Trust me when I say this Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake is the kind of dish that makes busy weeknights feel effortless while keeping things deliciously nutritious. As a mom who’s constantly juggling meal prep and picky eaters, I love how this bake comes together with minimal fuss but delivers big on flavor and protein. The combination of tender veggies, creamy cottage cheese, and melty cheddar is a total crowd-pleaser—even my kids go back for seconds! Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize with whatever’s in your fridge. Whether you’re meal-prepping or need a last-minute dinner win, this recipe has saved my sanity (and dinner table) more times than I can count.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake
This bake isn’t just another veggie dish—it’s a game-changer for weeknight dinners. Here’s why:
- Protein-packed goodness: With cottage cheese and eggs, each bite gives you a boost to keep you full and satisfied.
- Effortless prep: Toss everything in one bowl, pop it in the oven, and dinner practically makes itself.
- Kid-approved magic: Even veggie skeptics can’t resist the cheesy, creamy texture—my kids call it “hidden broccoli cake”!
- Meal-prep hero: Makes amazing leftovers for lunches or quick dinners later in the week.
Seriously, it’s the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat—simple, nourishing, and downright delicious.
Ingredients for Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this cozy, protein-packed bake:
- 3 cups broccoli florets (fresh or thawed if frozen – no need to chop too small!)
- 3 cups cauliflower florets (same deal as the broccoli)
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended until completely smooth (trust me, this makes all the difference)
- 3 large eggs (room temperature blends better)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella (I use whatever’s in my fridge – both work great)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan (the powdery kind melts beautifully)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (my secret flavor booster)
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning (whichever you prefer)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2/3 cup cooked diced turkey or chicken (perfect for using up leftovers)
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Don’t stress if you’re missing something – this recipe is super flexible! The blended cottage cheese creates that dreamy creamy base, but plain Greek yogurt works in a pinch. No Parmesan? Skip it or add extra cheddar. For dairy-free folks, nutritional yeast adds great flavor. And if broccoli’s not your thing, try zucchini or bell peppers instead. The beauty of this bake is how easily it adapts to what you’ve got!
How to Make Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake
Ready to whip up this cozy bake? Let’s get started!
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Trust me, a little greasing goes a long way to prevent sticking!
- Blend the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor until it’s completely smooth. This step is key for that creamy texture—no lumps allowed!
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re nice and frothy. Then, stir in the blended cottage cheese, shredded cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Mix it all until it’s well combined and creamy.
- Fold in the broccoli and cauliflower florets (and diced turkey or chicken, if using) gently. You want everything evenly coated but not mushy.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Don’t worry if it looks a little lumpy—that’s part of its charm!
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly. You’ll know it’s done when a knife inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps everything set up perfectly. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Bake
- Squeeze out excess moisture from thawed veggies to avoid a soggy bake.
- Evenly distribute the cheese throughout the mixture for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Test for doneness with a knife—clean means it’s ready!
- Let it rest for 5–10 minutes after baking for easier slicing.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake: Comfort Dinner
A healthy and delicious bake combining broccoli, cauliflower, and cottage cheese for a protein-packed meal.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 cups broccoli florets
- 3 cups cauliflower florets
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese, blended
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper to taste
- Optional: 2/3 cup cooked diced turkey or chicken
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese and eggs, whisking until smooth.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar or mozzarella, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Gently fold in the broccoli and cauliflower florets, along with the optional diced turkey or chicken if using.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes or until the top is golden and the edges are bubbly.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli and cauliflower.
- Blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Add cooked turkey or chicken for extra protein.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Serving Suggestions for Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake
This bake is a star on its own, but I love pairing it with simple sides to round out the meal. Try it with a crisp mixed greens salad, a slice of crusty bread for soaking up the cheesy goodness, or roasted sweet potatoes for a cozy, hearty combo. It’s also a meal-prep dream—slice it into portions for easy lunches or quick dinners all week long!
If you love cozy vegetable casseroles, this Garlic Chicken Cottage Bake delivers hearty comfort with a creamy, protein-rich base.
Storage and Reheating
This bake keeps beautifully in the fridge for 3–4 days—just pop leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, I prefer the oven (about 15 minutes at 350°F) for that just-baked crispness, but the microwave works in a pinch (though it’ll be softer). The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier as leftovers!
For another satisfying savory bake, try the Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake—it’s veggie-packed and family-friendly.
Broccoli and Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake FAQs
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common ones I hear about this cozy bake:
Can I use frozen broccoli and cauliflower?
Absolutely! Just thaw and squeeze out excess water first—no one wants a soggy bake. Frozen veggies work great when fresh isn’t handy.
Is this bake freezer-friendly?
You bet! Slice it into portions, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat straight from frozen (add 10 extra minutes in the oven).
How can I boost the protein?
Toss in diced cooked chicken, turkey, or crumbled sausage—or stir in an extra egg or 1/4 cup protein powder for an invisible boost!
Can I make it without cottage cheese?
Try Greek yogurt or ricotta instead, though the texture will be slightly different. Blend either one smooth before mixing.
Will picky eaters actually eat this?
From experience—YES! The cheesy goodness hides the veggies beautifully. My kids think it’s “green mac and cheese.” Win!
Nutrition Information
Estimates vary based on ingredients. Per serving (1 slice): 220 calories, 18g protein, 12g carbs (4g fiber), 10g fat (5g saturated). Packed with vitamin C, calcium, and all the good stuff from those sneaky veggies!
Try this bake tonight and tag @FrostyRecipes on Instagram—we love seeing your creations! Follow us on Facebook for more delicious recipes!
