This warm and cozy breakfast features creamy cottage cheese topped with sweet baked apples and a sprinkle of cinnamon. It’s like a hug in a bowl to start your day! 🍏✨
Making this is so easy! Just mix ingredients, pop them in the oven, and breakfast is ready. I love how it fills me up without feeling heavy. Give it a try—it’s the perfect morning treat!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: You can use either full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese here. I prefer full-fat for its creaminess, but if you’re watching calories, low-fat works just as well. If you’re dairy-free, try tofu for a similar texture or skip it and add more egg!
Apples: Any sweet apple will do! Honeycrisp and Fuji are my favorites for their sweetness and crunch. If apples aren’t in season, you could use pears instead or even frozen fruit if you’re in a pinch. Just adjust the baking time slightly.
Milk: Regular cow’s milk is great, but you can easily swap it out for almond, soy, or oat milk for a dairy-free version. The taste will change a little, but it will still be yummy!
Sweeteners: Honey or maple syrup adds a nice touch, but you might like to use stevia or agave for a lower-calorie option! Just remember to adjust based on your sweetness preference.
How Do I Ensure My Baked Mixture Sets Perfectly?
The key to getting this dish perfectly set lies in the mixing and baking. Make sure to whisk the eggs and milk thoroughly to incorporate air, which helps with that fluffy texture. Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure even cooking.
- Be gentle when folding in the cottage cheese and apples. Overmixing can make it dense.
- Watch for the baking time; it should be golden on top and slightly jiggly in the middle when you take it out. It will firm up as it cools.
Enjoy watching this transform from a bowl of mix to a delicious breakfast dessert!
Baked Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced or chopped
- 1/4 cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or oil for greasing the baking dish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful breakfast dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 25-30 minutes to bake. In total, you’ll need about 40 minutes, including a bit of cooling time before serving. Quick and easy for a busy morning!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, grab a small baking dish (about 6 inches square should do) and lightly grease it with butter or oil to prevent sticking.
2. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, honey (if you want a touch of sweetness), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Make sure everything is mixed well!
3. Fold in the Cottage Cheese:
Time to add the star ingredient! Gently fold in the cottage cheese using a spatula. You want it to be mixed well but still creamy, so don’t overdo it.
4. Add the Apples:
Next, toss in your sliced or chopped apple pieces into the mixture. Stir gently to combine, ensuring that the apples are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the entire mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making it nice and even!
6. Sprinkle with More Cinnamon:
For an extra boost of flavor, sprinkle a little bit of ground cinnamon on top of the mixture before baking. This will give it a lovely aroma!
7. Bake to Perfection:
Place your dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is golden brown and the center is set—just a slight jiggle is okay!
8. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it firm up a little more.
9. Enjoy!
Serve your baked apple cinnamon cottage cheese breakfast warm on its own, or add a drizzle of honey or a dollop of yogurt for a special treat. Enjoy your delicious and healthy start to the day!
With its creamy texture and sweet apple flavor, this breakfast is not only filling but also packed with protein and goodness. Perfect for any morning!
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples add a nice sweetness, you can substitute with other fruits like pears, peaches, or even berries. Just remember that some fruits, like berries, might not need as much baking time, so keep an eye on it!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through! It also makes for a great meal prep option for busy mornings.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! Simply use a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative and plant-based milk, like almond or oat milk. There are many delicious dairy-free cottage cheese brands available that will work perfectly in this recipe!
What Can I Serve With This Breakfast?
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can elevate it by serving with yogurt, fresh fruit, or a sprinkle of nuts for added crunch. It also pairs well with a warm cup of coffee or tea!
