This light and fluffy breakfast bake is a delicious and healthy way to start your day. It combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the sweetness of blueberries, all baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (or almond milk)
- 3 large eggs
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (if using frozen, do not thaw)
- Optional: Lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease an 8×8 inch baking dish or a 9-inch pie plate.
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, eggs, sugar (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Pour into Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Add Blueberries: Sprinkle the blueberries evenly over the top of the cottage cheese mixture. If using lemon zest, sprinkle it over the blueberries.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Cool Slightly: Let the breakfast bake cool slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve warm or at room temperature.
Tips and Variations:
- Sweetener: You can use honey, agave nectar, or a sugar substitute instead of granulated sugar or maple syrup.
- Fruit Variations: Use other berries like raspberries, strawberries, or mixed berries instead of blueberries.
- Spices: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a different flavor profile.
- Oats: Add 1/2 cup of rolled oats to the blender for a heartier bake.
- Nuts: Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or walnuts over the top before baking for added crunch.
- Make-Ahead: You can prepare the mixture ahead of time and refrigerate it overnight. Bake as directed in the morning.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy your delicious and healthy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake!