Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

Why You Will Love This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

Why This Recipe Rocks

The Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake elevates everyday breakfast to heavenly heights. The recipe combines the citrusy burst of cottage cheese with the sweet burst of blueberries in a custard-like, protein-rich foundation that’s healthy and filling. While regular pancakes or waffles fill you temporarily and leave you still hungry an hour later, this cottage cheese blueberry breakfast bake delivers sustained energy because it strikes just the perfect balance of protein, good fat, and complex carb.

A Perfect Balance of Flavors and Textures

What sets this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake apart is its incredible texture, creamy and thick in the middle with ever so slightly crunchy edges that caramelize when baked. The cottage cheese becomes part of the mix, contributing pockets of creaminess as well as contributing some serious protein content. Squeezing blueberries burst and release their juice during the bake, leaving purple swirls and pockets of jammy sweetness. The touch of cinnamon and vanilla enhance the berries’ natural sweetness, and a touch of lemon zest provides a citrus flavor to balance everything out.

Versatility For Any Occasion

While best suited as a breakfast staple, this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake is easily repurposed for other meals and occasions. Warm from the oven for a weekend family breakfast, or make ahead for grab-and-go breakfasts on weekdays. It’s a pretty addition to brunch parties, especially served with [your homemade lemon curd] or a dollop of Greek yogurt. For a treat dessert, warm a slice and top with a dollop of vanilla ice cream.

Equipment

• 9×9-inch baking dish or 10-inch cast iron skillet
• Mixing bowls (large and medium)
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Rubber spatula

Ingredients

For the Base:

• 2 cups (450g) cottage cheese (4% milk fat is best)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/3 cup (80ml) maple syrup or honey
• 1/4 cup (60ml) milk of choice
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil, plus extra for greasing
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 lemon

For the Dry Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups (180g) all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour mixture)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

For the Blueberry Layer:

• 2 cups (300g) fresh blueberries, split
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup

For Serving (Optional):

• Extra fresh blueberries
• Greek yogurt or whipped cream
• Maple syrup or honey
• Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts
• Fresh mint leaves

Instructions

Step 1: Preparing the Baking Dish

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9 inch baking dish or a 10 inch cast iron skillet with butter or cooking spray. In a small bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups of blueberries with cornstarch, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of maple syrup. Set aside to allow the flavors to combine.

Step 2: Preparing the Batter

In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, milk, melted butter, vanilla extract, and lemon zest until well combined. The mixture will be slightly lumpy from the cottage cheese and that is perfectly fine. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Gradually fold the dry ingredients into the wet ingredients with a rubber spatula until just combined.

Step 3: Assembly and Baking

Pour half of the batter into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Spoon the blueberry mixture over the batter, leaving a half inch border around the edges. Top with the remaining batter, spreading it to cover most of the blueberries, allowing a few to peek through. Sprinkle the top with the remaining half cup of fresh blueberries. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. Let the blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake cool in the pan for at least 15 minutes before slicing and serving.

Making Ahead & Storage

Make Ahead Options:

• Overnight Prep: Prepare the batter (do not add the blueberries) and refrigerate it overnight in an airtight container. In the morning, fold in blueberries gently and bake as instructed, adding 5 minutes to the baking time.
• Advance Baked: Blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake can be advanced baked and then cooled, refrigerated. Microwave individual slices 30-45 seconds or at 350°F oven for 10 minutes.

Storage Directions:

• Refrigerator: Store leftover blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake covered in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Store in freezer-safe containers or wrap portions in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat.

Expert Tips

• Use full-fat cottage cheese for the creamiest, most delicious results. That added fat makes it possible to create that custard-like texture that makes this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake truly special.
• Overmix the batter at all. Fold it gently so the air bubbles remain intact and gluten doesn’t develop, which would otherwise make your breakfast bake tough rather than tender.
• Let eggs and milk sit at room temperature before making the batter. Cold ingredients don’t mix well and can affect the rise of the breakfast bake.
• Wild blueberries make an excellent substitute for standard blueberries if you can find them. They’re denser but taste more powerful and pack more antioxidants.
• For a twist of flavor, replace 1/2 teaspoon almond extract with vanilla, which pairs well with blueberries in this blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake.

Presentation Ideas

• Individual portions are perfect for white plates with a dusting of powdered sugar and a sprig of fresh mint.
• Create a breakfast board that complements sliced servings with some favorite breakfast meats, berry pudding, and tiny pitchers of maple syrup and cream.
• For brunch parties, build a blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake bar with assorted toppings in small bowls; Greek yogurt, assorted fruit compotes, chopped nuts, and honey.
• Garnish with edible flowers like pansies or violets for a holiday breakfast.
• Serve in a rustic fashion straight from the cast iron skillet with a wooden serving spoon.

Nutritional Insights

This blueberry cottage cheese breakfast bake is not just delicious, it’s nutritionally sound to start your day off on the right foot. The cottage cheese has quality protein that lasts longer, and the eggs add additional protein and precious vitamins like B12 and D. Blueberries are renowned antioxidants, combating oxidative stress and inflammation and supporting brain function. The moderate carbohydrate content from the flour and maple syrup provides energy without causing blood sugar spikes, especially when combined with the protein and healthy fats in the recipe.

For more recipes, you can follow us on Facebook and Pinterest!

FAQ Section

Print

Related Posts