Save I stood in my kitchen last Tuesday, staring at a container of cottage cheese that needed to be used, and decided to throw together whatever I had on hand. Sometimes the best meals start with nothing more than a nearly empty fridge and twenty minutes before dinner needs to happen.
My roommate walked in while this was bubbling away in the oven and immediately asked what smelled so incredible. We ate it standing up at the counter, both too impatient to wait for proper plates, and she texted me the next morning asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cottage cheese: Draining this well is crucialI learned the hard way that excess liquid makes the whole dish weep while baking.
- 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: The salty tang cuts through the mild cottage cheese and gives every bite something to remember.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This creates that golden, slightly crispy crust that makes the first forkful feel like a real treat.
- 3 large eggs: These bind everything together into slices that hold their shape instead of collapsing into a spoonable dip.
- 1 cup frozen chopped spinach: Thaw and squeeze this until your hands hurtany remaining water will sabotage the texture.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts: Canned works perfectly fine, but jarred artichokes packed in oil bring an extra layer of flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic: Mince this fresh because garlic powder just cannot deliver the same punch here.
- Salt and pepper: Taste before baking since the feta and Parmesan already bring quite a bit of salt to the party.
Instructions
- Get your oven ready:
- Preheat to 350°F and grease a 9×9-inch dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Mix everything together:
- Combine cottage cheese, eggs, spinach, artichoke hearts, feta, Parmesan, and garlic in a large bowl.
- Season and stir:
- Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir until no streaks of egg remain visible.
- Spread and bake:
- Pour into your prepared dish, level the top, and bake for thirty to thirty-five minutes until golden and set.
- Rest before serving:
- Let it cool for at least five minutes so the slices hold together when you cut them.
Save This recipe saved me during a particularly chaotic week when meal prep felt impossible. Having something ready to heat up that actually felt satisfying made all the difference between ordering takeout and eating something nourishing.
Make It Your Own
I have added red pepper flakes on days when I wanted some warmth, and fresh herbs like parsley or dill brighten everything up beautifully. A handful of chopped sun-dried tomatoes would not be out of place here either.
Storage And Reheating
This keeps remarkably well in the refrigerator for up to four days, which is why it has become my Sunday ritual. The flavors actually meld together and taste even better after a night or two.
Serving Suggestions
A simple green salad with a vinaigrette cuts through the richness perfectly. Roasted vegetables on the side make it feel like a complete meal without much extra effort.
- Warm slices taste infinitely better than cold ones straight from the fridge.
- A sprinkle of fresh herbs right before serving makes it look intentional.
- This works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner depending on what you serve alongside it.
Save There is something deeply satisfying about a recipe that transforms such simple ingredients into something that feels special. Hope this finds its way into your regular rotation too.
Kitchen Tips & Answers
- → Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Absolutely! If using fresh spinach, sauté about 6 cups until it's wilted, then ensure you drain and squeeze out all excess liquid thoroughly before adding it to the mixture. This prevents the bake from becoming watery.
- → How can I ensure my bake isn't watery?
The key to a firm, non-watery bake is to properly drain both the cottage cheese and the thawed spinach. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from both ingredients before combining them with the others.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it's excellent for meal prep! You can store individual slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze portions for up to 2 months for a quick, convenient meal whenever you need it.
- → Can I add other vegetables to this bake?
While spinach and artichoke are the stars, you can certainly experiment with other vegetables. Just be sure to pre-cook and drain any high-moisture vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini to prevent adding excess liquid to the bake.
- → What's the best way to serve this dish?
This bake is delicious served warm, either on its own as a main dish or alongside a simple green salad. Allow it to cool for a few minutes after baking before slicing to ensure it sets properly and holds its shape.
- → How can I enhance the flavor of this bake?
For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the mixture before baking. You could also stir in some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an added layer of aromatic flavor.