Description
This High-Protein Lemon Blueberry Breakfast Bake with Cottage Cheese is a nutritious and delicious dish that combines creamy cottage cheese, fresh blueberries, and zesty lemon for a bright and satisfying start to your day. Baked to perfection, this breakfast bake offers a smooth, custard-like texture with a burst of fruity flavor, ideal for a wholesome morning meal rich in protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Primary Ingredients
- 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 cup fresh blueberries
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
For Greasing
- Butter or nonstick spray for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish thoroughly with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal.
- Blend Mixture: 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 uniform in texture, which will help create the creamy base of your bake.
- Incorporate Blueberries: Using a spatula, gently fold in the fresh blueberries to the blended mixture, taking care not to crush them in order to maintain bursts of juicy flavor throughout the bake.
- Transfer and Smooth: Pour the blueberry mixture into the pre-greased baking dish, spreading it evenly and smoothing the top with your 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 delicate golden brown. This step ensures the bake is fully cooked and has a slightly firm texture.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling step helps the bake to set further and makes it easier to slice and serve.
Notes
- Use fresh blueberries for best flavor and texture; frozen blueberries may release excess moisture.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup according to your preference.
- This bake can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute cottage cheese with a plant-based ricotta or firm tofu blend.
- Ensure to let the bake cool completely for clean slicing and to preserve its structure.
