Oh my goodness, let me tell you about the Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake that saved my weekday mornings! It all started when my kids turned their noses up at yet another bowl of oatmeal – I needed something quick, nutritious, and secretly packed with veggies. This bake became our golden ticket! Imagine waking up to the cozy scent of cinnamon and maple syrup wafting from the oven, with carrots and apples tucked into every bite. The best part? You mix everything in one bowl – no fancy techniques required. Now my kids actually fight over breakfast (who knew?!), and I love that they’re getting protein and fiber without even realizing it. Trust me, this bake will become your new breakfast MVP too!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
This isn’t just another breakfast dish—it’s a game-changer. Here’s why:
- Wholesome & sneaky-nutritious – Packed with carrots, apples, and pecans, but tastes like a treat. My kids have no idea they’re eating veggies at breakfast!
- One-bowl magic – Just mix, pour, and bake. No fancy skills needed—perfect for bleary-eyed mornings.
- Meal prep hero – Bake it Sunday night, and enjoy slices all week. It reheats like a dream.
- The perfect balance – Sweet from maple syrup, earthy from cinnamon, with little pops of chewy raisins. Hits all the cravings.
- Protein powerhouse – Thanks to cottage cheese and eggs, it keeps you full way longer than cereal.
Seriously, it’s the breakfast unicorn—healthy, easy, and delicious. You’ll wonder how you lived without it!
Ingredients for Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Gather these simple ingredients – most are probably already in your kitchen! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups cottage cheese – I prefer full-fat for creaminess, but any type works
- 3 large eggs – room temperature blends smoother
- 1 cup grated carrots – freshly grated, not pre-packaged (trust me, it matters!)
- 1 cup grated crisp apple – I use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for texture
- 1/2 cup rolled oats – old-fashioned, not instant
- 1/3 cup maple syrup – the real stuff, not pancake syrup
- 1/2 cup raisins – I sometimes soak them in warm water first to plump up
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans – toast them lightly for extra flavor if you’re feeling fancy
- 1 tsp vanilla extract – pure vanilla makes all the difference
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon – because can you ever have too much cinnamon?
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger – adds a lovely warm kick
- 1 tsp baking powder – helps the bake rise just right
See? Nothing complicated – just real, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully!
How to Make Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Okay, let’s get baking! This Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake comes together so easily – just follow these simple steps and you’ll have a golden, delicious breakfast in no time.
1. Prep Your Oven and Pan
First things first – preheat that oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grab your 9×9 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing. I like to use butter or cooking spray – get into all the corners! This prevents sticking later.
2. Squeeze Out the Juice
Here’s my secret weapon: take your grated carrots and apples and wrap them in a clean kitchen towel. Now squeeze like you’re wringing out a wet swimsuit! Removing that excess liquid keeps your bake from getting soggy.
3. Blend the Base
Now toss the cottage cheese and eggs into your blender or food processor. Blend until it’s smooth as pancake batter – about 30 seconds should do it. No lumps allowed!
4. Mix It All Together
Pour your smooth cottage cheese mixture into a big bowl. Add all the remaining ingredients – oats, maple syrup, raisins, pecans, vanilla, spices, and baking powder. Give it a good stir until everything’s friends.
5. Fold in the Good Stuff
Gently fold in your squeezed carrots and apples. Don’t overmix – we want to keep some of that nice texture. The batter will be thick but spreadable.
6. Bake to Perfection
Spread the batter evenly in your prepared pan and pop it in the oven. Set your timer for 40 minutes – it’s done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick comes out clean. If it jiggles in the middle, give it 5 more minutes.
7. The Hardest Part – Waiting!
Let it cool for at least 15 minutes before slicing. I know, the smell is torture, but this helps everything set up perfectly. Then slice, serve, and watch it disappear!
Print
5-Star Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
A nutritious and easy breakfast bake packed with carrots, apples, and pecans. Perfect for busy mornings.
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup grated carrots
- 1 cup grated crisp apple
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup raisins
- 1/2 cup chopped pecans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1½ tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp ground ginger
- 1 tsp baking powder
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 175°C (350°F) and grease a 23×23 cm baking dish.
- Squeeze grated carrots and apple in a towel to remove excess liquid.
