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Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner Recipe

Cheese Bake – Easy Protein-Packed Dinner Recipe

4.9 from 22 reviews

This Pizza Style Cottage Cheese Bake is an easy, protein-packed dinner that combines creamy cottage cheese, savory mozzarella, and mini turkey pepperoni for a delicious and healthy meal. Perfect for a quick bake, it offers a flavorful twist on traditional pizza flavors in a nutritious casserole form.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup mini turkey pepperoni slices
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×9-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bake.
  2. Mix Cottage Cheese and Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and eggs until you achieve a smooth and consistent mixture, creating the base for the bake.
  3. Add Cheeses and Seasonings: Stir in the shredded mozzarella, most of the mini turkey pepperoni (reserve some for topping), parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until evenly combined.
  4. Assemble the Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Top with the remaining turkey pepperoni slices for added flavor and visual appeal.
  5. Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bake is fully set and the cheese on top is bubbly and golden brown.
  6. Cool and Serve: Allow the bake to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm with a side of marinara sauce for dipping to enhance the pizza-style experience.

Notes

  • Use low-fat cottage cheese to reduce calories and saturated fat.
  • For a spicier dish, substitute turkey pepperoni with regular pepperoni or add red pepper flakes.
  • Marinara sauce for dipping complements the flavors perfectly, but you can also use ranch or garlic sauce.
  • This dish can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 2 days; reheat before serving.
  • To keep this gluten-free, ensure all seasonings and pepperoni are certified gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cottage cheese bake, protein-packed dinner, easy casserole, turkey pepperoni bake, low fat dinner, baked cheese dish, healthy pizza alternative