Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole – A protein-packed, fluffy breakfast bake you’ll love!

I still remember the first time I baked this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole in my kitchen. I wanted something wholesome, light, and satisfying enough to keep me full throughout a busy morning. What came out of the oven was a golden, fluffy casserole that filled the air with a comforting aroma and made the entire house smell like a cozy breakfast café. Since that day, this dish has become one of my go-to breakfast recipes, not only because it is incredibly delicious but also because it is a smart way to start the day with protein and nutrients.

This recipe is one of those gems you’ll come back to again and again. It is simple to prepare, doesn’t require complicated techniques, and rewards you with a meal that feels both comforting and nourishing. Every slice is light yet hearty, making it perfect for family breakfasts, brunch with friends, or even meal prep for the week ahead.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons to fall in love with this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole. First, it is protein-packed thanks to the eggs and cottage cheese, making it an ideal breakfast for anyone who wants to stay energized for hours. Second, the texture is wonderfully fluffy and light, almost like a crustless quiche but easier to make. It’s also naturally gluten-free, which makes it suitable for many dietary needs. Another big advantage is its convenience: you can prepare it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and reheat slices throughout the week for quick meals.

Versatile

One of my favorite aspects of this casserole is its versatility. You can enjoy it plain, which allows the natural creaminess of the cottage cheese and the richness of the eggs to shine, or you can add vegetables, lean meats, or herbs to customize the flavor. Spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even chicken ham can easily be folded into the mix. You can also adjust the seasoning depending on your preference, making it suitable for both mild and bold palates. It can even serve as a side dish for lunch or dinner, not just breakfast.

Affordable

This casserole is also budget-friendly. With just a few simple ingredients that are easy to find at any grocery store, you can prepare a wholesome meal without breaking the bank. Cottage cheese and eggs are affordable staples, and any add-ins can be adapted to what you already have in your kitchen. It’s an economical recipe that delivers maximum flavor and nutrition without extra cost.

Ingredients for the Recipe

  • 10 large eggs

  • 2 cups cottage cheese

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese blend)

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)

  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional add-in)

  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional add-in)

  • ½ cup cooked chicken ham or turkey bacon, diced (optional add-in)

How to Prepare Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole

Preparing this Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole is one of the easiest and most rewarding kitchen tasks. It requires very little hands-on time, yet the results are impressive. The ingredients are whisked together, poured into a dish, and baked until golden and fluffy. What you get is a hearty breakfast or brunch dish that feels special but takes minimal effort.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your casserole will bake evenly and rise beautifully. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

Step 2: Prepare the Egg Mixture

Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl. Whisk them thoroughly until the yolks and whites are fully combined. The whisking helps incorporate air, which gives the casserole its light and fluffy texture.

Step 3: Add the Cottage Cheese

Stir in the cottage cheese. This ingredient is the key to the moist and creamy consistency of the bake. Cottage cheese adds protein without making the casserole heavy, and it blends seamlessly with the eggs.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheese and Seasonings

Add shredded cheddar cheese (or any cheese you prefer) into the mixture, along with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano if you choose to include it. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. The seasonings provide subtle depth of flavor without overpowering the lightness of the dish.

Step 5: Mix in Optional Add-Ins

If you want to make the casserole more colorful and nutrient-rich, fold in your add-ins. Chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or cooked chicken ham or turkey bacon are excellent choices. The vegetables soften while baking, and the meats add a savory element that complements the creamy texture.

Step 6: Pour into Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula to ensure even baking. At this stage, you’ll notice the mixture looks loose, but once it goes into the oven, it sets beautifully.

Step 7: Bake Until Fluffy and Golden

Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45–55 minutes. The casserole is ready when the top is golden brown, the edges are set, and the center is firm to the touch. Insert a knife in the middle to check doneness; it should come out clean.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the texture to stabilize, making it easier to cut neat portions. Serve warm for breakfast, brunch, or even as a quick dinner paired with a salad.

Quick and Easy

One of the best things about this recipe is how quickly it comes together. The preparation takes less than 15 minutes, and the oven does the rest of the work. You can whisk the mixture the night before, store it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it fresh in the morning. It’s an excellent option for busy mornings when you want something homemade without spending much time in the kitchen.

Customizable

This recipe is wonderfully customizable. You can keep it plain for a classic, creamy flavor or load it with vegetables and lean meats for a heartier meal. Try switching up the cheese—cheddar, mozzarella, feta, or even a blend works beautifully. You can also experiment with herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme. Every variation feels like a new dish while keeping the same simple base.

Popular with Many People

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole is a recipe that pleases a wide range of tastes. Families love it because it’s child-friendly, nutritious, and easy to prepare. It’s also popular with health-conscious eaters since it’s naturally gluten-free, protein-rich, and can be made low-carb. For gatherings, it’s a crowd-pleaser because you can bake it in advance and serve it warm or at room temperature. Whether you’re hosting brunch, preparing weekly meals, or feeding picky eaters, this dish wins everyone over.

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Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole – A protein-packed, fluffy breakfast bake you’ll love!

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This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Casserole is a protein-packed, fluffy breakfast dish that comes together easily with simple ingredients. Perfect for family breakfasts, brunch gatherings, or meal prep, it’s versatile, affordable, and always satisfying.

  • Author: Lura Skye
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 55
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 10 large eggs
  • 2 cups cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or cheese blend of choice)
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
  • 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (optional add-in)
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers (optional add-in)
  • ½ cup cooked chicken ham or turkey bacon, diced (optional add-in)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until yolks and whites are fully combined.
  3. Stir in cottage cheese until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add shredded cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried oregano (if using). Mix until seasonings are evenly incorporated.
  5. Fold in optional add-ins such as chopped spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, chicken ham, or turkey bacon. Stir gently to distribute evenly.
  6. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula.
  7. Bake for 45–55 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown, edges are set, and the center is firm. Insert a knife into the middle to check doneness; it should come out clean.
  8. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before slicing into squares. Serve warm.

Notes

You can prepare the mixture the night before and bake in the morning.

Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or can be frozen in individual portions.

Customize with different vegetables, cheeses, or herbs to match your taste preferences.

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FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, this casserole is perfect for meal prep. You can prepare the mixture the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. In the morning, simply bake it fresh. You can also bake the entire dish ahead, store it in the fridge, and reheat individual portions when needed.

How do I store leftovers?
Once cooled, cut the casserole into squares and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to four days. For longer storage, freeze the slices individually and reheat them in the oven or microwave.

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely. Cheddar is a classic choice, but mozzarella, feta, or a cheese blend works equally well. Using a mix of cheeses adds depth and variety to the flavor.

Is this recipe suitable for special diets?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free and can easily be made low-carb. To reduce fat, choose low-fat cottage cheese and a lighter cheese variety. To add more vegetables, increase the spinach, peppers, or mushrooms for extra nutrients.

What can I serve with this casserole?
This dish pairs well with fresh fruit, a crisp green salad, or whole-grain toast. It also makes a versatile side dish for lunch or dinner alongside grilled chicken or roasted vegetables.

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