Baked Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls

Here’s a  recipe for Baked Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls — a wholesome, warm, and protein-packed breakfast that’s perfect for cozy mornings.

Baked Apple Cinnamon Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowls

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• 1 large apple (any sweet variety, like Fuji or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced

• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 2 teaspoons maple syrup or honey (optional, adjust to taste)

• 1 cup cottage cheese (full fat or low fat, depending on preference)

• 2 large eggs

• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 2 tablespoons rolled oats (optional, for texture and fiber)

• Pinch of salt

• Optional toppings: chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), fresh berries, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or extra maple syrup

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease two small ramekins or oven-safe bowls with a bit of butter or non-stick spray.

2. Prepare the apple mixture:
   In a small bowl, combine the diced apple, ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon of maple syrup or honey. Toss well to coat the apple pieces evenly with cinnamon and sweetness.

3. Mix the cottage cheese base:
   In a larger mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, vanilla extract, rolled oats (if using), remaining 1 teaspoon maple syrup or honey, and a pinch of salt until smooth and well combined.

4. Assemble the bowls:
   Divide the apple mixture evenly between the two ramekins. Pour the cottage cheese mixture on top, covering the apples.

5. Bake:
   Place the ramekins on a baking sheet (to catch any spills) and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the tops are set and lightly golden. The mixture should be firm but still creamy inside.

6. Cool and serve:
   Let the bowls cool for 5 minutes before serving. Add any desired toppings like nuts, fresh berries, chia seeds, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.

Tips & Variations:

• Make it vegan: Use a plant-based cottage cheese alternative and substitute eggs with flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed + 3 tbsp water, mixed and rested for 5 minutes).

• Add texture: Stir in some chopped nuts or seeds into the cottage cheese mixture before baking.

• Sweeten naturally: Use mashed banana or unsweetened applesauce instead of maple syrup.

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger along with the cinnamon.