01 -
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish (or similar 2-quart dish) with cooking spray or butter. This prepares your dish for the delicious Creamy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake, ensuring easy removal and cleanup.
02 -
In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup old-fashioned rolled oats, 1/4 cup chopped pecans, 1 tablespoon light brown sugar, and a pinch of ground cinnamon. Mix these Golden Oat & Pecan Crumble ingredients well until thoroughly combined. Set aside for later use as the topping.
03 -
In a separate medium bowl, gently toss 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw if frozen) with 1 tablespoon cornstarch and 1 teaspoon lemon zest. The cornstarch will help thicken the Bursting Blueberry Jewels' juices during baking, preventing a watery bake.
04 -
In a large bowl, whisk together 24 oz (3 cups) 2% low-fat cottage cheese, 3 large eggs, 1/2 cup 2% milk, 1/4 cup pure maple syrup, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon sea salt until smooth. An immersion blender or food processor can achieve a velvety texture for this Creamy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake.
05 -
Gently fold the prepared blueberry mixture into The Velvet Cottage Cheese Custard. Be careful not to overmix, as this can break down the blueberries. Ensure the blueberries are evenly distributed throughout the custard base before pouring into the dish.
06 -
Pour the blueberry cottage cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the oat and pecan crumble topping over the entire surface. Bake the Creamy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake for 35 minutes, or until the center is set and the topping is golden brown.
07 -
Remove the Creamy Blueberry Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake from the oven. Let it cool on a wire rack for at least 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the bake to set properly and makes for easier slicing, ensuring a perfect texture.