Hey y'all! If you're searching for a comforting, cheesy dish that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a casual dinner, this Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers is a definite winner. With creamy cottage cheese, golden hashbrowns, and vibrant bell peppers, you'll love every forkful of this flavorful, satisfying bake. It's simple to make, crowd-pleasing, and packs in plenty of protein to start your day right. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- Wholesome and hearty with a creamy, cheesy texture and colorful veggies.
- Protein-packed thanks to cottage cheese and eggs—keeps you full for hours!
- Perfect for meal prep—make ahead and reheat all week long.
- Versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or a comforting dinner.
- Easy to customize with your favorite veggies or cheese blends.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- 3 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (preferably 4% milkfat for creaminess)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced (any color or a mix)
- ¼ cup green onions, thinly sliced
- 4 large eggs
- ¾ cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- Nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Preheat
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or brush lightly with oil.
Step 2: Mix the Hashbrowns and Veggies
In a large bowl, combine the thawed hashbrowns, diced bell peppers, green onions, and olive oil or melted butter. Toss until evenly coated, then spread evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Step 3: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cottage cheese, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well blended.
Step 4: Combine and Assemble
Pour the egg and cheese mixture evenly over the hashbrown and pepper base. Use a spatula to gently mix the top layer, ensuring even distribution.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the baking dish on the center rack of the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is set (a knife inserted should come out clean). Let cool for 10 minutes before slicing.
Notes for the Best Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- For crispier edges, broil the bake for the last 2 minutes of cooking—keep a close eye on it!
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for maximum creaminess. Learn more about choosing the right cottage cheese varieties here.
- Thaw and blot hashbrowns dry to prevent excess moisture in your bake.
Variations: Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- Spicy Southwest: Add ½ cup black beans, a diced jalapeño, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese.
- Meaty Breakfast: Stir in 1 cup cooked breakfast sausage or chopped bacon for extra heartiness.
- Veggie Lover's: Add 1 cup chopped spinach or mushrooms along with the bell peppers.
Required Equipment for Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- 9x13-inch baking dish
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Nonstick spray or brush
Storage Instructions: Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
Let leftovers cool completely, then cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer slices to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. For more tips on safe food storage, visit Foodsafety.gov.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings for Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- Serve with a fresh green salad or sliced tomatoes for a well-rounded brunch.
- Pair with fruit salad, bacon, or smoked salmon for a complete breakfast spread.
- Top with a dollop of sour cream, hot sauce, or fresh chives for extra flavor.
Pro Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- Don’t skip resting the bake after cooking—this helps it set and slice neatly.
- Grate cheese fresh for optimal melt and flavor—pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents. Learn more about cheese melting properties here.
- Customize seasoning by adding dried herbs like thyme or Italian seasoning.
FAQs: Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers
- Can I make this bake ahead of time?
- Absolutely! Assemble the bake the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Can I freeze Cottage Cheese Hashbrown Bake with Bell Peppers?
- Yes, bake first, cool completely, then wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- What if I don’t have cottage cheese?
- Ricotta makes a great substitute, though the flavor and texture will be slightly different.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour
Ingredients
- 4 cups frozen shredded hashbrowns, thawed
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- ½ cup chopped yellow onion
- 3 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil.
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2In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté the diced bell peppers and chopped onion in olive oil until softened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
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3In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
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4Add the thawed hashbrowns and sautéed vegetables to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
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5Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the center is set.
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6Let the bake cool for 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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