Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

Introduction

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful, healthy snack perfect for breakfast or an afternoon treat. Packed with protein and bursting with fresh blueberry flavor, they combine creamy cottage cheese and zesty lemon in a soft, chewy bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt
• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan.
2. Step 2: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, egg, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the oats are broken down and the mixture is well-combined.
3. Step 3: Pour the batter into a bowl and gently fold in the blueberries.
4. Step 4: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Step 5: Divide the batter among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about three-quarters full.
6. Step 6: Bake for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and lightly golden.
7. Step 7: Allow them to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips & Variations

• For a nutty twist, add a tablespoon of chopped almonds or walnuts to the batter.
• Substitute lemon zest with orange zest for a different citrus flavor.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
• If you prefer a sweeter bite, drizzle extra honey or maple syrup on top after baking.
• Frozen blueberries can be used directly to avoid coloring the batter blue from thawed juice.

Storage

Store the cottage cheese bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them in a microwave for about 20 seconds or until heated through. They can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use quick oats instead of rolled oats?

Yes, quick oats can be used but the texture may be softer. Rolled oats provide a better structure for the bites.

Do I have to use fresh blueberries?

Frozen blueberries work just as well and are convenient. Use them directly from the freezer to prevent excess moisture in the batter.

Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 108 reviews

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a delightful and nutritious snack or breakfast option. Combining creamy cottage cheese with wholesome oats and fresh blueberries, they offer a perfect balance of protein, fiber, and natural sweetness. Enhanced with bright lemon zest and a touch of honey or maple syrup, these mini bites are easy to prepare and baked to golden perfection in a mini muffin pan.

• Author: Logan
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 24 mini bites 1x
• Category: Breakfast, Snack
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Base Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Add-ins

• 3/4 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (do not thaw)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven and prepare pan: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan to prevent sticking during baking.
2. Blend base ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine the cottage cheese, rolled oats, egg, honey or maple syrup, vanilla extract, lemon zest, baking powder, and salt. Pulse until the oats are broken down and the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Fold in blueberries: Pour the blended batter into a bowl and gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries, taking care not to crush them.
4. Rest the batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes so it can thicken slightly, improving the texture of the bites.
5. Portion the batter: Divide the batter evenly among the prepared mini muffin cups, filling each about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and have developed a light golden color.
7. Cool: Allow the cottage cheese bites to cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps maintain their shape and texture.

Notes

• Use rolled oats for best texture; quick oats may alter the consistency.
• If using frozen blueberries, do not thaw to avoid excess moisture.
• These bites can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container.
• For a vegan variation, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg and use vegan yogurt instead of cottage cheese.
• Adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of honey or maple syrup.

Keywords: blueberry bites, cottage cheese recipe, lemon zest snacks, healthy breakfast, mini muffins, protein snacks, oat bites