Are you looking for a healthy, easy meal that’s bursting with flavor but won’t leave you feeling weighed down? It can be a challenge to find recipes that are both incredibly delicious and fit a low-carb lifestyle.
Say hello to your new favorite one-pan wonder: this High Protein Cottage Cheese Bake. Inspired by vibrant Mediterranean flavors, this savory bake combines nutrient-packed zucchini, salty feta, and fresh dill into a creamy, satisfying dish. It’s a fantastic keto-friendly recipe that works equally well as a quick lunch, a light weeknight dinner, or even a savory breakfast. Prepare to be amazed by how such simple ingredients can create something so effortlessly elegant and delicious.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why This High Protein Cottage Cheese Bake Will Be a New Favorite
This dish is more than just a simple meal; it’s a versatile and nutritious powerhouse that fits perfectly into a healthy lifestyle. Here’s why you’ll be making this savory cottage cheese bake again and again.
- Effortlessly Low-Carb & Keto. With its base of cheese and eggs, this is a naturally keto-friendly recipe. It delivers all the satisfaction of a hearty meal without the carbs. If you love discovering delicious ways to enjoy baked goods on a keto diet, you must also try our popular Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels.
- A Powerhouse of Protein. This isn’t your typical light bake. Each serving is incredibly satisfying, thanks to the protein from both the cottage cheese and eggs. Much like our simple Baked Cottage Cheese Eggs, it’s an ideal dish for a post-workout meal or a lunch that will keep you full for hours.
- Packed with Fresh, Vibrant Flavor. The combination of fresh dill, salty feta, and garlic creates a truly delicious, Mediterranean-inspired taste. It’s a wonderful way to use up summer zucchini, and if you’re looking for another savory bake with similar flavors, the Spinach and Feta Frittata is another reader favorite.
- Incredibly Versatile. This high protein cottage cheese bake is fantastic served warm for dinner with a simple green salad. It’s also delicious cold, cut into squares for a quick grab-and-go lunch, making it a perfect dish for your weekly meal prep.
Viral High Protein Cottage Cheese Bake (Keto, Zucchini and Feta)
This High Protein Cottage Cheese Bake, inspired by Mediterranean flavors, combines zucchini, salty feta, and fresh dill into a creamy, satisfying dish. It’s a keto-friendly, one-pan wonder perfect for a quick lunch or light dinner.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
2 cups full-fat cottage cheese
3 large eggs
1.5 cups shredded zucchini, with excess moisture squeezed out
1 cup crumbled feta cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1 tbsp olive oil for greasing
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with olive oil.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, shredded and squeezed zucchini, feta cheese, dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well mixed.
3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
4. Bake for 30–35 minutes. The bake is ready when the top is golden brown and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle).
5. Let the bake cool in the dish for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing into squares. This helps it hold its shape for perfect servings.
Notes
The #1 tip for success is to squeeze all excess moisture from the zucchini using a kitchen towel. This prevents a watery bake.
For the best creamy texture and richest flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This dish is great for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast, Side Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 205
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 175mg
How to Make This High Protein Cottage Cheese Bake
Key Ingredients for this Savory Bake
The magic of this high protein cottage cheese bake is how it uses simple, wholesome ingredients to create something truly special. It proves you don’t need a complicated list to produce incredible flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Cottage Cheese: The star of the show! For the richest flavor and creamiest texture, I highly recommend using a full-fat cottage cheese. It’s an incredibly versatile ingredient for high-protein baking.
- Large Eggs: These are essential for binding the bake together, giving it structure and a rich, custardy texture similar to a frittata.
- Shredded Zucchini: This adds moisture, hidden veggies, and a subtle sweetness. Squeezing out the excess water is the most important step for preventing a watery bake! If you have leftover zucchini, you have to try making these delicious Zucchini Brownies.
- Feta Cheese: This brings the classic salty and tangy Mediterranean flavor that makes this dish so addictive.
- Fresh Dill: Don’t skip this! Fresh dill provides a bright, slightly citrusy note that cuts through the richness of the cheese perfectly.
- Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper: The essential aromatics that round out the savory flavor profile.
- Olive Oil: Just a touch for greasing the dish to ensure none of the cheesy goodness gets left behind.
