High Protein Breakfast Cottage Cheese Muffins
30 min
|
easy
|
clean eating,
gluten-free,
keto-friendly,
Mediterranean diet
Recipe by Eunice
| Prep Time | Cook Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|
| 10 min | 20 min | 30 min |
Introduction
These high protein breakfast cottage cheese muffins are fluffy, cheesy, and surprisingly light for how filling they are.
They bake up like little crustless quiches, packed with tender eggs, cottage cheese, and plenty of savory flavor.
They’re perfect for make-ahead breakfasts, meal prep, or a quick grab-and-go snack any busy morning.
Ingredients (10 servings)
Ingredients:
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How to Make High Protein Breakfast Cottage Cheese Muffins
-
Preheat oven and prep pan
Preheat your oven to 350°F and position a rack in the center.
Lightly grease a standard 12-cup muffin pan or line with parchment liners.
-
Blend the egg and cheese base
Add the eggs, cottage cheese, cream cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to a blender.
Blend until the mixture looks completely smooth and lightly frothy.
-
Stir in cheese and veggies
Pour the egg mixture into a medium bowl and stir in the shredded cheddar, bell pepper, and scallions.
Use a spatula and scrape the bottom of the bowl so the cheese distributes evenly.
-
Fill the muffin pan and bake
Divide the mixture evenly among 10 muffin cups, filling each about three quarters full.
Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, until the tops are set and lightly golden around the edges.
The centers should spring back lightly when touched and a toothpick should come out mostly clean.
-
Cool, serve, and store
Let the muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack.
Serve warm, or cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.
Substitutions
- Cottage cheese -> Greek yogurt
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a smoother, slightly tangier muffin. Protein stays high, but the texture feels more like a soft crustless quiche.
- Cheddar -> pepper jack
- Swap the shredded cheddar for pepper jack if you love a bit of gentle heat. The muffins will taste slightly spicier and a little creamier, without losing their tender texture.
- Red bell pepper -> finely chopped broccoli
- Use finely chopped, lightly steamed broccoli instead of bell pepper for a green, veggie-forward twist. The flavor turns a bit earthier, and the muffins feel more filling from the extra fiber.
Tips
- Blend for extra fluffy muffins
- Blending the eggs with cottage cheese and cream cheese breaks up curds and traps air. This gives the muffins a lighter, soufflé-like bite instead of a dense, omelet-like texture.
- Grease the pan very well
- Egg muffins love to stick, even in nonstick pans, so do not skimp on the oil or spray. Silicone muffin cups are a great backup if you have had issues with sticking before.
- Keep vegetables small and fairly dry
- Finely dicing the bell pepper and scallions helps them suspend evenly in the batter. If your bell pepper seems very juicy, pat it dry so the muffins set nicely.
- Pull them from the oven on time
- Overbaked egg muffins turn rubbery, so start checking at the 18-minute mark. They should look just set in the center, not puffed, browned, and cracked.
- Use your freezer for quick breakfasts
- Freeze completely cooled muffins on a sheet pan, then move them to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the microwave in 30-second bursts or in a 325°F oven.
Nutrition Facts *
| Energy | 186 | kcal |
|---|---|---|
| Protein | 14 | g |
| Total Fat | 13 | g |
| Carbohydrates | 4 | g |
| Dietary Fiber | 0 | g |
* Approximate, per serving.
Data source: USDA FoodData Central.
FAQ
- Can I use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese?
- It works, but the muffins will taste less rich and may weep a little more moisture. Full-fat cottage cheese gives the most tender, custardy texture and best flavor.
- Why did my muffins sink in the center?
- Egg muffins often sink slightly as they cool, which is normal and harmless. If they collapse deeply, they were likely underbaked, so add a few minutes next time.
- Can I add cooked bacon or sausage to these muffins?
- Yes, stir in about half a cup of well-drained, chopped cooked bacon or sausage with the cheese. Too much meat can make the muffins greasy, so keep the add-ins moderate.
- How long do these muffins keep, and how should I reheat them?
- In the refrigerator, they keep well for up to four days in a tightly sealed container. For the best texture, reheat gently until just warm, not scorching hot.
- Can I make these without a blender or food processor?
- Yes, but whisk very thoroughly so the eggs mix smoothly with the cottage cheese and cream cheese. You will see small curds in the finished muffins, though the taste stays the same.
Serving Suggestions
These high protein cottage cheese muffins make busy mornings calmer, tastier, and a lot more satisfying.
Pair them with fresh berries or sliced avocado for a quick breakfast that feels complete.
For weekend brunch, serve the muffins warm with hot sauce, salsa, or a dollop of sour cream on top.
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