A warm, protein-packed breakfast casserole that combines the sweet burst of blueberries with creamy cottage cheese for a nutritious start to your day. This make-ahead friendly dish is perfect for busy mornings or weekend brunches.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is a game-changer for busy mornings. It’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese, making it far more satisfying than standard breakfast options. The natural sweetness from blueberries means you need less added sugar, and the dish can be prepared ahead of time for easy morning reheating. It’s also incredibly versatile – you can enjoy it warm or cold, and it works well as both a hearty breakfast or a healthy dessert option. Best of all, it’s simple to make even if you’re not an experienced baker!
Essential Ingredients for Your Protein-Packed Blueberry Breakfast
- 2 cups cottage cheese (4% or 2% fat)
- 6 large eggs
- ⅓ cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries, divided
- Optional: lemon zest from 1 lemon
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Step-by-Step Directions for the Perfect Cottage Cheese Berry Bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or equivalent casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Mix well until incorporated.
- Add the flour, melted butter, baking powder, and salt to the mixture. Stir until smooth.
- If using, fold in the lemon zest and cinnamon.
- Gently fold in 1½ cups of blueberries, saving the remaining ½ cup for topping.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining blueberries over the surface.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing for Your High-Protein Blueberry Breakfast
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40-45 minutes
- Total Time: 55-60 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 portions
- Calories: Approximately 220 calories per serving (when divided into 6 portions)
Delicious Variations of This Healthy Blueberry Breakfast Casserole
- Mixed Berry: Substitute half of the blueberries with raspberries or strawberries.
- Lemon Blueberry: Add the zest of a whole lemon and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Apple Cinnamon: Replace blueberries with diced apples and increase cinnamon to 1 teaspoon.
- Higher Protein: Add ¼ cup of unflavored protein powder to the batter.
- Tropical: Use diced mango and pineapple instead of blueberries, and add ¼ cup shredded coconut.
Storage and Reheating Your Cottage Cheese Blueberry Bake
- Refrigerator: Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Cut into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: Microwave individual portions for 60-90 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes until heated through.
- Cold Option: This breakfast bake can also be enjoyed cold, straight from the refrigerator.
FAQs
Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh? Yes! No need to thaw them first, but you may need to extend the baking time by 5 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It can be! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with oat flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free 1:1 baking mix.
Can I make this with ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese? Absolutely. Ricotta will give a smoother, less textured result with a slightly different flavor profile.
Can I prepare this the night before and bake in the morning? Yes! Prepare the mixture, pour it into the baking dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.
How can I tell when it’s fully cooked? The center should be set and not jiggly, and a toothpick inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake brings together protein-rich cottage cheese and antioxidant-packed blueberries in a comforting, easy-to-prepare dish that’s perfect for busy mornings. With make-ahead options and endless variations, it’s a versatile addition to your breakfast rotation that the whole family will enjoy. Whether you’re looking for a healthy way to start your day or a protein-packed option to fuel your morning, this recipe delivers both nutrition and flavor without complicated steps or ingredients.
Delicious Recipes to Pair With Your Breakfast Bake
If you loved the warm, protein-rich Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake, you’ll enjoy exploring more cozy, sweet, and balanced recipes to round out your mornings or dessert cravings. For a no-fuss treat, try these delightful Blueberry Swirl Yogurt Bites—cool, creamy, and packed with fruity goodness. Keep the fruity flavors going with the cloud-like texture of Blueberry Fluffy Cottage Cheese Cloud Bread, which complements the bake beautifully. You can also treat yourself to a vibrant twist by preparing these Luscious Lemon Raspberry Swirl Cheesecake Cups for a citrusy delight. Want to add a healthy veggie option to your table? These soft and spiced Carrot Cake Zucchini Muffins are a perfect match. And if you’re looking for something a little nostalgic, the Amish Applesauce Cake brings old-fashioned charm to any breakfast or brunch spread.
Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- 9×9-inch Baking Dish
- Oven
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese 4% or 2% fat
- 6 large eggs
- 1/3 cup maple syrup or honey
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour or oat flour for gluten-free
- 2 tbsp melted butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 cups fresh blueberries divided
- lemon zest from 1 lemon, optional
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract.
- Add flour, melted butter, baking powder, and salt. Stir until smooth.
- Fold in lemon zest and cinnamon if using. Gently fold in 1½ cups of blueberries.
- Pour mixture into prepared dish and top with remaining blueberries.
- Bake for 40-45 minutes or until the center is set and top is golden brown.
- Allow to cool for 10 minutes before serving.