Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites – Healthy, Easy Snack Idea Recipe

Introduction

These Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a healthy and easy snack packed with protein and fresh flavor. Perfect for breakfast or a quick energy boost, they combine creamy cottage cheese with bright lemon zest and juicy blueberries.

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, oats, egg, honey, vanilla, 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 3/4 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 dairy-free option, try using a plant-based cottage cheese alternative.
• Swap blueberries for other berries or small chopped fruits like strawberries or raspberries.
• Add a teaspoon of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
• Use maple syrup instead of honey to make it vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store these bites in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the microwave for about 20 seconds or enjoy them cold as a refreshing snack.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen blueberries instead of fresh?

Yes, you can use frozen blueberries. Do not thaw them before folding into the batter to prevent excess moisture, which could affect the texture.

How can I make these bites gluten-free?

Simply substitute the rolled oats with certified gluten-free oats to make this recipe safe for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites – Healthy, Easy Snack Idea Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 121 reviews

Delicious and healthy Blueberry and Lemon Zest Cottage Cheese Bites are a perfect easy-to-make snack or breakfast option. These mini bites combine protein-rich cottage cheese, wholesome rolled oats, fresh blueberries, and the bright flavor of lemon zest, all baked into tender, slightly sweet muffin-sized snacks that are perfect for on-the-go enjoyment.

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

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1/2 tsp baking powder
• Pinch of salt

Wet Ingredients

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Zest of 1 large lemon (about 1 tbsp)

Add-ins

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

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 24-cup mini muffin pan to prepare for baking.
2. Blend 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 the mixture until the oats are broken down and the batter is well combined.
3. Fold in Blueberries: Transfer the batter to a bowl and gently fold in the fresh or frozen blueberries to ensure they are evenly distributed without breaking them up.
4. Rest the Batter: Let the batter rest for 5 minutes to allow it to thicken slightly, improving the texture of the bites.
5. Fill Muffin Cups: Divide the batter among the mini muffin cups in the prepared pan, filling each cup about 3/4 full to allow room for rising.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 18 to 22 minutes, or until the bites are firm to the touch and have a light golden color on top.
7. Cool: Let the bites cool in the pan for a few minutes before transferring them to a wire rack to cool completely. This helps them set perfectly and be ready to enjoy.

Notes

• Use fresh or frozen blueberries directly without thawing to keep the batter consistency intact.
• You can substitute honey with maple syrup for a vegan-friendly sweetener.
• These bites can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
• For a gluten-free version, use certified gluten-free oats.
• Feel free to add a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra flavor.

Keywords: blueberry cottage cheese bites, healthy snacks, lemon zest bites, easy breakfast bites, baked snack, protein snack