Step-by-Step Instructions
You’ll love how quickly this one-bowl recipe comes together. The process is incredibly simple and follows the same basic principles of a good frittata—in fact, you can learn more about the technique in our complete Frittata Recipe Guide. This high protein cottage cheese bake is practically foolproof!
- Preheat and Prep. First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch baking dish with olive oil to ensure your bake comes out cleanly.
- Combine Ingredients. In a large mixing bowl, add the cottage cheese, eggs, the shredded and squeezed zucchini, crumbled feta, chopped fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed, but be careful not to overdo it.
- Pour into Dish. Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to gently spread it into an even layer.
- Bake Until Golden. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes. The bake is ready when the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center is set (it shouldn’t jiggle when you gently shake the dish).
- Cool and Serve. This is an important step! Let the bake cool in the dish for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape for perfect squares.
Tips for the Perfect Savory Bake
A few simple tricks can take this high protein cottage cheese bake from great to absolutely perfect. To get the best texture and flavor, keep these tips in mind:
- Don’t Skip Squeezing the Zucchini! This is the most critical step. Zucchini holds a lot of water, which will make your bake soggy if not removed. Squeeze the shredded zucchini firmly in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth until no more liquid comes out.
- Choose Full-Fat Cottage Cheese. For the creamiest texture and richest flavor that makes this dish feel decadent, full-fat cottage cheese is the way to go. Low-fat versions can sometimes result in a grainier texture.
- Fresh Dill Makes a Difference. While you can use dried dill in a pinch (use about 1.5 teaspoons), the bright, fresh flavor of chopped fresh dill really elevates this dish to the next level.
- Feel Free to Add More Veggies. This recipe is very forgiving. A large handful of fresh spinach or some finely chopped red bell pepper would be delicious additions. For another great recipe that uses similar ingredients, check out our popular Spinach and Feta Frittata.
- Watch for the “Set” Center. The bake is done when the edges are golden and the center is firm to the touch. A gentle shake of the pan should show no jiggling. This prevents overbaking, which can make it dry.
Serving and Storage
One of the best things about this savory cottage cheese bake is how wonderfully versatile it is. It’s a dish that’s just as delicious warm from the oven as it is chilled the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Warm: Serve a generous square warm as a light vegetarian main course, paired with a simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette. It also works beautifully as a healthy side dish for grilled chicken or fish.
- Cold: Enjoy it chilled, straight from the fridge. It’s sturdy enough to pack in a lunchbox, making it a fantastic and healthy alternative to a sandwich. If you enjoy healthy zucchini-based lunches, our Grilled Chicken and Zucchini Salad is another great option.
Storage & Meal Prep
This recipe is a meal prepper’s dream!
- To Store: Once completely cooled, store the bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To Reheat: You can gently reheat individual slices in the microwave or enjoy them cold.
- For Meal Prep: This is a perfect make-ahead dish. For another fantastic grab-and-go breakfast or lunch idea, these Mini Frittata Muffins are also a must-try.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this high protein cottage cheese bake keto-friendly?
Yes, absolutely! With its base of cheese, eggs, and low-carb vegetables, this recipe is perfectly suited for a ketogenic diet. It’s a delicious way to meet your macros and enjoy a satisfying meal. For more keto-friendly ideas that don’t disappoint, our popular Keto Cottage Cheese Bagels are a must-try.
How do I prevent my bake from being watery?
The number one cause of a watery bake is not squeezing enough moisture from the shredded zucchini. Before adding it to the bowl, be sure to wring it out thoroughly in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth until no more liquid comes out. Using full-fat cottage cheese also helps ensure a creamier, less watery texture.
Can I make this with different flavors?
Definitely! Cottage cheese bakes are incredibly versatile. You could easily adapt this recipe with other ingredients. For a cozy, autumn-inspired version, check out our Pumpkin Cottage Cheese Bake. You can even make sweet versions for breakfast or dessert, like this delightful Lemon Raspberry Cottage Cheese Bake.
Can I use a different herb instead of dill?
While dill provides that classic Mediterranean flavor, you could easily substitute it with other fresh, soft herbs. Finely chopped chives, parsley, or even a small amount of basil would all be delicious alternatives.
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