Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake: A Wholesome Comfort Dish Recipe
This Cottage Cheese and Veggie Bake is a wholesome, comforting dish loaded with tender roasted zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach. Combined with creamy cottage cheese, eggs, and melted mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s an easy, nutritious meal perfect as a hearty side or satisfying main. The layering of roasted veggies and cheesy custard creates a golden, bubbly casserole that you’ll crave again and again.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Vegetables
- 2 medium zucchinis, sliced
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
Cheese and Eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
Seasonings and Oils
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh basil or parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat and roast vegetables: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Toss the sliced zucchinis, diced red bell pepper, and halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15 minutes until the vegetables are tender but not mushy.
- Prepare cheese mixture: In a bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and half of the shredded mozzarella. Mix well until smooth and creamy. This mixture will add richness and bind the bake together.
- Assemble the bake: Lightly grease a baking dish. Layer the roasted vegetables and chopped spinach evenly in the dish. Pour the cottage cheese mixture over the vegetables, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella and grated Parmesan on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake until bubbly: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown and bubbly, and the casserole set.
- Rest and garnish: Remove the bake from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes to set. Garnish with fresh basil or parsley before serving to add a fresh, vibrant note.
Notes
- Roast watery vegetables like zucchini and tomatoes first to avoid sogginess in the final dish.
- If your cottage cheese is very wet, drain it to prevent excess moisture.
- Spinach can be swapped with kale or add mushrooms for variety and extra nutrition.
- This bake works well both as a hearty side dish or a nutritious main meal.
Keywords: cottage cheese bake, vegetable casserole, healthy comfort food, baked veggies with cheese, low fat vegetarian bake
