This warm and cozy baked apple cinnamon cottage cheese breakfast is a sweet way to start your day. It’s creamy, fruity, and filled with comforting flavors of cinnamon and oats!
Honestly, what’s not to love about warm apples and cinnamon in the morning? I like to add a sprinkle of nuts on top for a bit of crunch. Perfect for chilly mornings! 😊
Making this breakfast is a breeze! Just mix everything, bake it up, and enjoy. It’s a delicious way to get your protein and feel good all morning!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star of the show! Use full-fat or low-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference. If you’re dairy-free, try a plant-based alternative like almond or soy yogurt for a similar texture.
Apples: Any variety works, but I like using Granny Smith for their tartness, which balances the sweetness. You can swap apples for pears or even berries if you prefer! Just adjust the sweetness accordingly.
Rolled Oats: These add a nice chewiness. If you don’t have oats, quick oats can work too. For a gluten-free option, use certified gluten-free oats or even ground almonds for a different texture.
Milk: Regular cow’s milk, almond, or oat milk all work great here! If you want a creamier texture, go for whole or full-fat options.
Sweetener: Honey or maple syrup is my go-to, but you can use brown sugar or agave if that’s what you have on hand. Adjust to your taste — some apples are sweeter than others!
How Do I Get the Best Texture When Baking This Dish?
Getting the right texture is key for this baked breakfast. Here’s what I find helpful:
- Mix the ingredients just until combined. Overmixing can lead to a dense texture.
- Let the batter sit for a few minutes after mixing; this helps the oats absorb some moisture.
- Check for doneness by inserting a toothpick gently into the center. If it comes out clean or with a few moist crumbs, it’s ready!
- Let it cool a bit after baking. It firms up as it cools, making it easier to serve.
Enjoy your baking, and don’t hesitate to get creative with fruits or add-ins like nuts or seeds for extra crunch!
Baked Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 medium apple, peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 1/3 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup milk (whole, 2%, or plant-based)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, plus extra for topping
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- Butter or non-stick spray (for greasing the baking dish)
Time Needed:
This delightful baked breakfast will take about 10 minutes for preparation and 35-40 minutes baking in the oven, plus a little cooling time. In total, you can expect around 50 minutes to enjoy this delicious start to your morning!
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms up, lightly grease a small baking dish—around 6×6 inches works perfectly. Use butter or a non-stick spray to ensure nothing sticks!
2. Mix Wet Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, crack in the two eggs and add the milk, honey (or maple syrup), and vanilla extract. Whisk everything together until it’s well mixed and frothy. This is where all the yummy flavors start coming together!
3. Combine Dry Ingredients:
Next, stir in the cottage cheese, rolled oats, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if you’re using it), and a pinch of salt. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined. You want to see the cottage cheese distributed, but try not to over-mix.
4. Add the Apples:
Now it’s time to fold in those lovely apple slices! Gently mix them into the cottage cheese mixture so they’re spread throughout. This is going to make your breakfast taste so good!
5. Pour and Spread:
Pour your mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth it out evenly. It should look nice and even.
6. Sprinkle Cinnamon:
Before popping it in the oven, sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top. This will create a delightful aroma while baking!
7. Bake It:
Put your dish in the hot oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks set and golden brown. If you insert a toothpick into the center, it should come out mostly clean!
8. Let It Cool:
Once it’s out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it firm up a bit and makes it easier to serve.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your baked apple cinnamon cottage cheese breakfast warm! If you like, drizzle a little more honey or maple syrup on top for added sweetness. Pair it with your favorite cup of coffee or tea. Enjoy every bite!
It’s a comforting, protein-packed way to start your day. Happy eating!
Can I Use Different Fruits for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While apples are a great choice, you can use pears, berries, or even peaches for a different twist. Just adjust the sweetness based on the fruit’s natural sugar levels.
Can I Make This Breakfast Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the mixture the night before and store it in the fridge. Just pour it into the baking dish and bake it in the morning for a warm breakfast ready in no time!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Can I Substitute the Cottage Cheese?
If you’re looking for a different option, you can try ricotta cheese for a creamier texture or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may slightly change the final flavor and texture!