Cottage Cheese Egg Breakfast Bars (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Protein Base

01 - 2 cups cottage cheese
02 - 6 large eggs
03 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
04 - 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (or turkey bacon for a lighter option)

→ Vegetables & Seasonings

05 - 1 cup diced bell peppers (mix of red and green)
06 - 1/2 cup chopped green onions
07 - 1/4 cup chopped spinach (optional, for added nutrition)
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1 teaspoon onion powder
10 - Salt and pepper, to taste

# Instructions:

01 - Let's start by getting that oven nice and hot! Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). While it's warming up, grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and give it a good greasing - you can use butter, cooking spray, or a little oil. This step is super important because nobody wants to spend their morning scraping breakfast off a pan!
02 - In a large mixing bowl, crack open those eggs and add your cottage cheese. Now get whisking! I know cottage cheese can look a bit lumpy at first, but keep mixing until the mixture becomes more uniform. Don't worry if it's not perfectly smooth - those little cottage cheese curds will melt into the bars as they bake, creating pockets of creamy goodness throughout.
03 - Now for all those colorful add-ins that make these bars so delicious! Toss in your diced bell peppers (I love using a mix of red and green for both flavor and color), chopped green onions, and crumbled bacon. If you're going the extra-healthy route, this is where you'd add that optional chopped spinach too. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add that shredded cheddar cheese and give everything a good stir until all ingredients are evenly distributed.
04 - Pour your egg mixture into the greased baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly into all the corners. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You'll know it's done when the center is set (not jiggly) and the top has turned a beautiful golden brown. Your kitchen should be filling up with the most amazing savory aroma by now - isn't that the best part of baking?
05 - Once your breakfast bake has reached that perfect golden state, pull it out of the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This brief resting period makes it much easier to slice into clean portions. Use a sharp knife to cut it into 8 rectangular bars (or more if you prefer smaller portions). These can be enjoyed warm right away, or cooled completely and stored for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week!

# Notes:

01 - These High Protein Cottage Cheese & Egg Breakfast Bars pack a serious protein punch to keep you feeling full and energized all morning long.
02 - Feel free to customize the vegetables and mix-ins based on what you have on hand - diced ham, sautéed mushrooms, or different cheese varieties all work wonderfully.
03 - These bars store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making them perfect for meal prep. Simply reheat in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or enjoy cold on extra busy mornings.
04 - For a special weekend version, try topping with a little avocado or a dollop of salsa before serving!