High-Protein Cottage Cheese and Oatmeal Bake – Quick, Healthy, & Gluten-Free Dinner Idea!

This cottage cheese and oats pie is the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug! It’s cozy, filling, and incredibly satisfying. The cottage cheese gives it this creamy texture, while the oats add just the right amount of heartiness. It’s perfect for those days when you want something wholesome and comforting, without spending hours in the kitchen!

What I love most about this pie is how the flavors come together so beautifully. The fresh herbs, like parsley or dill, add a nice burst of brightness, balancing the richness of the cottage cheese. And if you sauté some onions to mix in, it brings this lovely, subtle sweetness that just takes it up a notch!

This pie is not only delicious but also pretty healthy, which makes it even better! It’s high in protein thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs, and if you use gluten-free oats, it’s great for anyone avoiding gluten. You can enjoy it knowing you’re fueling your body with something nutritious, too!

And the best part? It’s quick to prepare! In just about 15 minutes, you can have everything mixed and ready to bake, and then you just let the oven do the rest. Whether you serve it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, this pie is guaranteed to make you feel good!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Satisfying: The cottage cheese makes this pie super creamy without being too rich! It’s filling and comforting, perfect for any meal.

• High in Protein: With cottage cheese, eggs, and oats, this recipe is a great source of protein. It’s a great option for staying full longer and fueling your body.

• Healthy and Nutritious: Full of wholesome ingredients like oats, cottage cheese, and fresh herbs, this pie is nutritious and good for you. It’s an easy way to enjoy a healthy meal without sacrificing flavor!

• Quick to Prepare: You only need about 15 minutes to mix everything together, and the rest is hands-off baking! It’s perfect for busy days when you want something homemade and delicious.

• Gluten-Free (with certified oats): If you use gluten-free oats, this pie is totally gluten-free, making it a safe choice for anyone with gluten sensitivities.

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese and Oatmeal Pie

• Oats: These act as the base for the pie and add a nice, hearty texture. If you need it gluten-free, make sure to use certified gluten-free oats.

• Cottage cheese: Gives the pie a creamy, mild flavor. It’s also high in protein and lighter than feta! But, if you don’t have cottage cheese at hand, you can certainly add Feta cheese.

• Eggs: These help bind everything together while adding extra protein.

• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and a tangy flavor to balance the pie’s richness. It also keeps the filling moist.

• Onion (optional): Sautéed onion gives a subtle sweetness and depth to the pie, enhancing the savory flavors.

• Olive oil: A little olive oil ensures a rich taste and helps the pie get that perfect golden color on top.

• Fresh herbs (parsley, dill, or oregano): Fresh herbs bring brightness and flavor, making the pie taste fresh and flavorful.

• Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning! They bring out the flavors of the other ingredients and keep the pie from tasting bland.

Step-by-Step: How to Make Cottage Cheese and Oatmeal Pie

Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F).
Set your oven to preheat so that it reaches the right temperature by the time you’re ready to bake the pie.

Prepare the filling in a large bowl.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, and eggs. Whisk them together until you get a smooth and creamy mixture.

Add the Oats: Pour in the oats and stir until they are evenly combined with the cottage cheese mixture. If you don’t want a crunchier texture, you can cook them briefly in water or milk will give them a softer, creamier texture, which can make the pie more tender. Just be sure to let the oats cool slightly before mixing them into the other ingredients, and remove any excess water, so they don’t affect the consistency of the egg and yogurt mixture.

Sauté the onion (if using) in a little olive oil.
In a small skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes soft and translucent. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once done, remove from heat and let it cool slightly before adding it to the filling. You can freely skip this step, but sautéed onions add rich flavor, tender texture, and moisture to the cottage cheese and oats pie, enhancing its overall taste and aroma!

Combine the mixture.
Add the sautéed onion (if you’re using it) and chopped fresh herbs to the filling bowl. Stir until everything is well combined.

Grease your pie dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Take a pie dish and lightly coat it with olive oil or spray it with non-stick spray to prevent the pie from sticking when you bake it, or just put a parchment paper.

Pour the mixture into the pie dish and spread it evenly.
Carefully transfer the filling into the greased pie dish. Use a spatula to spread the mixture evenly, smoothing out the top to ensure even cooking.

Drizzle a little olive oil on top for a golden finish.
Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the top of the pie. This will help achieve a beautiful golden color and a slight crispiness as it bakes.

Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes.
Place the pie in the oven and bake until the top is golden brown and the filling is set. You can check for doneness by inserting a toothpick or fork into the center; it should come out clean when the pie is fully cooked.

Let it cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Once the pie is done, remove it from the oven and allow it to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it easier to slice and help the flavors settle. You can serve it warm or at room temperature!

Tips & Ideas:

• Herb Variety: Experiment with different fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or chives to change up the flavor profile! It adds a fresh touch that can make the dish feel new each time.
• Seasoning: Don’t be afraid to add spices like paprika or chili flakes for an extra kick! A little heat can really elevate the overall taste.
• Resting Time: Allow the pie to rest for a few minutes after baking to help it hold its shape better. This simple step makes slicing much easier!

Alternatives:

• Cheese Swap: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, try using feta, goat cheese or ricotta for a different creamy texture! Each cheese brings its own unique flavor that can transform the dish.
• Oat Varieties: Use rolled oats instead of quick oats for a heartier texture, or try quinoa for a gluten-free option. Both alternatives will work well in the recipe!
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative to make the recipe dairy-free. It keeps the creaminess while catering to different dietary preferences.

Q&A for Cottage Cheese and Oatmeal Pie

Q: Can I use rolled oats instead of quick oats?
A: Yes, rolled oats work great! They’ll give the pie a heartier texture, and there’s no need to adjust the recipe; just mix them in as you would with quick oats.

Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: You can substitute it with regular yogurt or even sour cream! Just make sure it’s plain to keep the flavor balanced.

Q: Can I make this pie ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just pour it into the pie dish and bake when you’re ready.

Q: Is it okay to leave out the onions?
A: Yes, you can skip the onions if you prefer! The pie will still taste delicious without them.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftover pie in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It reheats well in the oven or microwave!

Q: Can I add other vegetables to the pie?
A: Definitely! Feel free to include cooked spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté them first to soften them before adding to the mixture.