Savory Cottage Cheese and Special K Bake
This nostalgic Savory Cottage Cheese and Special K Bake recipe is a delightful family favorite that has stood the test of time. Passed down from generation to generation, this dish combines the creamy richness of small curd cottage cheese with the wholesome crunch of Special K cereal, creating a unique texture and flavor profile that will please everyone at the dinner table. Enhanced by the savory notes of chopped onions, nuts, and a hint of sage, this easy-to-make loaf is perfect for brunches, light dinners, or as a hearty side dish. It’s versatile and customizable, allowing you to add your favorite spices or herbs to make it uniquely yours. Enjoy a slice warm out of the oven or cold as leftovers — either way, it’s utterly satisfying!
6
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Finely chopped onion
1 cup (Chop finely)
Small curd cottage cheese
1 lb (None)
Vegetable oil
1/4 cup (None)
Soy sauce
1 tablespoon (None)
Eggs
3 (Beaten)
Chopped nuts (walnuts recommended)
1/4 cup (Chop if whole)
Special K cereal
4 cups (None)
Salt
1 teaspoon (None)
Sage
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the finely chopped onion, small curd cottage cheese, vegetable oil, soy sauce, and beaten eggs. Stir the mixture until well combined.
3
Add the chopped nuts, Special K cereal, salt, and sage to the bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
4
Grease a shallow 9x9-inch baking pan or similar-sized dish with cooking spray or additional oil.
5
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7
Once baked, allow the loaf to cool for a few minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Savory Cottage Cheese and Special K Bake?
It is a nostalgic, savory loaf made with small curd cottage cheese, Special K cereal, eggs, and seasonings, often served as a main dish or hearty side.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What is the recommended oven temperature?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) before baking.
How long does it take to bake?
The bake typically takes about 45 minutes in the oven.
What type of cottage cheese should I use?
Small curd cottage cheese is recommended for the best texture in this recipe.
Can I use a different cereal besides Special K?
While Special K provides the traditional texture, you can experiment with other crisp rice or wheat flake cereals.
Which nuts are best for this recipe?
Chopped walnuts are highly recommended for their flavor and crunch.
Can this recipe be made nut-free?
Yes, you can simply omit the nuts or replace them with sunflower seeds if you prefer.
What size baking pan is required?
Use a shallow 9x9-inch baking pan or a similar-sized oven-safe dish.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this dish is vegetarian-friendly as it uses eggs and cottage cheese for protein.
What kind of oil should I use?
Any neutral vegetable oil works well for this recipe.
How do I know when the loaf is finished cooking?
It is done when the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Can I serve this dish cold?
Yes, it can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold as leftovers.
What seasonings are used in the bake?
The bake is seasoned with sage, soy sauce, and salt for a savory flavor profile.
How should the onions be prepared?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of onion that has been finely chopped.
Can I add other vegetables to the mixture?
Yes, you can customize it by adding finely diced peppers or sautéed mushrooms.
Is there soy sauce in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of soy sauce is used to enhance the savory notes.
How many eggs are needed?
The recipe requires 3 beaten eggs to help bind the ingredients together.
Can the leftovers be frozen?
Yes, the baked loaf can be frozen in an airtight container for later use.
What is the texture of the finished bake?
It features a unique combination of creamy richness from the cottage cheese and a wholesome crunch from the cereal and nuts.
Is this considered a main dish?
It is versatile enough to be served as a vegetarian main dish, a brunch item, or a hearty side.
Can I use large curd cottage cheese instead?
You can, but the texture will be slightly chunkier than if you used small curd.
What are some suggested pairings?
It pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables.
How do I prevent the bake from sticking to the pan?
Grease the baking pan thoroughly with cooking spray or a little oil before pouring in the mixture.
Are there egg substitutes I can use?
You can try liquid egg substitutes, though it may slightly alter the final texture and rise of the loaf.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
It is a nutritious dish containing protein from eggs and cheese, though nutritional value depends on the specific brands used.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any remaining portions in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I prepare the mixture in advance?
Yes, you can mix the ingredients ahead of time and keep them refrigerated until you are ready to bake.
What is the total time required?
The recipe falls into the '< 60 Mins' category, with 45 minutes of that being bake time.
Is this a traditional recipe?
Yes, it is described as a nostalgic family favorite passed down through generations.