This 5-Minute No-Oven Cottage Cheese Casserole Is Fluffy, Golden, and Effortless

Need dessert in the time it takes to make tea? This is my five-minute microwave zapekanka: plush, gently sweet, and soft in the middle with a golden top. No marathon mixing, no firing up the oven. Just stir, zap, and try not to eat it straight from the dish.

What you get

A tender, airy cottage cheese-style bake that sets up beautifully in the microwave. The top picks up light color, the center stays moist and creamy, and the whole thing feels far fancier than the effort suggests.

You will need

• Tvorog (farmer's cheese/curd cheese) — 400 g
• Eggs — 2
• Semolina — 3 tbsp
• Sugar — 2 tbsp
• Vanilla sugar — 1 tsp
• Salt — a pinch
• Butter — for greasing the dish

How to make it

1) Smooth base: Break up the tvorog with a fork until creamy, or give it a quick blitz with a blender. Aim for an even, lump-free texture.

2) Mix: Add the eggs, sugar, vanilla sugar, and salt. Stir until fully combined and glossy. Sprinkle in the semolina and mix again until the batter is uniform.

3) Prep the dish: Grease a microwave-safe baking dish with butter, then scrape in the batter and level the surface.

4) Microwave: Cook on 700-800 W for 5-7 minutes. The top should look set and lightly golden, and the center should feel softly springy to the touch.

5) Set and flip: Let the zapekanka rest for a minute or two so it firms up. Loosen the edges, then invert onto a plate. It should release cleanly and hold its shape.

Serve it like this

Spoon over cool, tangy sour cream, a ripple of your favorite jam, or a drizzle of sweet condensed milk. Breakfast, snack, or dessert — it fits wherever you need something cozy and quick.