Pineapple Cottage Cheese Casserole

This delightful and wholesome dish, often enjoyed as a dessert or sweet breakfast option, combines the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the tropical sweetness of dried pineapple bits. Infused with a hint of lemon zest and vanilla, this casserole offers a vibrant flavor that is both refreshing and satisfying. The light and airy composition, thanks to the addition of eggs and baking powder, creates a fluffy texture that melts in your mouth. This dish is simple to prepare yet guarantees a delightful experience for the taste buds. Whether served hot or cold, it pairs perfectly with a juice sauce drizzle. The use of kefir or buttermilk provides a subtle tang, balancing the sweetness of the sugar. It's a versatile dish that is perfect both as a standalone treat or as part of a larger meal. The possibility of substituting raisins or other dried fruits adds a layer of customization, catering to different tastes. It’s a delightful blend of Eastern European dairy traditions with a tropical twist.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients:

• 2 kg cottage cheese
• 500 g sugar
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Dried pineapple pieces (raisins or other dried fruits can be used as alternatives)
• 3 packets of vanilla sugar
• 2 tablespoons baking powder
• 1 cup kefir or buttermilk
• 12 eggs

Preparation Time

• Total Time: Approximately 1 hour
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 200°C (approximately 390°F).
2. In a large bowl, combine 2 kg of cottage cheese. Ensure it's broken down well and smooth.
3. Add 12 eggs into the bowl with the cottage cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
4. Pour in 500 g of sugar along with the zest of 1 lemon. Stir to distribute evenly.
5. Include the 3 packets of vanilla sugar for enhanced flavor.
6. Add 2 tablespoons of baking powder, integrating it meticulously to ensure even rising.
7. Pour in 1 cup of kefir or buttermilk, mixing until the batter reaches a uniform consistency.
8. Gently fold in the dried pineapple pieces (or any other chosen dried fruit), ensuring they're evenly distributed.
9. Grease a baking pan thoroughly to prevent sticking. This step is crucial for easy serving later.
10. Pour the completed mixture into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
11. Place the pan into the preheated oven and let it bake.
12. Allow it to cook for around 40 minutes, but keep an eye on it.
13. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center. It should come out clean or with a few crumbs.
14. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly in the pan.
15. Slice carefully to serve while it's warm, with or without sauce.
16. Consider pairing each serving with a fresh juice sauce for enhanced flavor.
17. Refrigerate any leftovers for a delectable morning treat.
18. This dish can be reheated gently, preserving its luscious texture.
19. Enjoy your homemade pineapple cottage cheese casserole with friends and family.
20. Delight in the balanced sweetness and creamy texture that this dish brings.

Tips

• For a lower-calorie version, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of sugar slightly.
• Ensure the cottage cheese is smooth for a consistent texture in your casserole.
• Dried apricots or cranberries can be fun alternatives to pineapple for a different flavor profile.
• Let the casserole cool a bit before slicing to maintain its shape.

Nutritions (per serving)

• Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
• Protein: 16 g
• Fats: 18 g
• Carbs: 50 g

Variations

• Use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture.
• Add a handful of chopped nuts for extra crunch and nutritional benefits.
• Substitute lactose-free ingredients to make it suitable for those with lactose intolerance.
• Add chocolate chips for a sweet twist enjoyed by children.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with a fresh fruit salad for a complete and balanced meal.
• Pair with a dollop of whipped cream and a mint leaf for a special occasion presentation.
• Dust with powdered sugar for added sweetness and an elegant finish.
• Enjoy with a cup of green tea or freshly brewed coffee to balance flavors.

Best Places

1. Café Lietuvēns - Offers an exciting twist on classic Eastern European dishes. Location: Riga, Latvia.
2. Pápai Agu in Budapest - Famous for integrating Mediterranean flavors with local traditions. Location: Budapest, Hungary.
3. Cottage Co - A cozy spot that creatively uses seasonal fruits in their cottage cheese dishes. Location: Vienna, Austria.
4. Sweet Retreat Café - Known for their innovative take on traditional cheese casseroles. Location: Tallinn, Estonia.
5. Ninas Bakeshop - Offers a unique fusion of classic and modern bakery delights. Location: Vilnius, Lithuania.
6. Homestead Eateries - Specializes in dairy-focused dishes with a focus on farm-fresh ingredients. Location: Helsinki, Finland.
7. The Local Table - Emphasizes locally sourced ingredients for their authentic dishes. Location: Stockholm, Sweden.
8. The Dairy Spot - Offers a rustic experience with delightful variations of traditional casseroles. Location: Berlin, Germany.
9. Tart and Cream - Celebrated for their creative approach to incorporating fruits into traditional recipes. Location: Warsaw, Poland.
10. Café Crème de la Crème - Known for its charming European desserts. Location: Prague, Czech Republic.