Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe
This Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake is a savory, creamy custard dish combining the deep sweetness of slow-cooked onions with smooth cottage cheese and nutty Gruyère cheese. Perfect as a comforting brunch or light dinner, it boasts rich flavors and a delicate texture, enhanced by fresh thyme and baked to golden perfection.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Cottage Cheese Mixture
- 2 cups small-curd cottage cheese (well-drained)
- 3 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Onions and Cheese
- 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided (¾ cup plus ¼ cup)
Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: 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 the onions are a deep, jammy amber brown. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Drain the Cottage Cheese: Place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl and let it drain for at least 20 minutes. Press gently with a spoon several times to remove as much liquid (whey) as possible. Discard the liquid.
- Prepare Oven and Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish.
- Blend the Custard Base: In a blender, combine the drained cottage cheese, eggs, and cornstarch. Blend for 45-60 seconds until smooth, frothy, and free of lumps.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended custard into a mixing bowl. Stir in the fresh thyme, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions and ¾ cup of shredded Gruyère cheese.
- Assemble the Bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup Gruyère cheese on top.
- Bake: 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.
- Cool Before Serving: Let the bake cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes to allow it to set fully for firm yet soft slices.
Notes
- Make sure to drain the cottage cheese thoroughly for a smooth custard texture.
- Slowly caramelizing the onions is key to developing their sweet, jammy flavor.
- If Gruyère cheese is unavailable, a mild Swiss or Emmental cheese can be substituted.
- Do not overbake; a slight wobble in the center ensures a creamy texture.
- Letting the bake cool before slicing produces clean, neat portions.
Keywords: caramelized onion, Gruyère, cottage cheese, baked custard, savory bake, brunch recipe, French cuisine
