Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe
Introduction
This Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake is a deliciously savory dish perfect for brunch or a light dinner. The rich, jammy onions pair beautifully with creamy cottage cheese and nutty Gruyère for a comforting, elegant bake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups small-curd cottage cheese (must be well-drained)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the sliced onions and cook slowly uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently as they begin to brown. Cook until they are a deep, jammy amber brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Step 2: While the onions cook, place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Let it drain for at least 20 minutes, pressing gently with a spoon occasionally to remove excess liquid. Discard the liquid.
- Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Step 4: In a blender, combine the drained cottage cheese, eggs, and cornstarch. Blend for 45-60 seconds until the mixture is smooth, frothy, and free of lumps.
- Step 5: Pour the blended custard into a mixing bowl. Stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and pepper. Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions and ¾ cup of the shredded Gruyère.
- Step 6: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère on top.
- Step 7: Bake for 35-40 minutes, until the edges are set, the top is golden brown, and the center has a slight wobble but is not liquid. A knife inserted 1 inch from the center should come out clean.
- Step 8: Let the bake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to allow it to set fully for a firm yet soft slice.
Tips & Variations
- Use a well-drained cottage cheese to avoid excess moisture, which can make the bake watery.
- For extra richness, substitute half the cottage cheese with ricotta.
- Add a sprinkle of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a subtle flavor twist.
- Fresh thyme can be replaced with rosemary or sage for a different herbal note.
Storage
Store any leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to retain the creamy texture. This bake can also be enjoyed cold or at room temperature.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese instead of Gruyère?
Yes, you can substitute Gruyère with similar melting cheeses such as Swiss, Emmental, or even sharp cheddar for a different flavor profile.
How do I prevent the bake from being watery?
Ensure the cottage cheese is well-drained before blending, and cook the onions slowly to develop their moisture-free caramelization. Avoid overcrowding the baking dish, which can release excess liquid.
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Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake is a rich, savory dish combining slow-cooked caramelized onions with creamy cottage cheese and nutty Gruyère cheese. Perfect as a wholesome brunch or a comforting dinner side, it delivers a delicate balance of sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors in a smooth, custard-like bake.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups small-curd cottage cheese (well-drained)
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced onions and cook slowly and uncovered for 30-40 minutes. Stir occasionally at first, then more frequently as the onions begin to turn a deep, jammy amber brown. Once caramelized, set the onions aside to cool slightly.
- Drain Cottage Cheese: While the onions cook, place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Let it drain for at least 20 minutes, pressing gently with a spoon a few times to expel excess liquid (whey). Discard the liquid.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish to prevent sticking.
- Blend Custard Base: In a blender, combine the well-drained cottage cheese, eggs, and cornstarch. Blend for 45-60 seconds until the mixture is perfectly smooth, frothy, and free of lumps.
- Mix Ingredients: Pour the blended custard base into a mixing bowl. Stir in fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions along with ¾ cup of the shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake for 35-40 minutes until the edges are set, the top is golden brown, and the center has only a slight wobble indicating it is just set. A knife inserted about one inch from the center should come out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Let the bake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to allow it to finish setting, resulting in a firm yet soft slice perfect for serving.
Notes
- Ensure the onions are cooked slowly over low heat to develop a deep caramelization without burning.
- Properly draining the cottage cheese is crucial to avoid excess moisture in the bake.
- You can substitute Gruyère with another melting cheese like Emmental or Swiss if preferred.
- This dish is best served warm, paired with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
- The bake can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Category: Savory Bake
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French-inspired
Keywords: caramelized onion bake, cottage cheese bake, Gruyère cheese recipe, savory custard bake, brunch recipe, cheesy onion bake
