Ingredients

Casserole Ingredients

500 grams (18 ounces) cottage cheese (any fat content)
2 large eggs (or 3 small)
50-60 grams (1/3 cup) all-purpose flour
60 grams (1/4 cup) sour cream
1-3 tablespoons granulated sugar
Pinch of salt
Pinch of cinnamon
Zest of lemon/orange
1 cup frozen pitted cherries
We recommend:
For cottage cheese:
LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle
4.5
(70) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 4 ounce bottle $18.75 View details Prime LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle
4.3
(535) LorAnn Cream Cheese Icing SS Flavor, 1 ounce bottle $9.47 View details Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz
4.1
(2,760) Moon Cheese - 100% Natural Cheese Snack - Gouda - 2 oz $3.99 View details
For all-purpose flour:
Prime Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4)
4.8
(9,312) Bob's Red Mill Gluten Free 1-to-1 Baking Flour, 22 Ounce (Pack of 4) $23.96 View details Prime Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2)
4.7
(15,802) Antimo Caputo Chefs Flour - Italian Double Zero 00 - Soft Wheat for Pizza Dough, Bread, & Pasta, 2.2 Lb (Pack of 2) $16.99 View details Prime best seller King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary
4.7
(20,691) King Arthur, Measure for Measure Flour, Certified Gluten-Free, Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Kosher, 3 Pounds, Packaging May Vary $8.62 View details
For sour cream:
Prime Judee’s Bulk Cream of Tartar 40 lb (5lb Pack of 8) - All Natural, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free & Nut-Free - Use for Baking as a Stabilizer, Cleaning and Crafting - Made in USA
4.7
(850) Judee’s Bulk Cream of Tartar 40 lb (5lb Pack of 8) - All Natural, Keto-Friendly, Gluten-Free & Nut-Free - Use for Baking as a Stabilizer, Cleaning and Crafting - Made in USA $319.99 View details Prime Duncan Hines Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, 14 oz
4.5
(8,164) Duncan Hines Whipped Cream Cheese Frosting, 14 oz $1.92 View details Prime Hoosier Hill Farm Sour Cream Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1)
4.3
(5,535) Hoosier Hill Farm Sour Cream Powder, 2LB (Pack of 1) $29.99 View details
For granulated sugar:
Prime best seller Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1
4.8
(12,536) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO,Pack of 1 $5.27 View details Prime Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack)
4.8
(18,788) Sugar In The Raw Granulated Turbinado Cane Sugar, No Added Flavors or erythritol, Pure Natural Sweetener, Hot & Cold Drinks, Coffee, Baking, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Non-GMO, Bulk Sugar, 2lb Bag (1-Pack) $3.74 $4.14 View details Prime C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags
4.6
(205) C&H Pure Cane Granulated White Sugar, 25-Pound Bags $56.99 $49.98 View details
For ground cinnamon:
Prime FGO Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, 100% Raw from Sri Lanka, 16oz, Packaging May Vary (Pack of 1)
4.6
(9,600) FGO Organic Ceylon Cinnamon Powder, 100% Raw from Sri Lanka, 16oz, Packaging May Vary (Pack of 1) $19.99 View details Prime Unpretentious Ground Cassia Cinnamon, 1 Gallon, Baking & Cooking
4.9
(13) Unpretentious Ground Cassia Cinnamon, 1 Gallon, Baking & Cooking $45.99 View details Prime Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Cinnamon, Ground, 15 ounce (Pack of 1)
4.8
(9,766) Amazon Brand - Happy Belly Cinnamon, Ground, 15 ounce (Pack of 1) $9.02 $10.31 View details

Instructions

Step 1

Mixing the Batter

In a large bowl, combine the *cottage cheese*, *eggs*, *sugar*, and *salt*. Add the *flour*, *cinnamon*, and *sour cream* to the mixture. If your cottage cheese is lumpy, you can either pass it through a sieve or blend it with an immersion blender for a smoother texture.

Step 2

Adding Flavor

Grate the zest of a *lemon* or *orange* and add it to the mixture along with the *cherries*. Gently fold everything together using a spatula, ensuring the cherries are evenly distributed.

Step 3

Baking the Casserole

Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F). *Grease* a baking dish with butter and dust with flour. Pour the batter into the prepared dish and spread it out evenly. Place in the oven and bake for 50-60 minutes until the top is golden and set.

Step 4

Cooling and Serving

Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it *cool* for 15-20 minutes. This will help it set properly. Sprinkle with *powdered sugar* or make it special with any decorations and serve warm or at room temperature.

Servings

Once your Christmas Casserole is baked to perfection, it's time to let it shine on the table! 🤩 Serve it warm or let it cool for a denser, creamier texture. **Dust with powdered sugar** for a snowy finish that'll make it look like it's just been kissed by a winter wonderland. ❄️

_Pair it with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream_ for extra indulgence. The creaminess complements the tangy cherries beautifully, creating a balance of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. 🍦

For a savory twist, try adding a dollop of Greek yogurt on the side. It offers a tangy contrast that highlights the comforting richness of the casserole. And if you're feeling adventurous, sprinkle some toasted almonds or crushed pistachios on top for a delightful crunch. 🥄

Equipment

Mixing Bowl

Ensure it's large enough to mix all the ingredients without spilling. A non-slip bottom might be handy for stirring.

