This Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole is about to become your new favorite breakfast. It’s a game-changer for busy mornings, offering a delicious, high-protein meal that’s incredibly easy to whip up. We blend eggs with creamy cottage cheese to create a light, fluffy, and custard-like texture that’s simply irresistible. Forget gritty or bland egg bakes; this recipe is packed with savory flavor and is perfect for meal prep, leaving you with a healthy and satisfying breakfast for days.
Whether you’re looking for a low-carb breakfast option, a simple dish for a weekend brunch, or a reliable make-ahead meal, this casserole checks all the boxes. It’s endlessly customizable and is guaranteed to keep you full and energized until lunch.
Why This is the Best Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole
You might be wondering what makes this Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole recipe stand out. It comes down to a few key things: incredible texture, amazing flavor, and unbeatable simplicity.
- High in Protein: Packed with eggs and cottage cheese, this casserole is a protein powerhouse. It’s the perfect way to start your day, keeping you satisfied and curbing mid-morning cravings.
- Incredibly Creamy & Fluffy: Blending the cottage cheese is our secret weapon! This step eliminates any lumpy texture, resulting in a smooth, rich, and velvety casserole that melts in your mouth.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe is a dream for your weekly meal prep. Bake it once and enjoy delicious, ready-to-eat breakfast slices all week long. It reheats beautifully.
- Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: With no flour or grains, this egg bake is naturally low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto or gluten-free lifestyle. For another fantastic breakfast bake idea, check out our Ham and Cheese Croissant Bake.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of wholesome ingredients to create this delicious breakfast bake.
- Large Eggs: The foundation of our casserole. We use a dozen for a substantial, high-protein bake.
- Full-Fat Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient! We recommend full-fat for the creamiest, richest texture. Blending it is key.
- Shredded Cheese: A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack adds a wonderful sharp and melty quality. Feel free to use your favorite.
- Breakfast Sausage: Crumbled and cooked breakfast sausage adds a savory, hearty element. You can easily substitute this with bacon or ham.
- Green Onions: For a mild, fresh onion flavor that complements the eggs and cheese perfectly.
- Seasoning: A simple mix of garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper is all you need to enhance the flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this high-protein breakfast casserole is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect bake every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until it’s browned and crumbled. Drain off any excess grease.
- Blend the Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs and cottage cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds. This is the most important step for a perfect texture!
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the blended egg mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the cooked sausage, shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, chopped green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is well combined.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown. You can check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
- Rest and Serve: Let the casserole cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This helps it set completely, making it easier to cut into clean squares.
Tips for the Perfect Egg Bake
Want to guarantee success? Here are a few expert tips to make your Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole absolutely flawless.
- Don’t Skip the Blender: For the smoothest, most custard-like texture, you must blend the cottage cheese and eggs. It makes all the difference!
- Use Full-Fat Cheeses: For the best flavor and creamiest results, we highly recommend using full-fat cottage cheese and shredded cheeses.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the casserole to cool for about 10 minutes after baking is crucial. It allows the eggs to set fully, so you get beautiful, clean slices.
- Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the casserole. Overbaking can lead to a rubbery texture. The center should be just set—it will continue to cook slightly as it rests. If you love cheesy, protein-packed meals, give our High-Protein Mac and Cheese a try!
Variations and Customizations
This recipe is a fantastic base for your creativity. Here are some popular ways to customize your Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole:
- Vegetarian Delight: Omit the sausage and add 1-2 cups of sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions. If you love spinach, our Spinach and Cottage Cheese Casserole is another must-try.
- Different Meats: Swap the sausage for diced ham, crispy bacon, or even shredded chicken.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Mix in fresh herbs like chives, parsley, or dill for a burst of freshness.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This casserole is perfect for making ahead. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:
- Refrigeration: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will last for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: The easiest way to reheat is in the microwave. Place a slice on a plate and microwave for 60-90 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the oven or an air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. These are great tips for other dishes too, like our Make-Ahead Breakfast Sandwiches (coming soon).
What to Serve with Egg Casserole
While this casserole is a complete meal on its own, it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it with a fresh green salad, sliced avocado, or a side of seasonal fruit for a balanced and delicious brunch.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole
Yes, this casserole freezes well. For best results, cut it into individual portions, wrap each one tightly in plastic wrap, and store them in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Absolutely! This casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can bake it completely, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Simply reheat individual slices in the microwave when you’re ready to eat.
No, you can’t! Because we blend the cottage cheese with the eggs until it’s completely smooth, it incorporates seamlessly. It adds incredible creaminess and moisture without any of the typical cottage cheese texture or flavor.
The casserole is done when the center is set and no longer jiggly. The top should be a light golden brown. To be certain, you can insert a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
Yes, it’s a very healthy breakfast option. It is high in protein, low in carbs, and naturally gluten-free. It’s a fantastic, filling meal to keep you energized throughout the morning.
This recipe is very versatile. You can add vegetables like sautéed spinach, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also swap the sausage for cooked bacon, diced ham, or leave the meat out entirely for a vegetarian version.
The Perfect Make-Ahead Breakfast
This Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution for hectic mornings and a delicious way to pack in protein. It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make. We know you’ll love it as much as we do!
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and let us know how it turned out! We love hearing from you. For more amazing recipes, be sure to follow us on Pinterest!
Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole Recipe
Cottage Cheese Egg Casserole: The Creamiest, High-Protein Breakfast
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease.
- In a blender or food processor, combine the eggs and cottage cheese. Blend until the mixture is completely smooth and creamy, about 30-45 seconds.
- Pour the blended egg mixture into a large bowl. Stir in the cooked sausage, shredded cheeses, green onions, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Bake for 35-45 minutes, until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
- Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving to allow it to set completely.
Notes
Let It Rest: Letting the casserole sit for 10 minutes before cutting is essential for clean, perfect slices.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
