Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Potato Cheddar Chive Bake is a comforting, savory dish inspired by the popular Starbucks favorite, but made fresher, heartier, and higher in protein at home. It combines tender potatoes, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh chives in a creamy, satisfying bake that works beautifully for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. I love this recipe because it captures the cozy café-style flavor while offering better control over ingredients and nutrition. The texture is soft and custardy inside with lightly golden edges, making every bite warm and comforting. It is perfect for meal prep, as it reheats well and stays flavorful for days. Whether you are looking for a protein-rich breakfast option or a versatile side dish, this potato cheddar chive bake delivers big flavor with simple ingredients.
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Potato Cheddar Chive Bake (Starbucks Copycat, High Protein!)
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 squares
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A high-protein, Starbucks-inspired Potato Cheddar Chive Bake made with tender potatoes, sharp cheddar, and fresh chives—savory, satisfying, and perfect for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients
- 3 cups frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, thawed
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup milk
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- Cooking spray or butter for greasing
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease an 8×8-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, and milk until smooth.
- Add flour, salt, pepper, and garlic powder; mix well.
- Stir in hash browns, cheddar cheese, and chopped chives until evenly combined.
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until set in the center and lightly golden on top.
- Let rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Blend cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Great for meal prep—reheats well.
- Can be baked in muffin tins for individual portions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Potatoes form the hearty base of the bake, providing structure and comfort.
Cheddar cheese adds sharp, savory flavor and rich melt.
Cottage cheese boosts protein while keeping the texture creamy and light.
Eggs bind the ingredients together and add structure.
Milk helps create a smooth, custard-like consistency.
Fresh chives add mild onion flavor and freshness.
Garlic powder enhances savory depth.
Salt balances and enhances all the flavors.
Black pepper adds gentle heat and seasoning.
Optional Greek yogurt increases protein and creaminess.
Optional paprika adds subtle warmth and color on top.
Directions
Begin by preheating the oven and greasing a baking dish. Peel and dice the potatoes into small, even pieces. Boil them in salted water until just tender, then drain well.
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, cottage cheese, and Greek yogurt if using, until smooth. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, chopped chives, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Fold the cooked potatoes into the mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle paprika on top if desired.
Bake until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Allow the bake to rest briefly before slicing and serving.
Equipment needed
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 6 people. Preparation time is approximately 20 minutes, baking time is about 40 minutes, and resting time is 10 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store Potato Cheddar Chive Bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven until heated through.
Variations and Customizations
Potato Cheddar Chive Bake is easy to customize based on taste and dietary needs. For extra protein, add cooked turkey sausage, diced ham, or crumbled bacon. I tested this recipe with turkey sausage, and it made it even more filling while still feeling balanced.
You can swap cheddar for a blend of cheddar and mozzarella for a milder flavor or use sharp white cheddar for extra bite. If you enjoy vegetables, add sautéed onions, spinach, or bell peppers to the mix.
For a lighter version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk while keeping the cottage cheese for protein. These variations allow you to tailor the bake while preserving its comforting, café-style appeal.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Protein (g) | 22 |
| Carbs (g) | 34 |
| Fat (g) | 16 |
| Saturated Fat (g) | 8 |
| Fiber (g) | 4 |
| Sugar (g) | 4 |
| Sodium (mg) | 520 |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Dice potatoes evenly
Even pieces ensure uniform cooking.
Do not overbake
Overbaking can dry out the center.
Use full-flavor cheese
Sharp cheddar provides the best taste.
Let it rest
Resting helps the bake set cleanly for slicing.
FAQs
Is this really similar to the Starbucks version?
Yes, it closely mimics the flavor and texture, with added protein.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, it is perfect for meal prep and reheats very well.
Can I freeze this bake?
Yes, freeze individual portions for up to two months.
Is this recipe high protein?
Yes, cottage cheese and eggs significantly boost protein.
Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with fresh fruit, a green salad, or eggs.
Conclusion
Potato Cheddar Chive Bake is a cozy, satisfying dish that brings café-style comfort straight to your kitchen. Inspired by the Starbucks favorite but higher in protein and easy to make at home, this recipe is perfect for breakfast meal prep, brunch spreads, or anytime you want a warm, savory bake that delivers both flavor and nourishment.
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