Ultimate High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
This High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is a healthy, satisfying dish packed with colorful vegetables, creamy cottage cheese, and protein-rich ingredients. It’s perfect for meal prep, weeknight dinners, or a wholesome brunch. Customizable, family-friendly, and great hot or cold—this recipe proves that comfort food can also be nutritious.
Equipment
- Oven
- Large mixing bowl
- Cutting board & knife
- 9x13” baking dish (or similar)
- Nonstick spray or parchment paper
- Spatula or spoon
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
- 2 cups broccoli florets (steamed or roasted)
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup chopped bell peppers (any color)
- 1 small zucchini, shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat)
- 4 large eggs
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional: ½ cup cooked quinoa, rice, or lentils (for added bulk)
- Optional: ½–1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend) for topping
- Optional: fresh parsley or green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13” baking dish or line with parchment.
- Prep your veggies: steam broccoli, shred carrots and zucchini, chop peppers. Pat dry or squeeze moisture out of high-water vegetables like zucchini.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add vegetables (and any optional grains or extras) into the cottage cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly to combine.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with cheese if using. Cover loosely with foil.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, then remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until set and golden on top.
- Rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
- Drain or sauté wet vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms before adding to avoid a soggy bake.
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for creaminess, or blend it for a smoother consistency.
- Make it spicy with chili flakes or jalapeños.
- Add grains or legumes like quinoa, lentils, or chickpeas for a heartier bake.
- Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake when needed.
- Double the recipe for batch cooking or freezing portions.
- Kid-friendly tip: Chop veggies finely and mix well—they’ll never notice the hidden nutrients!