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Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake Recipe

4.9 from 94 reviews

This Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Cottage Cheese Bake combines the rich, nutty flavor of Gruyère with sweet, deeply caramelized onions and creamy cottage cheese, all bound together in a smooth, lightly seasoned custard. Baked to golden perfection, it offers a savory, comforting dish perfect for brunch or a light dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Base

  • 2 cups small-curd cottage cheese (well-drained)
  • 3 large eggs
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch

Onions

  • 2 large yellow onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon butter

Cheese and Seasoning

  • 1 cup shredded Gruyère cheese, divided (¾ cup + ¼ cup)
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Add the thinly sliced yellow onions and cook slowly uncovered for 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally at first and more frequently as the onions darken, until they are a deep, jammy amber brown. Remove and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Drain the Cottage Cheese: While the onions cook, place the cottage cheese in a fine-mesh strainer set over a bowl. Allow it to drain for at least 20 minutes, gently pressing with a spoon to remove excess whey. Discard the drained liquid.
  3. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9-inch pie dish to prepare for baking.
  4. Blend the Custard Base: In a blender, combine the drained cottage cheese, eggs, and cornstarch. Blend for 45-60 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth, frothy, and free of lumps.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended mixture into a mixing bowl. Stir in fresh thyme leaves, salt, and black pepper. Gently fold in the cooled caramelized onions and ¾ cup of shredded Gruyère cheese.
  6. Assemble the Bake: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared pie dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup of Gruyère cheese evenly over the top.
  7. 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 an inch from the center should come out clean.
  8. Cool Before Serving: Allow the bake to cool on a wire rack for 10-15 minutes. This crucial step lets the bake finish setting and ensures firm yet soft slices.

Notes

  • Make sure the cottage cheese is well-drained to prevent excess moisture from making the bake too watery.
  • Cooking the onions slowly and patiently is key to achieving the rich caramel flavor—avoid rushing this step with higher heat.
  • Resting the bake after removing from the oven helps with slicing and texture.
  • This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables.
  • You can substitute Gruyère with Emmental or Jarlsberg cheese if preferred.

Keywords: caramelized onions, Gruyère cheese, cottage cheese bake, savory bake, custard bake, baked cheese casserole, French cheese bake