- Blend cottage cheese and eggs until smooth.
- Mix in oats, maple syrup, raisins, pecans, vanilla, spices, and baking powder.
- Fold in the squeezed carrot and apple mixture.
- Pour into the dish and bake for 40-45 minutes until golden and set.
- Cool for 15 minutes before slicing.
Notes
- Use fresh apples for best texture.
- Adjust sweetness by reducing maple syrup if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 9g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Tips for the Perfect Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Want to make sure your Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake turns out flawless? Here are my go-to tips for success:
- Use fresh apples – they add the best texture and moisture. Skip the pre-grated ones – they’re too dry!
- Adjust the sweetness – if you prefer less sugar, reduce the maple syrup to 1/4 cup. It’ll still be delicious!
- Grease that pan well – I like to use butter or cooking spray and get into every corner. No one likes a stuck bake!
- Check for doneness – insert a toothpick into the center. If it comes out clean, it’s ready. If not, give it 5 more minutes.
- Let it cool – I know it’s tempting, but waiting 15 minutes helps it set perfectly for slicing.
Follow these tips, and you’ll have a bake that’s golden, fluffy, and absolutely irresistible!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Life happens, and sometimes you need to swap ingredients – no stress! Here’s how to tweak this bake without losing its magic:
- Maple syrup → Honey works beautifully, or try agave for a vegan twist. Just keep it liquid sweetener for that perfect moisture.
- Pecans → Walnuts or almonds add similar crunch. For nut-free? Sunflower seeds are my go-to.
- Raisins → Dried cranberries or chopped dates bring different sweetness. Soak them first to prevent drying out the bake.
- Cottage cheese → Ricotta gives a creamier texture, or use Greek yogurt for tang (reduce other liquids slightly).
- Carrots → Zucchini works in a pinch, but squeeze extra well – it’s juicier!
Every ingredient plays a role – sweetness, moisture, or texture – so choose swaps that keep that balance. Happy experimenting!
Serving Suggestions for Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
This bake is wonderful all on its own, but here’s how I love to serve it: warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and fresh berries for a breakfast bowl, or drizzled with extra maple syrup when I’m feeling fancy. Packed in wax paper, slices make the perfect grab-and-go breakfast for busy mornings – just tuck one in your bag as you run out the door!
Storage and Reheating Instructions for Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Leftovers? Lucky you! Store slices in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a slice in the microwave for 30 seconds or warm it in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes. Pro tip – it tastes almost as good cold straight from the fridge when you’re in a rush!
Nutritional Information for Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Each serving of this bake (about 1/8th of the pan) packs roughly 220 calories, with 8g fat, 30g carbs (including 3g fiber), and 9g protein. Remember: Nutritional values are estimates – your exact numbers may vary slightly based on ingredient brands and how you tweak the recipe. But one thing’s certain – it’s way more balanced than that sugar-bomb cereal!
FAQ About Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are the most common things readers ask me about this cozy breakfast bake:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! That’s one of my favorite things about this cottage cheese bake. Mix everything the night before (except the baking powder – add that right before baking), cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, just pour into your pan and bake. Easy-peasy!
Is this breakfast bake freezer-friendly?
You bet! Cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or pop straight into the toaster oven from frozen. Perfect for those “I forgot to meal prep” mornings!
Can I use a different type of cheese?
While cottage cheese gives the perfect texture, ricotta works beautifully too. For a tangier twist, try Greek yogurt (reduce to 1½ cups and add an extra egg). Just avoid hard cheeses – they’ll make the bake too dense.
My bake turned out wet – what went wrong?
Ah, probably didn’t squeeze those carrots and apples enough! Really wring them out – it makes all the difference. Also, make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure thing! Use dairy-free cottage cheese (yes, it exists!) or swap in silken tofu blended with lemon juice for that same creamy texture. Just adjust sweetness to taste since dairy-free versions can be less tangy.
Share Your Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake Experience
I’d love to hear how your Morning Glory Cottage Cheese Bake turns out! Did your kids gobble it up? Find a genius ingredient swap? Snap a pic of that golden crust and tag me – nothing makes me happier than seeing your breakfast wins. Leave a comment below with your thoughts or questions – let’s keep the cozy breakfast vibes going! Share your experience!
