Heart Healthy Asparagus Frittata Baked with Cottage Cheese

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 2/9/2026
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | High Protein | Gluten Free | Diabetic | Vegetarian
Heart Healthy Asparagus Frittata Baked with Cottage Cheese
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

This light and creamy asparagus egg bake is sure to make your mornings more delicious. By using nonfat cottage cheese and a combination of whole eggs and egg whites, we’ve created a vegetarian brunch or lunch recipe that is high in protein while remaining low in saturated fat.

Looking for more ways to make breakfast healthier and more exciting? Try any of our delicious healthy breakfast recipes for a tasty start to your day!

Total Time
45 minutes
Servings
8
Calories
94

What Makes This Asparagus Frittata Healthy

This frittata prioritizes lean protein and fiber-rich vegetables to support heart health and blood sugar management. By swapping traditional heavy dairy for nonfat cottage cheese, it achieves a rich consistency with significantly fewer calories and less fat.

Key Health Highlights

  • High Lean Protein: Nonfat cottage cheese and egg whites provide substantial protein to keep you full longer without adding cholesterol.
  • Heart-Healthy Fats: By using only one whole egg, this recipe stays low in saturated fat, supporting healthy cholesterol levels.
  • Fiber-Rich Asparagus: Asparagus is a nutritional powerhouse, providing essential fiber for digestion and folate for heart health.
  • Low Sodium Profile: This recipe uses fresh herbs like parsley and scallions to provide big flavor while keeping the sodium count to just 88mg per serving.
  • Diabetic-Friendly: With only 5g of carbohydrates per serving, this bake helps maintain stable blood glucose levels.

FAQs About Asparagus Frittata

Yes! Blending cottage cheese into the egg mixture creates a creamy, custard-like texture that mimics heavy cream or whole milk but with much more protein and less fat.

This specific recipe is very low in calories, containing only 94 calories per serving, making it an excellent choice for weight management.

Both are excellent protein sources. Cottage cheese is lower in fat and cholesterol than whole eggs, which is why combining them (or using egg whites) is a popular strategy for heart-healthy cooking.

Beyond adding protein, it provides moisture and prevents the eggs from drying out during the baking process, resulting in a fluffier, richer mouthfeel.

More Heart Healthy Breakfasts & Brunches

Finding nutritious, high-protein recipes is the best way to maintain energy levels and support cardiovascular health throughout the day. These heart-healthy breakfast and brunch ideas offer delicious, vegetable-forward options that make meal prepping simple and satisfying.

Ingredient Spotlight: Asparagus

Asparagus is the star of this dish, not just for its earthy flavor, but for its impressive nutrient density. It is an excellent source of vitamin K, which is vital for bone health, and antioxidants like vitamin E and C. For those focused on heart health, asparagus contains high levels of the B-vitamin folate, which helps regulate homocysteine, an amino acid linked to heart disease risk.

Ingredients

Recipe yields 8 servings

Helpful How-To Video

Directions

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly coat a 10-inch quiche pan or 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a steamer, steam asparagus until just tender, about 3 minutes. Remove asparagus from steamer and allow to cool. Chop asparagus stems and reserve tips for garnish. In a blender or food processor, purée cottage cheese, chopped asparagus stems, scallion, parsley, egg, egg whites, mustard and mozzarella.

  2. Step 2

    Pour mixture into prepared quiche pan. Arrange reserved asparagus tips on top. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 35 minutes, or until set.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
1/8 frittata

94
Calories
2
g
Fat
34
mg
Cholesterol
88
mg
Sodium
5
g
Carbs
1
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
14
g
Protein

Alternative Cooking Methods

  • Individual Muffin Tins: Pour the mixture into a greased muffin tin to create portable "egg bites." Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes.
  • Air Fryer: You can bake this in an air-fryer-safe dish at 325°F for 15–20 minutes, or until the center is set and no longer jiggly.
  • Skillet Method: Start the frittata in an oven-safe nonstick skillet on the stovetop over medium heat for 2 minutes to set the bottom before transferring to the oven.

Healthy Variations

  • Smoked Salmon: Fold in 2 ounces of chopped smoked salmon before baking for an elegant, high-protein brunch twist.
  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a teaspoon of chopped jalapeños to the blender mixture.
  • Mediterranean: Add sundried tomatoes and a few kalamata olives for a savory, Mediterranean-inspired flavor.

Serving & Storage Tips

  • Serving: Serve warm or at room temperature. A light side salad or a piece of whole-grain toast pairs perfectly.
  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
  • Reheating: Reheat gently in the microwave at 50% power to prevent the eggs from becoming rubbery, or warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through.
  • Freezing: We do not recommend freezing this frittata, as the cottage cheese may release water upon thawing, changing the texture.

What to Serve with This Heart Healthy Asparagus Frittata

For a complete and balanced meal, consider these pairings:

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have asparagus, fresh baby spinach or chopped broccoli florets work beautifully.

Swap the mozzarella for a sharp low-fat white cheddar or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.

Fresh dill or chives can be used in place of parsley for a more traditional "spring" egg flavor.

If you don't have Dijon, a half-teaspoon of dry mustard powder provides a similar tangy depth.

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