01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This ensures your Protein-Packed Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake won't stick and will release easily after baking, making cleanup a breeze.
02 -
In a large mixing bowl, combine 24 oz (3 cups) 4% milkfat cottage cheese, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 tsp vanilla extract, 1 tsp lemon zest, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp salt. Whisk until the mixture is well combined and relatively smooth.
03 -
Add 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats and 1 tsp baking powder to the wet mixture. Stir gently until just combined, ensuring the oats are evenly distributed. Be careful not to overmix, as this can affect the final texture of your Protein-Packed Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake.
04 -
Gently fold in 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries. If using frozen blueberries, there's no need to thaw them first. Distribute the berries evenly throughout the mixture for a delightful burst of fruit in every serving of your breakfast bake.
05 -
Pour the entire cottage cheese and blueberry mixture into the prepared 9x13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle 1/4 cup sliced almonds over the top for added texture and a beautiful golden crust.
06 -
Bake for 35 minutes, or until the Protein-Packed Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake is set in the center and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out mostly clean, indicating it's fully cooked.
07 -
Remove the bake from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This crucial cooling time allows the bake to set further, making for cleaner, more defined portions. Enjoy warm or at room temperature.