A wholesome, lighter, and protein-packed twist on your favorite casserole!
For comfort food, there are few things better than a good, warm casserole. It offers the best of all worlds—savory flavors, creamy textures, and that toasty, crunchy golden top layer. While we love traditional casseroles, they can be loaded with heavy cream and cheese, making them high in calories.
Enter this Baked Cottage Cheese Casserole—a comforting, yet lighter dish that still retains the creamy goodness you expect in any casserole. This recipe is healthy and protein-packed, thanks to replacing heavy cream with cottage cheese.
🥘 Ingredients:
Here’s what you’ll need for this simple and satisfying baked cottage cheese casserole:
- 2 cups cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, your choice)
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, unsweetened)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
- 3 eggs
- 1 cup cooked quinoa or rice (optional, for added texture and heartiness)
- 1 cup steamed spinach or kale (optional, for extra greens)
- 1/2 cup sautéed onions and garlic (adds flavor and depth)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
This casserole is versatile and you can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs or preferences. If you’re looking for a low-carb option, simply skip the quinoa or rice. For extra flavor, swap out the spinach for sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.
🧑🍳 Instructions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the ingredients:
- If using, cook your quinoa or rice according to package instructions and set aside.
- Steam or sauté the spinach or kale and squeeze out excess liquid.
- Sauté the onions and garlic in olive oil until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix the casserole base:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until well blended.
- Mix in the cooked quinoa or rice (if using), steamed spinach or kale, sautéed onions and garlic, and dried Italian herbs. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) for added flavor.
- Assemble the casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Top with shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese for a cheesy, golden crust.
- Bake the casserole:
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown and bubbling.
- If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover the casserole with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
- Cool and garnish:
- Remove from the oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives for added color and flavor.
- Serve and enjoy:
- Serve warm as a main or side dish. It pairs wonderfully with a green salad, roasted vegetables, or whole-grain bread.
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320-350 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 15-20g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 4g |
This casserole is a great low-carb, high-protein option, making it perfect for those looking to increase their protein intake while keeping the meal light. The cottage cheese and Greek yogurt combination creates a creamy texture without the need for heavy cream or butter.
Why Cottage Cheese?
Cottage cheese is a star ingredient when you’re looking to lighten up your favorite comfort foods. Here’s why it’s the perfect base for this casserole:
- Protein Punch: Cottage cheese adds high protein content, with one serving providing approximately 25g of protein, keeping you satiated and supporting muscle repair.
- Lower Calorie: It’s much lower in calories and fat compared to other cheeses like ricotta or cream, allowing you to enjoy the creamy texture without the extra calories.
- High in Calcium: Cottage cheese is packed with calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth, as well as vitamin B12 for maintaining energy and focus.
- Versatile: Cottage cheese works well in both sweet and savory dishes, making it a great kitchen staple for casseroles, lasagnas, or even smoothies.
Make It Your Own
One of the best things about casseroles is how customizable they are. Here are a few ways you can adjust this Baked Cottage Cheese Casserole to fit your preferences:
1. Vegetarian Delight:
For a vegetarian version, leave it as is or add extra veggies! Consider stirring in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or even grated carrots. Bulk up the casserole with more greens and vegetables for added flavor and nutrients.
2. Add a Protein Boost:
Need an extra protein boost? Throw in some lean ground turkey, chicken, or crumbled tofu for a protein kick. Just make sure to cook the meat before adding it to the mixture.
3. Gluten-Free Option:
Switch to quinoa or gluten-free rice, and they will make this casserole GF. You could also top with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden vegan bake.
4. Extra Crunch:
For some crunch, top with panko breadcrumbs or crushed raw almonds or walnuts before baking. It gives the casserole a wonderful texture and enhances each bite.
5. Spice It Up:
Add more heat by throwing in some red pepper flakes, jalapeños, or chili powder. This will add a spicy kick that complements the creamy base of the casserole.
Make Ahead and Store
This Baked Cottage Cheese Casserole is the perfect dish for meal prep. You can easily prepare it ahead of time and bake it later. Here’s how:
- Make-Ahead: Prepare the casserole, wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. It’s fantastic for busy nights when you want a home-cooked meal without the hassle of cooking.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. Wrap thoroughly with plastic wrap and foil. To bake, thaw it out overnight in the fridge, then pop it into the oven when ready.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for a quick lunch or dinner.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to round out your meal:
- Easy Salad: A crisp field greens salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the casserole.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts for extra texture and flavor.
- Wholegrain Bread: A slice of wholegrain bread or a dinner roll is great for mopping up the last bits of sauce.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s for a weeknight dinner or your next family reunion, this Baked Cottage Cheese Casserole is a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. It’s perfect for family meals, meal prepping, or even freezing for later. This recipe is a winner all around.
For more delicious, lighter comfort food recipes, check out our Healthy Casserole Makeovers. And if you’re curious about the benefits of cottage cheese, explore The Nutritional Power of Cottage Cheese.
Give this casserole a try, and it’s sure to become a new favorite in your comfort food lineup. Enjoy! 😊