🧀 High-Protein Cheesy Baked Cauliflower Casserole

🔹 Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 1 large head cauliflower (cut into florets)
• 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
• ¾ cup plain non-fat Greek yogurt
• 1 cup shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella (part-skim)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan
• 2 large eggs
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning
• ½ cup cherry tomatoes (optional, like in your picture)
• Optional protein boost:
  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken or
  • ½ cup turkey bacon bits

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🔹 Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Steam or boil cauliflower for 5–7 minutes until just fork-tender. Drain very well (important to avoid watery casserole).
3. In a bowl, blend cottage cheese, Greek yogurt, eggs, garlic, salt, pepper, and seasonings until smooth.
4. Stir in half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
5. Fold in cauliflower (and chicken if using). Transfer to baking dish.
6. Top with remaining cheeses and cherry tomatoes.
7. Bake 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
8. Broil 2–3 minutes for a crispy cheesy top.

Let it rest 5–10 minutes before serving.

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💪 Protein Breakdown (approximate)

Whole casserole: 95–110g protein
Per serving (6 servings): 16–20g protein
(Add chicken and it jumps to ~25–30g per serving.)

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🔥 Make It Even Higher Protein

• Replace mozzarella with more reduced-fat cheddar
• Add ½ scoop unflavored protein powder to the sauce
• Mix in cooked ground turkey
• Use high-protein cottage cheese (some brands are 14–16g per ½ cup)