts for butter to reduce fat content.
• Coconut Oil: This is a vegan and dairy-free fat that can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio for butter to add a slight coconut flavor.
• Olive Oil: For a healthier fat option, olive oil can be used, though it might give a savory note to your bake.

Final Thoughts

When serving the Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake, the key is to balance the flavors and textures. Offering a mix of savory and sweet, along with various beverages, you can cater to different preferences, ensuring everyone at the table finds something to enjoy.

More Cheese Recipes:

• Homemade Taco Bell Cheese Sauce Recipe
• Copycat Taco Bell Cheese Quesadilla Recipe

Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

Serves: 4 Prep Time: 30 Minutes Cooking Time: 40 Minutes 40 Minutes

Nutrition facts: 150 calories 3 grams fat

Rating: 2.9/5

( 85 voted )

Pin

Print

Ingredients

• 2 cups cottage cheese
• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)

Instructions

1. Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Stir until smooth.
2. Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in rolled oats, baking powder, and cinnamon until everything is well combined.
3. Fold in Blueberries: Gently fold in the blueberries and nuts (if using), being careful not to mash the blueberries.
4. Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
5. Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden and set.
6. Cool and Serve: Allow to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Enjoy warm or at room temperature!