Broccoli & Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake

If you’re looking for a wholesome, protein-packed vegetable casserole that’s creamy without being heavy, this Broccoli & Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake is exactly what you need. It’s comforting, nutritious, and incredibly simple to prepare—making it perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday side dishes, or meal prep.

This bake combines tender broccoli and cauliflower with creamy cottage cheese, eggs, and melted cheese to create a fluffy, satisfying texture that feels indulgent but remains balanced and nourishing.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in protein
• Naturally gluten-free
• Low-carb friendly
• Family-approved vegetable dish
• Great for meal prep
• Budget-friendly ingredients

If you enjoy casseroles that are creamy yet light, this recipe delivers both comfort and nutrition in one dish.

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The Power of Broccoli & Cauliflower

Broccoli and Cauliflower belong to the cruciferous vegetable family and are nutritional powerhouses.

Broccoli Benefits:

• Rich in vitamin C
• High in fiber
• Contains antioxidants
• Adds vibrant color and texture

Cauliflower Benefits:

• Naturally low in carbs
• Mild flavor that absorbs seasoning
• Adds creaminess when baked
• Excellent source of vitamin K

Together, they create a perfectly balanced vegetable base for this protein-rich bake.

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Why Cottage Cheese Makes It Creamy (Without Being Heavy)

Cottage cheese is the secret ingredient that makes this casserole creamy while keeping it lighter than traditional cream-based bakes.

It adds:

• High-quality protein
• Moisture
• Structure when combined with eggs
• A mild tang that enhances flavor

Blending it smooth creates a silky base, while leaving it slightly textured gives the bake more body.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 2 cups cauliflower florets
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk (optional for softer texture)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano

Optional Add-Ins:

• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• Cooked bacon crumbles
• Diced onions
• Red pepper flakes

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 or 9×9 baking dish.

2. Prepare the Vegetables

Steam or blanch broccoli and cauliflower for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender but still firm. Drain well and pat dry to remove excess moisture.

3. Mix the Creamy Base

In a bowl, whisk eggs. Stir in cottage cheese, milk (if using), garlic, olive oil, salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Mix until combined.

4. Combine

Add broccoli and cauliflower to the mixture. Gently fold until evenly coated.

5. Transfer & Top

Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle cheddar cheese evenly on top. Add Parmesan if desired.

6. Bake

Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Rest Before Serving

Let the bake cool for 5–10 minutes to allow it to firm up before slicing.

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Texture & Flavor Profile

This bake has:

• Tender-crisp vegetables
• Creamy, custard-like interior
• Slightly cheesy golden top
• Savory garlic and herb notes

It’s lighter than traditional cream-heavy casseroles but still incredibly satisfying.

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Healthy Modifications

If you prefer a lighter approach:

• Use low-fat cottage cheese
• Reduce cheddar to ¾ cup
• Skip milk for a firmer texture
• Add extra vegetables for volume

For a keto-friendly version, this recipe already fits well into low-carb lifestyles.

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Delicious Variations

Add Protein

• Cooked shredded chicken
• Ground turkey
• Diced ham

Make It Spicy

• Add chili flakes
• Use pepper jack cheese
• Stir in diced jalapeños

Mediterranean Style

• Add chopped spinach
• Mix in feta instead of cheddar
• Sprinkle with fresh parsley

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What to Serve with Broccoli & Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake

This versatile dish works as:

• A hearty side for grilled chicken
• A vegetarian main with a side salad
• A brunch casserole option
• A holiday table vegetable dish

It pairs especially well with roasted meats, baked salmon, or even a simple bowl of soup.

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Storage & Meal Prep

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Freeze fully cooled portions for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat in the oven at 350°F or microwave individual slices.

This dish reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep lunches.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Skipping the pre-cook step – Raw vegetables release too much water.
2. Not draining properly – Excess moisture makes the bake watery.
3. Overbaking – Can dry out the custard base.
4. Under-seasoning – Vegetables need adequate seasoning for best flavor.

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Nutritional Benefits

This casserole is:

• High in protein
• Rich in fiber
• Low in refined carbohydrates
• Naturally gluten-free
• Packed with vitamins and antioxidants

It’s an excellent way to increase vegetable intake without sacrificing flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, but thaw and drain thoroughly before mixing.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble up to 24 hours ahead and bake when ready.

Can I blend the cottage cheese?

Yes. Blending creates a smoother, more uniform texture.

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Why This Recipe Works

The combination of eggs and cottage cheese forms a protein-rich custard base that binds the vegetables together while keeping the texture light. Steaming the vegetables first ensures tenderness without excess water.

The result is a creamy, cheesy vegetable bake that feels comforting but remains balanced and wholesome.

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Final Thoughts

Broccoli & Cauliflower Cottage Cheese Bake is the perfect blend of nutrition and comfort. It’s creamy without being heavy, packed with protein, and easy to customize based on your taste preferences.

Whether you serve it as a side dish or enjoy it as a vegetarian main, this wholesome bake is guaranteed to become a regular in your meal rotation.

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