Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Veggie Bake

Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Veggie Bake

This Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Veggie Bake is a delicious, nutritious way to enjoy your veggies. Packed with spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, and tomatoes, the dish combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with bold Mediterranean flavors like feta, oregano, and garlic. It’s a versatile, low-carb recipe that works well for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it’s easy to make, naturally gluten-free, and high in protein.

Prep & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35-40 minutes

Total Time: 50-55 minutes

Yield: 6 servings (as a main) or 8 servings (as a side)

Ingredients:

Vegetable Layer:

1 medium zucchini, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 yellow bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

2 cups baby spinach, chopped

½ cup red onion, finely chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tbsp olive oil

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

Cottage Cheese Egg Base:

1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

4 large eggs

¼ cup milk (or unsweetened almond milk)

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

Cheese Topping:

½ cup crumbled feta cheese

¼ cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra meltiness)

Garnish (optional):

Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an 8×8-inch (20×20 cm) baking dish or similar sized casserole dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Prepare Vegetables:
In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sauté for 1-2 minutes. Add the zucchini and bell peppers and cook for another 3-4 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the spinach and cook until wilted, about 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in the cherry tomatoes.

Make the Cottage Cheese Egg Base:
In a large bowl or blender, mix the cottage cheese, eggs, milk, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Blend or whisk until smooth and creamy.

Assemble the Bake:
Spread the cooked vegetables evenly in the prepared baking dish. Pour the cottage cheese egg mixture over the vegetables, spreading it to cover them evenly.

Top with Cheese:
Sprinkle the feta cheese and optional mozzarella evenly over the top.

Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until the bake is set in the center and the top is golden and slightly bubbly.

Cool & Serve:
Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil and serve with lemon wedges if desired.

Serving Ideas:

Serve with a side salad and pita bread for a complete meal.

Enjoy it warm or cold as part of meal prep.

Pair with grilled chicken or salmon for a heartier dinner.

Tips:

Drain Cottage Cheese (if needed):
If your cottage cheese is very watery, drain off excess liquid to prevent a soggy bake.

Use a Blender for Smooth Texture:
Blending the cottage cheese with eggs creates a creamy, soufflé-like texture. If you prefer texture and visible curds, simply whisk by hand.

Chop Veggies Evenly:
Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook uniformly.

Don’t Skip Pre-Cooking the Veggies:
Sautéing the vegetables first removes excess moisture and concentrates flavor, preventing a watery bake.

Rest Before Slicing:
Let the bake cool for 5-10 minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.

Make It Ahead:
Prepare the bake ahead of time, refrigerate, and reheat individual portions for quick breakfasts or lunches.

Variations:

Vegetable Variations:

Broccoli or Cauliflower:
Substitute part of the zucchini or peppers with chopped broccoli or cauliflower florets (lightly steamed).

Kale or Swiss Chard:
Swap spinach for kale or Swiss chard—just chop finely and sauté until wilted.

Eggplant:
Add diced roasted eggplant for a heartier texture and authentic Mediterranean flavor.

Protein Additions:

Chickpeas:
Stir in ½ cup cooked chickpeas for added plant-based protein.

Grilled Chicken or Turkey:
Add diced cooked chicken or turkey for a complete protein-packed meal.

Smoked Salmon:
For a brunch-style bake, fold in flaked smoked salmon before baking.

Cheese Variations:

Goat Cheese or Ricotta:
Use goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier or tangier flavor profile.

Halloumi Cubes:
Add small cubes of halloumi cheese for extra Mediterranean authenticity and a chewy bite.

Spice & Herb Variations:

Za’atar or Sumac:
Sprinkle za’atar spice or a pinch of sumac over the top before baking for bold, zesty flavors.

Fresh Dill or Mint:
Replace parsley or basil with dill or mint for a bright, herbaceous twist.

Q&A:

Can I make this bake dairy-free?

Yes! Use dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives (like almond- or cashew-based versions) and swap the feta and mozzarella for plant-based cheese substitutes.

Can I freeze the Mediterranean Veggie Bake?

Yes, but freezing may slightly change the texture due to the high moisture content of cottage cheese and vegetables. To freeze:

Cool completely

Cut into portions

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months

Reheat in the oven or microwave

Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?

Yes! Replace the 4 whole eggs with 8 egg whites for a lower-fat, high-protein option.

What can I serve this with?

Side salad with olive oil & lemon

Whole grain pita or flatbread

A dollop of Greek yogurt or tzatziki

Roasted potatoes or quinoa for a hearty meal

How do I prevent the bake from getting watery?

Sauté vegetables first to release moisture

Use low-moisture cottage cheese or drain excess liquid

Let the bake rest before slicing so it sets properly

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – based on 6 servings):

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Conclusion:

The Mediterranean Cottage Cheese Veggie Bake is a nutritious, versatile, and satisfying dish perfect for anyone looking for a high-protein, low-carb meal that’s full of fresh vegetables and bold flavors. It’s easy to customize with your favorite veggies, cheeses, or herbs, and it works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it’s meal-prep friendly, freezer-friendly, and naturally gluten-free.

This bake is a Mediterranean-inspired comfort food you can feel good about eating!