We recommend:
Prime YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage
4.7
(9,737) YIHONG 7 Piece Mixing Bowls with Lids for Kitchen, Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls Set Ideal for Baking, Prepping, Cooking and Serving Food, Nesting Metal Mixing Bowls for Space Saving Storage $27.99 $35.99 View details Prime best seller Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set
4.8
(29,369) Pyrex Glass, 3-Piece, 3 PC Mixing Bowl Set $17.53 View details Prime REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful)
4.8
(8,743) REGILLER Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls (Set of 5), Non Slip Colorful Silicone Bottom Nesting Storage Bowls, Polished Mirror Finish For Healthy Meal Mixing and Prepping 1.5-2 - 2.5-3.5 - 7QT (Colorful) $26.99 View details
Sieve or Blender

For a smoother texture, consider using a sieve or a hand blender to break down lumpy cottage cheese.

Baking Dish

Choose one with enough space as the casserole will rise during baking. A glass or ceramic dish works wonders!

We recommend:
Prime OXO Good Grips Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish with Lid
4.7
(16,201) OXO Good Grips Glass 3 Qt Baking Dish with Lid $22.99 View details Prime best seller Pyrex Easy Grab 2-Pack Glass Baking Dish Set (2QT, 3QT) with Snug Fit Locking BPA-Free Lids, Rectangular Bakeware Set, Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer & Pre-Heated Oven Safe
4.7
(12,951) Pyrex Easy Grab 2-Pack Glass Baking Dish Set (2QT, 3QT) with Snug Fit Locking BPA-Free Lids, Rectangular Bakeware Set, Dishwasher, Microwave, Freezer & Pre-Heated Oven Safe $15.98 $24.99 View details Prime Pyrex Deep 5.2-Qt (9"x13") 2-in-1 Glass Baking Dish with Glass Lid, Extra Large Rectangular Baking Pan For Casserole & Lasagna, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave and Pre-Heated Oven Safe
4.7
(6,500) Pyrex Deep 5.2-Qt (9"x13") 2-in-1 Glass Baking Dish with Glass Lid, Extra Large Rectangular Baking Pan For Casserole & Lasagna, Dishwasher, Freezer, Microwave and Pre-Heated Oven Safe $26.46 $32.99 View details
Oven

Preheat it to 190°C (375°F). A reliable oven thermometer can ensure it’s at the right temperature.

We recommend:
KoolMore 38 in. Full-Size Single Deck Commercial Natural Gas Convection Oven 54,000 BTU in Stainless-Steel (KM-CCO54-NG)
5
(1) KoolMore 38 in. Full-Size Single Deck Commercial Natural Gas Convection Oven 54,000 BTU in Stainless-Steel (KM-CCO54-NG) $3651.89 View details Prime Restaurantware Hi Tek Half Size Convection Oven 1 Countertop Electric Oven - 1.5 Cu. Ft. 120V Stainless Steel Commercial Convection Oven 1600W 4 Racks Included
5
(2) Restaurantware Hi Tek Half Size Convection Oven 1 Countertop Electric Oven - 1.5 Cu. Ft. 120V Stainless Steel Commercial Convection Oven 1600W 4 Racks Included $1077.29 View details Prime Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, Convection Toaster Oven with French Doors, Stainless Steel
4.6
(7,963) Emeril Lagasse 26 QT Extra Large Air Fryer, Convection Toaster Oven with French Doors, Stainless Steel $189.99 View details
Grater

For zesting citrus fruit. Opt for a fine grater to avoid the bitter white pith.

We recommend:
Prime best seller Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Grater for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts
4.6
(26,087) Geedel Rotary Cheese Grater, Kitchen Mandoline Vegetable Slicer with 3 Interchangeable Blades, Easy to Clean Grater for Fruit, Vegetables, Nuts $28.97 $39.99 View details Prime KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater for Fine, Medium and Coarse Grate, and Slicing, Detachable 3 Cup Storage Container and Measurment Markings, Dishwasher Safe, 10 inches tall, Black
4.8
(12,169) KitchenAid Gourmet 4-Sided Stainless Steel Box Grater for Fine, Medium and Coarse Grate, and Slicing, Detachable 3 Cup Storage Container and Measurment Markings, Dishwasher Safe, 10 inches tall, Black $18.99 $24.99 View details

Variations

Embrace dietary preferences and allergies with these variations: 🌱🌾

For a gluten-free option, replace the flour with an equal amount of almond flour or a gluten-free baking mix. These alternatives keep the texture intact while ensuring everyone can enjoy a slice. ✔️

To make it vegan, swap out the cottage cheese for a vegan ricotta alternative, often made from nuts. Replace the eggs with a chia seed mix (1 tablespoon of chia seeds combined with 2.5 tablespoons of water per egg). Finally, use a plant-based yogurt in place of sour cream. These swaps ensure the dish remains just as delicious and inviting for all. 💚

Faq

  • Why is my casserole too runny?

    Ensure you let it cool completely before serving. This allows it to set properly. Also, make sure the cherries are well-drained of excess moisture.

  • Can I use fresh cherries instead of frozen?

    Absolutely! Just pit and halve them, and remember to adjust the sugar depending on their sweetness.

  • How can I make the casserole more visually appealing?

    Try adding a sprinkle of fresh citrus zest or a few whole cherries on top post-baking for a pop of color.

  • How should I store leftovers?

    Wrap in cling film or place in an airtight container, then refrigerate for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven before serving.

  • Can I prepare this dish in advance?

    Yes, you can mix the ingredients and store the batter in the fridge for up to a day before baking.

  • What can I use if I don't have a zester?

    Try using a vegetable peeler to remove strips of citrus peel and finely chop them with a knife for a similar effect.

Nutrition facts

Delicious Cherry Christmas Casserole Recipe
Recipe Yield:8 servings
Calories:Approximate calories per serving
Calories (Min - Max):150 - 200
Total Fat:8g
Saturated Fat:4.5g
Protein:8g
Total Carbohydrate:18g
Total Sugars:12g