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Low-Carb Green Chile & Cheese Casserole

This flavorful low-carb casserole features tangy green chiles, savory black olives, and a generous amount of cheese for a satisfying and easy meal. With cottage cheese added for extra protein, it's a great option for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 33 minutes
Total Time 48 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 286

Ingredients
  

  • 9 large eggs
  • 1 ½ cups cottage cheese 2% or 4% fat recommended
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp or medium cheddar cheese approx. 6 oz or 170g
  • 1 4 oz / 113g can diced green chiles, undrained preferred
  • 1 2.25 oz / 64g drained weight can sliced black olives, drained
  • 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1 ½ tsp all-purpose seasoning blend
  • ½ tsp ground cumin
  • ¼ tsp salt or to taste, optional depending on seasoning blend
  • ¼ tsp fresh-ground black pepper or to taste
  • Chopped fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • 8x8 inch square baking dish
  • Fine-mesh colander (optional, for rinsing cottage cheese)
  • Large bowl
  • Whisk or fork

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Arrange an oven rack in the center and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8x8 inch square baking dish.
  2. Prepare Cottage Cheese (Optional Step): If you prefer distinct curds, place the cottage cheese into a fine-mesh colander. Briefly rinse with cold water, allowing the creamy liquid to wash away. Press gently to remove excess moisture and let it drain well while you prepare other ingredients. Otherwise, use cottage cheese directly.
  3. Prep Remaining Ingredients: Ensure green onions are sliced and black olives are drained. Open the can of green chiles (no need to drain unless you strongly prefer less liquid). Have cheeses measured.
  4. Layer Base Ingredients: Spread the drained (or unrinsed) cottage cheese evenly in the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Top with the shredded cheddar cheese. Scatter the sliced green onions, undrained diced green chiles, and drained sliced black olives over the cheese layer.
  5. Whisk Eggs & Seasonings: In a large bowl, crack the 9 large eggs. Add the all-purpose seasoning, ground cumin, salt (if using), and black pepper. Whisk vigorously until the eggs are well-beaten and uniform in color.
  6. Combine and Bake: Pour the seasoned egg mixture evenly over the layered ingredients in the dish. Use a fork to gently stir and distribute the cheese and vegetable mixture throughout the eggs.
  7. Bake: Place the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is fully set (a knife inserted should come out clean) and the top is lightly golden brown.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before slicing. If desired, garnish with chopped fresh cilantro before serving. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like salsa, sour cream, or guacamole.

Notes

  • Rinsing cottage cheese is optional; skipping it results in a slightly creamier casserole.
  • Use mild, medium, or hot diced green chiles according to your heat preference.
  • Adjust salt based on the saltiness of your all-purpose seasoning and cheese.
Estimated Nutritional Information (per serving):
  • Calories: 286 kcal
  • Protein: 23.3 g
  • Fat: 18.9 g
  • Carbohydrates: 5.9 g
  • Fiber: 0.7 g
  • Net Carbohydrates: 5.2 g
 
Nutritional information is an estimate calculated using standard databases and assumes unrinsed 2% cottage cheese. Optional garnish like cilantro and serving toppings are excluded. Actual values may vary.