Description
This High-Protein Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Bake with Cottage Cheese is a nutritious and delicious way to start your day. Packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, it combines the fresh flavors of lemon and juicy blueberries in a soft, baked casserole that’s perfect for a wholesome breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
Scale
Creamy Base
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
Fruit
- 1 cup fresh blueberries
For Greasing
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to ensure easy removal of the bake after cooking.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, lemon juice, cornstarch, and salt. Blend the mixture until it becomes completely smooth and creamy, ensuring all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Fold in Blueberries: Remove the blended mixture from the blender and gently fold in the fresh blueberries using a spatula, taking care not to break them and to evenly distribute them throughout the batter.
- Pour and Smooth Batter: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with a spatula for an even bake.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the edges turn a light golden brown, indicating that the bake is done.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting time allows it to firm up for clean slices and enhances the flavors. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh blueberries with frozen ones; just do not thaw them before folding in to avoid excess moisture.
- Adding extra lemon zest enhances the citrus flavor if desired.
- This bake keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently in the microwave.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based ricotta or firm tofu blend.
- Ensure to grease the baking dish well to prevent sticking and facilitate easy serving.
