Introduction
If you love the warmth of baked oatmeal but need a serious protein boost to power through your morning, look no further than the Easy Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Bake. This recipe cleverly incorporates cottage cheese, blending it into the batter to create an incredibly moist, creamy, and high-protein breakfast that tastes more like a dessert. It’s a fantastic meal prep solution, allowing you to bake once and enjoy nutritious servings all week long. Unlike traditional baked oats, the cottage cheese base eliminates the need for excess oil or butter while ensuring a tender texture that won’t dry out.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups (135g) rolled oats (old-fashioned)
- 1 cup (225g) full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup (120ml) milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup (60ml) maple syrup or honey, plus extra for serving
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- A pinch of salt
Step-by-step Preparation
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch (20×20 cm) baking dish. This size ensures the bake is thick and moist.
- Blend the Wet Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, milk, eggs, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and no lumps of cottage cheese remain. Tip: Achieving a smooth consistency is key to avoiding a grainy texture in the final bake.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the rolled oats, cinnamon, baking powder, and salt. Pour the blended wet mixture over the dry ingredients. Stir gently until just combined. Do not overmix, as this can make the resulting bake tough.
- Bake the Oatmeal: Pour the batter into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The oatmeal is done when the edges are set and lightly golden, and the center is mostly firm when lightly touched.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool in the dish for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the oatmeal to fully set and makes serving much easier. Serve warm with an extra drizzle of maple syrup or fresh fruit.
Nutritional Information
This recipe yields 4 generous servings. Each serving contains approximately 280-300 calories (depending on the type of milk and sweetener used). The primary health benefit of this recipe is its high protein content, thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs, providing essential amino acids crucial for muscle maintenance and satiety. It is also rich in fiber from the rolled oats, promoting digestive health and sustained energy release throughout the morning.
Storage
Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices for 45–60 seconds, or wrap them in foil and reheat in a toaster oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This bake also freezes well; wrap slices individually and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Conclusion
This Easy Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Oatmeal Bake transforms a simple breakfast staple into a satisfying, muscle-building meal. For variations, try adding a half cup of fresh blueberries or chopped apples before baking, or sprinkle the top with chopped walnuts for added crunch. Whether you enjoy it as a quick grab-and-go breakfast or a cozy weekend brunch, this bake is sure to become a high-protein favorite in your weekly rotation.