High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese

Name: High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: Vegetarian
Ingredients: 1 cup cottage cheese; 1 cup broccoli florets, chopped; 1 cup bell pepper, diced; 1 cup zucchini, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 cup spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped; 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; 2 eggs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano; Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the dish

By: GORDON ALEX | Published onFebruary 17, 2026

High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese on a plate

Healthy Recipes

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A Wholesome Delight for Any Occasion

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that marries nutrition and comfort, look no further than this High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese. This vibrant bake is perfect for weeknight dinners, family brunches, or as a meal prep staple for busy weeks. It’s loaded with vegetables, packed with protein from cottage cheese, and so satisfying that you won’t even miss the meat! In my experience, it’s a crowd-pleaser that leaves everyone asking for seconds, making it an excellent addition to your recipe collection.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This recipe is not only a breeze to make, but it also brings a delightful medley of flavors and textures to the table. It’s a friendly option for those following a high-protein diet, and it’s also budget-friendly, which is an added bonus. It’s nutritious, delicious, and even kid-approved!

"I made this for my family last week, and it disappeared within minutes. Even my picky eater loved it!" – Happy Home Cook

Whether you’re looking for something healthy to serve for brunch or a quick dinner after a long day, this dish is adaptable enough for any occasion. You can enjoy it fresh out of the oven or as a delicious leftover. The versatility in serving makes it perfect for any day of the week!

Preparing High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese

Making this veggie bake is straightforward, making it ideal for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs alike. Here’s how it unfolds: first, you’ll gather all your fresh vegetables and mix them with rich cottage cheese. Next, you’ll whip up a flavorful egg mixture to pour over the veggies, coat everything evenly, and then bake to perfection. It’s simplicity at its finest!

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
Combine cottage cheese and vegetables in a bowl.
Prepare the egg mixture separately.
Combine everything and transfer to the dish.
Bake until golden brown!

As you can see, this dish comes together beautifully in just a few steps, ensuring that you spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.

What You’ll Need

Here are the ingredients for this delightful High-Protein Veggie Bake:

1 cup cottage cheese
1 cup broccoli florets, chopped
1 cup bell pepper, diced (use any color you like!)
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup spinach, chopped
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 eggs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
Cooking spray or olive oil for greasing the dish

Feel free to swap out any vegetables based on your preferences or what you have on hand. This recipe is highly customizable!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped broccoli, diced bell pepper, sliced zucchini, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped spinach, and finely chopped red onion.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, and dried oregano until well combined.
Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable concoction and stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is firmly set.
Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

Best Ways to Enjoy It

This High-Protein Veggie Bake is delicious on its own but can be paired with various sides to elevate your meal. Serve it alongside a fresh garden salad for a refreshing crunch or with whole grain bread for dipping into those cheesy edges. You can also enjoy it as part of a breakfast spread or as a hearty lunch paired with quinoa or brown rice.

Storage and Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (which is rare but can happen!), they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply pop it back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave for a more rapid option. This makes it perfect for those busy days when cooking isn’t an option!

Helpful Cooking Tips

To enhance the flavors in this veggie bake, consider sautéing the vegetables lightly before combining them with the cottage cheese. This step adds an extra layer of flavor and ensures the vegetables are tender. Additionally, if you want a bit more zest, try adding spices like red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Creative Twists

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few variations you can try with this recipe. Swap out the cottage cheese for ricotta or even a dairy-free alternative to make it suitable for various dietary needs. You can also experiment with different cheeses on top; try feta or goat cheese for a tangy twist. For a heartier version, adding cooked ground turkey or lentils brings even more protein into the mix!

FAQ

How long does it take to prepare this recipe?

The preparation time for the High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is about 15-20 minutes, followed by 30-35 minutes in the oven. In total, you can expect to have this meal ready in under an hour!

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables can work well in this recipe! Just be sure to thaw them and drain off any excess water before mixing them in.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! This High-Protein Veggie Bake with Cottage Cheese is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Definitely! This bake is perfect for meal prep as it stays fresh for several days in the fridge and can be easily reheated.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?

If you’re looking for a substitution, ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt can provide similar creaminess and protein content.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Yes, to make it dairy-free, simply replace the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative like almond or cashew cream. For the mozzarella on top, you can use a dairy-free cheese blend.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

You’ll know your veggie bake is done when the top is golden brown, and inserting a knife or toothpick into the center comes out clean!

What should I serve with High-Protein Veggie Bake?

This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or some roasted potatoes for a hearty meal. You can also serve it with a dollop of Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess.

With this recipe in your arsenal, you’re all set to create a dish that celebrates good food and health in every bite. Enjoy cooking and savoring this fantastic High-Protein Veggie Bake!