A Taste of Home: Cottage Cheese Casserole with a Pear and Orange

I loved our family breakfast on weekends when I was little.  What I remember most are my mom’s Cottage Cheese Pancakes. And what made them extra special was how we ate them. We’d top them with creamy crème fraîche and homemade jam. It was a mix of sweet and tangy flavors that I’ll never forget!

This Cottage Cheese Casserole is more than just food; it’s a way to keep our traditions alive and share stories.

So, as you try this recipe, I hope you can also find a connection to your own memories and the simple joys of cooking.

 

Ingredients for Cottage Cheese Casserole

3 free-range eggs

14 oz (400 g) cottage cheese

1 medium orange

6 Tbsp coconut sugar

4-5 oz (130 g) organic wheat semolina

1 pear

Butter to grease the baking form

Cooking Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350° F (175°C). Grease a deep baking dish with butter and sprinkle with semolina or almond flour. Shake off the excess.
• Zest and juice the medium orange.
• In a large mixing bowl beat eggs with sugar and orange juice with a mixer until light foam.
• Stir in the cottage cheese, wheat semolina, and orange zest. Mix the ingredients thoroughly until you have a smooth and well-incorporated mixture.
• Allow the mixture to rest for about 10 minutes. This will give the semolina time to absorb some of the liquid and thicken the mixture.
• Pour the cottage cheese mixture into the greased baking form, spreading it out evenly.
• Cut the pear in half and then into 1 cm thick slices, removing the core. Arrange the pear slices on the dough with a slight overlap.
• Place the baking form in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40-45 minutes or until the casserole is set and has a golden-brown color on top.
• Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool completely. It will continue to set as it cools.
• Serve with your favorite yogurt, sugar-free jam, and roasted hazelnuts.

Selecting the Right Variety of Cottage Cheese

The choice of cottage cheese comes down to personal preference. Experiment with different options to find the texture and flavor that you enjoy the most.

• Creaminess: For this casserole, it’s generally best to choose creamy or small-curd cottage cheese. Creamy cottage cheese has a smoother texture, which will blend well with the other ingredients.
• Low Fat vs. Full Fat: You can opt for either low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your dietary preferences. Full-fat cottage cheese will provide a richer and creamier texture, while low-fat cottage cheese offers a lighter option. Both can work well.
• Small Curd vs. Large Curd: Cottage cheese is available in various curd sizes—small, medium, and large. Small-curd cottage cheese is often the most versatile and is a good choice for this casserole because it blends smoothly into the mixture. Medium or large-curd varieties might leave larger chunks in the casserole, which could alter the texture.
• No Added Ingredients: Always check the label and choose cottage cheese with minimal additives or preservatives.
• Drainage: If the cottage cheese you choose appears overly watery, you can drain it in a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a short time to remove excess liquid before incorporating it into the casserole. This can help prevent the casserole from becoming too watery during baking.

Cottage Cheese Cheesecake: Kid-Approved Morning Magic

Tips for Preparing Cottage Cheese Casserole

• Choose Ripe Pears: Use ripe but firm pears for the best flavor and texture. Overly ripe pears may become mushy during baking.
• Balance the Sweetness: Adjust the amount of coconut sugar to your taste. If you prefer a less sweet casserole, you can reduce the sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. In that case, you may need to adjust the amount of semolina to achieve the desired batter consistency.
• Zest Carefully: When zesting the orange, be cautious not to include the bitter white pith, as it can affect the flavor of the casserole.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the mixture to rest for 10-15 minutes before baking lets the semolina absorb some of the liquid, resulting in a better texture.
• Serve Warm or Chilled: This casserole can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Try it different ways to find your preference.

Variations for Cottage Cheese Casserole

• Add Spices: Enhance the flavor profile with a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, cozy touch.
• Nuts and Dried Fruit: Include chopped nuts (like walnuts or almonds) and dried fruit (such as cranberries or raisins) for extra texture and flavor.
• Healthy Swaps: For a healthier version, use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese, whole wheat semolina, and a natural sweetener like stevia or erythritol.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you’re gluten-sensitive or prefer a gluten-free dish, substitute wheat semolina with almond flour, coconut flour, or a gluten-free flour blend. Keep in mind that the texture may change.
• Individual Servings: Bake the cottage cheese casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch and easy portion control.
• Top with Yogurt: Serve each portion with a dollop of Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt for added creaminess.
• Citrus Twist: Experiment with different citrus fruits like grapefruit or tangerines to vary the flavor.
• Fruit Mix-Ins: Aside from pears, you can include other fruits like apples, or peaches to create different flavor combinations.

Serving Suggestions

• Fresh Berries: Serve a handful of fresh berries like strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries on the side or as a garnish.
• Honey/Maple Syrup Drizzle: For an extra touch of sweetness and a beautiful presentation.
• Citrus Segments: Garnish each serving with orange segments or supremes for an extra burst of citrus flavor and visual appeal.
• Mint Leaves: Sprinkle some fresh mint leaves on top of the casserole for a touch of freshness and a pleasant aroma.
• Vanilla Ice Cream: The warm and cold contrast is delightful.
• Toasted Nuts: Top each serving with toasted almond, hazelnuts or walnut pieces for added crunch and nutty flavor.
• Caramel Sauce: For a rich and indulgent treat.
• Tea or Coffee: Pair the casserole with a cup of herbal tea or a freshly brewed coffee to complete the meal.
• Brunch: Serve the casserole as part of a brunch alongside items like Green Smoothie, Granola, and toasted bread or croissants.
• 10. Seasonal Fruit Salad: Create a Colorful Fruit Salad  to serve alongside the casserole for a well-rounded breakfast or dessert.

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