Savory Spinach, Feta and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake

This savory spinach, feta and cottage cheese breakfast bake is a simple way to prep several portions at once. Cottage cheese makes the egg mixture soft and creamy, while feta, dill and green onion give it a tangy, savory flavor. Serve it warm for brunch or pack a slice with fruit for a quick breakfast.

Recipe at a glance

Yield: 6 servings
Prep: 15 minutes
Bake: 35 to 40 minutes

Ingredients

• 8 large eggs
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 5 ounces baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta
• 3 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill, or 1 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon olive oil, for the baking dish

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F. Lightly oil an 8-inch square baking dish or a similar 2-quart dish.
2. Whisk the eggs, cottage cheese, pepper and garlic powder in a large bowl. A few visible curds are fine; for a smoother bake, blend the mixture for 15 to 20 seconds.
3. Warm a skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach with a splash of water and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until wilted. Let it cool slightly, then squeeze out excess moisture. This keeps the bake from becoming watery.
4. Stir the spinach, most of the feta, green onion and dill into the egg mixture. Pour into the prepared dish and scatter the remaining feta on top.
5. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out without liquid egg. Rest for 10 minutes before slicing.

What makes this breakfast bake work

Removing excess water from the spinach is the most important step. Cottage cheese brands vary in moisture, so the center may need a few extra minutes. If the top browns before the middle sets, loosely cover the dish with foil for the last part of baking.

Variations

• Add 1/2 cup diced roasted red pepper, patted dry.
• Use chopped kale in place of spinach; sauté it until tender before adding.
• For a heartier bake, fold in 1 cup cooked diced potato or cooked turkey sausage.
• Swap dill for parsley or basil and add lemon zest for a fresher flavor.

Storage and reheating

Refrigerate cooled slices in a sealed container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave in short intervals or in a 325°F oven until hot. The bake can be frozen in individual portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator for the best texture.

FAQ

Can I assemble it the night before? Yes. Pour the mixture into the dish, cover and refrigerate overnight. Bake straight from the refrigerator, adding about 5 minutes if needed.

How do I know it is done? The center should look set and not jiggle like liquid. For egg dishes, cook until the center reaches 160°F.