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High-Protein Cottage Cheese Baked Oatmeal - A Comforting, Make-Ahead Breakfast

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients
  

  • Old-fashioned rolled oats (not quick or steel-cut)
  • Cottage cheese (2% or 4% works best)
  • Eggs
  • Milk (dairy or unsweetened non-dairy)
  • Maple syrup or honey (or a granulated sweetener)
  • Vanilla extract
  • Baking powder
  • Ground cinnamon and a pinch of salt
  • Optional add-ins: blueberries, diced apples, sliced bananas, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, chia seeds, or flaxseed
  • Optional toppings: Greek yogurt, nut butter, fresh fruit, maple syrup
  • Cooking spray or butter for the pan

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep the pan. Heat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. Blend the wet ingredients. In a blender, combine 1 cup cottage cheese, 2 large eggs, 1 cup milk, 1/3–1/2 cup maple syrup (to taste), and 2 teaspoons vanilla. Blend until smooth. This keeps the texture creamy without cottage cheese curds.
  3. Mix the dry ingredients. In a large bowl, stir together 2 cups rolled oats, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, 1–2 teaspoons cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. If using chia or flax, add 1–2 tablespoons now.
  4. Combine wet and dry. Pour the blended mixture over the oats. Stir until everything is evenly coated. Fold in 1–1 1/2 cups of add-ins like berries, nuts, or chocolate chips if you want.
  5. Rest briefly. Let the mixture sit for 5 minutes so the oats hydrate. This helps with a custardy, sliceable texture.
  6. Bake. Transfer to the prepared dish and smooth the top. Bake for 30–38 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden. A toothpick should come out mostly clean.
  7. Cool and slice. Let it cool for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing. It firms up as it cools, making clean squares.
  8. Serve. Enjoy warm with a spoon of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of nut butter, or fresh fruit. For extra sweetness, add a little maple syrup on top.