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High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Onion Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 120 reviews

This High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Onion Bake is a savory, satisfying dish combining creamy cottage cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and nutty Gruyère cheese into a smooth, custard-like bake. Perfect as a comforting brunch option or a protein-packed side, this recipe highlights the depth of slowly cooked onions and a smooth, fluffy texture from blended cottage cheese and eggs.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary Ingredients

  • 2 cups small-curd cottage cheese (well-drained)
  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally at first, then more frequently as they begin to brown. The onions should become soft, jammy, and deep amber in color. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
  2. Drain the Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer over a bowl and let it drain for at least 20 minutes. Press gently with a spoon several times to remove excess whey. Discard the liquid to avoid a watery bake.
  3. Prepare the Oven and Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
  4. Blend the Eggs and Cottage Cheese: In a blender, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, eggs, and cornstarch. Blend for 45-60 seconds until the mixture becomes perfectly smooth, frothy, and free of lumps.
  5. Mix Ingredients: Pour the blended custard base into a mixing bowl. Stir in fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions and ¾ cup of shredded Gruyère cheese, ensuring even distribution.
  6. Assemble the Bake: Pour this mixture into the prepared pie dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère cheese on top for a golden, cheesy crust.
  7. Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set and the top is golden brown. The center should have a slight wobble but no liquid. A knife inserted 1 inch from the center should come out clean.
  8. Cool: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This cooling step helps the bake fully set, resulting in firm yet tender slices.

Notes

  • Be patient when caramelizing onions to allow excess moisture to evaporate and deepen their flavor.
  • Thoroughly drain cottage cheese to prevent a watery texture in the bake.
  • Let the bake rest after oven time to ensure clean slicing and proper texture.

Keywords: cottage cheese bake, caramelized onions, high-protein casserole, Gruyère cheese recipe, savory bake, healthy side dish

Find it online: https://tastemadebyclara.com/high-protein-cottage-cheese-and-onion-bake-recipe/