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

Scale

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