Cottage Cheese Frittata Recipe: Simple and High Protein

If you’re looking for a delicious, protein-packed breakfast that’s easy to make, this cottage cheese frittata recipe is your answer. It combines creamy texture with fluffy eggs to create a satisfying meal that works for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner. It’s perfect for meal prepping or hosting a weekend brunch. 

Are you wondering what makes this frittata recipe with cottage cheese so special? Your answer is right in the title. The cottage cheese adds incredible moisture and a subtle tang while boosting the protein content. 

What Makes a Frittata a Go-To Recipe?

• It’s ridiculously easy to make
• You’re hitting your protein goals
• There is versatility by adding what you want to make this a little different each time 

The Power of a High-Protein Breakfast

Why Frittatas Keep You Full

The value of protein is being touted wherever you look, but one egg only has 6 grams of protein! I wanted to find a way to boost that to meet my protein goals because of how important it is.

Starting your day with a high-protein breakfast like this cottage cheese frittata recipe offers benefits for your health, energy levels, and appetite control throughout the day. Here’s why protein-rich mornings make such a difference:

1. Protein takes longer to digest than carbohydrates which means this dish will keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours. Unlike carb-laden breakfasts that cause blood sugar spikes and crashes, protein-rich breakfasts provide steady, sustained energy to help you move through your morning. 
2. Muscle maintenance and metabolism thrive with protein because it’s essential to building and maintaining lean muscle mass, which, in turn, supports a healthy metabolism.
3. It goes beyond protein. Eggs provide vitamins A, D, E, and B12 and minerals like selenium and choline. That’s just the eggs! Add vegetables to boost your nutritional goals.

What’s the Difference Between a Frittata and a Quiche?

I constantly interchange these terms and am wrong when I do it. Yes, both are egg-based dishes, but there are differences between a frittata and a quiche. 

Quiche

• Always has a pastry crust (usually a buttery, flaky pie crust)
• Contains heavy cream or milk, giving it a rich, custard-like texture
• Baked entirely in the oven until the custard sets
• Silky and custard-like, thanks to the high cream content

Frittata

• Crustless, making it naturally gluten-free and lower in carbs
• Uses less dairy (or none at all). This frittata recipe uses cottage cheese instead of cream, making it higher in protein and lower in fat
• Often started on the stovetop and finished in the oven, though this oven baked frittata with cottage cheese can be made entirely in the oven for simplicity
• Fluffier and more egg-forward, with a slightly firmer texture

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Cottage Cheese Frittata Recipe 

• 6 eggs
• ¾ cup egg whites
• ¾ cup Good Culture cottage cheese (low-fat)
• 8 slices bacon
• ½ cup Trader Joe’s Swiss and Gruyere (any cheese you like will work)
• Salt and Pepper
• Onion powder
• 1 tsp. Thyme (dried)

Directions:

1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F.
2. In a bowl, mix all ingredients listed above. Mix until everything comes together. Cottage cheese may still have chunks, but they will melt into the frittata when baked.
3. Put pie dish on a sheet pan to make it easier to move. Place aluminum foil on the top for the first 30 minutes (so it doesn’t brown too much).
4. After 30 minutes, remove the aluminum foil and cooke for about another 30 minutes.
5. Let it rest for at least 5 minutes when done.

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Tips for the Perfect Cottage Cheese Frittata

• Choose the right cottage cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese will give you the creamiest results, but low-fat works too
• Don’t overmix: Gently fold the cottage cheese into the eggs to maintain some texture
• Watch the temperature: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for even cooking without browning too quickly (use aluminum foil to help with that).
• Let it rest: Allow the frittata to cool for 5 minutes before slicing for cleaner cuts

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Variations of the Frittata Recipe

One of the best things about a frittata is how versatile it is. Throw in what you want to make it your favorite, but here are some popular variations:

Mediterranean:

Add spinach, cooked tomatoes, feta cheese, and fresh basil.

Southwest:

Include bell peppers, jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese.

Garden vegetable:

Cook mushrooms, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and add some fresh herbs.

Meat Lovers

Add crumbled bacon, diced ham, and sausage.

Frequently Asked Questions for Frittata Recipes

Can I make it ahead of time? 

Sure can! This recipe is perfect for meal prep. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes. 

Can I freeze it?

Absolutely. Wrap individual slices in plastic wrap and store in freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months. The texture may be slightly different after freezing, but it’s still delicious. 

What type of cottage cheese is best for frittatas?

Full-fat cottage cheese will give the creamiest texture and richest flavor, but low-fat works beautifully. I love the brand Good Culture. 

How do I know when my frittata is done?

The jiggle. I always set my pie dish that holds my frittata on a baking dish to make it easier to move. I give it a little shake, and, if the center still jiggles, it’s not done. You can try inserting a knife and seeing if it comes out clean. Also, the internal temperature should reach 160°F.

Should I pre-cook vegetables before adding them to the frittata?

It depends on the vegetable. Watery vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini should be sautéed first to release excess moisture. Heartier vegetables like bell peppers and onions also benefit from pre-cooking to bring out their sweetness and soften them a little. Tender vegetables like tomatoes can be added raw.

Keep this Cottage Cheese Frittata Recipe in the Rotation 

Finding recipes that are easy to make and healthy for your family are real winners. Make this frittata base your go-to and change it up with different cheeses, meats, and vegetables. You’ll love that it makes a perfect breakfast, an easy to pack lunch, and a healthy dinner. 

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