Description
A wholesome and easy-to-make breakfast bake featuring protein-rich cottage cheese, bright cranberries, and zesty orange for a delightful morning meal.
Ingredients
2 cups full-fat or 2% cottage cheese
2 large eggs
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup maple syrup (or honey), plus more for serving
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups rolled oats (not instant)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon orange zest
1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
Pinch of salt
Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch (20x20 cm) baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, orange juice, maple syrup, and vanilla extract until well combined and relatively smooth. A few small cottage cheese curds are fine.
Step 3: In a separate medium bowl, combine the rolled oats, ground cinnamon, orange zest, cranberries, and a pinch of salt. Stir to ensure the cranberries are lightly coated.
Step 4: Pour the wet cottage cheese mixture into the dry oat mixture. Stir gently until all ingredients are just combined. Do not overmix.
Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden brown and the bake is set in the center. A toothpick inserted into the center should come out mostly clean.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the bake to set properly. Serve warm, optionally with an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
Notes
For a sweeter bake, add an extra tablespoon of maple syrup or honey to the wet ingredients. You can also mix in a handful of chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts for added crunch. If you don't have fresh oranges, a couple of teaspoons of orange extract can be used in place of the zest and juice, reducing the liquid slightly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 70mg