Description
These Cottage Cheese Egg Breakfast Bars are a protein-packed, savory breakfast option loaded with fresh vegetables and melty cheese. Perfect for meal prep, they bake into a golden, flavorful dish that can be sliced into convenient bars to enjoy warm or on the go.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Mix:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup (240g) cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cup (60g) shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika or chili flakes
Vegetables:
- 1 cup baby spinach, chopped
- 1 small red bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup zucchini, grated and squeezed dry
- ¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the breakfast bars evenly.
- Prepare baking dish: Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make removal easier.
- Whisk eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk the 8 eggs until fully combined and slightly frothy, forming the base for your bars.
- Add dairy and spices: Stir in the cottage cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional smoked paprika or chili flakes to add flavor and richness.
- Incorporate vegetables: Fold in the chopped baby spinach, diced red bell pepper, grated and drained zucchini, and finely chopped red onion, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
- Combine mixture: Mix everything thoroughly so that the vegetables and cheeses are well blended with the eggs.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top for even cooking.
- Bake: Bake for 35–40 minutes until the center is set and the top turns lightly golden, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool: Allow the baked mixture to cool for at least 10–15 minutes before handling to let it firm up for slicing.
- Slice and serve: Cut into 8 bars or squares. Serve warm immediately or store in the refrigerator for convenient future breakfasts.
Notes
- You can substitute or add other vegetables like mushrooms or kale for variation.
- Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese based on dietary preference without affecting texture significantly.
- Bars keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and can be reheated quickly in the microwave.
- Optional smoked paprika or chili flakes add a nice smoky or spicy kick but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Make sure to squeeze excess moisture from grated zucchini to prevent sogginess.
