High-Protein Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: The Ultimate Breakfast Casserole
This healthy cottage cheese egg bake is a fantastic high-protein breakfast recipe that combines the power of eggs and cottage cheese! This fluffy and flavorful breakfast casserole is incredibly easy to make with just a handful of simple ingredients: eggs, cottage cheese, tomatoes, basil, and roasted red bell peppers. Best of all, it’s ready in less than 50 minutes! It’s the perfect way to start your day off right or to prep for a week of nutritious and satisfying breakfasts.
I’m a huge fan of eggs and incorporate them into my diet several times a week. While I enjoy making scrambled eggs or a fried egg on a regular basis, I especially love having a batch of spinach, sausage and egg casserole or a cheesy monterey jack souffle (which is one of our most popular breakfast casserole recipes!) prepared and ready to go. These are perfect for those busy days when time is short, and I need a quick and healthy meal.
This particular egg casserole with cottage cheese is the ideal meal prep recipe for the weekend. I make a healthy breakfast casserole on Sundays, which I can then enjoy throughout the week. It’s a fantastic way to ensure I have easy breakfasts available for hectic weekday mornings and even quick lunches when I need something both convenient and nutritious.
Cottage Cheese: A Protein Powerhouse!
Cottage cheese is experiencing a well-deserved surge in popularity, and I’m completely on board! I have distinct memories of my parents enjoying cottage cheese with peaches or pears, and now I understand their appreciation for this versatile ingredient.
Cottage cheese is packed with protein! I’ve been exploring different ways to boost protein intake in meals, and cottage cheese has emerged as a clear winner. Using low-fat cottage cheese is a great strategy for increasing protein without creating an overly heavy feeling. Some other recipes that take advantage of cottage cheese includes my 7-Minute Savory Oatmeal, VIRAL High-Protein Cottage Cheese Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl, and fluffy cottage cheese pancakes!
A Note on Perimenopause and Protein Intake
As a woman in my 40s, I am keenly aware of the challenges that perimenopause can bring. Because of this awareness, I prioritize a daily protein intake exceeding 100 grams.
Consuming a higher amount of protein supports my goals of building muscle and maintaining strength, which becomes particularly important as we age. Cottage cheese is also an excellent source of calcium, which is essential for maintaining healthy bones. A single serving of this delicious cottage cheese egg bake provides a remarkable 17 grams of protein!
Key Ingredients for the Best Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
- Whole Eggs: These are the foundation of the casserole, providing structure, richness, and that desirable fluffy, custard-like texture when baked. They also significantly contribute to the dish’s protein content, ensuring it keeps you feeling full and satisfied.
- Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess, moisture, and a protein boost without weighing the casserole down. You can use either low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese depending on your preference.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: The mild, melty cheesiness of mozzarella complements the slight tang of the cottage cheese. Mozzarella adds richness and helps the top of the casserole brown beautifully. If you prefer, you can substitute cheddar cheese, parmesan cheese, or even omit the cheese entirely.
- Cherry Tomatoes: These juicy, slightly tangy bursts of flavor cut through the richness of the eggs and cheese. They also add brightness and fresh taste to every bite.
- Roasted Red Bell Peppers: Adding a sweet, smoky flavor and a pop of color, these peppers bring extra moisture and natural sweetness that perfectly balances the eggs. If desired, roasted red bell peppers can be omitted.
- Fresh Basil Leaves: The fresh, aromatic flavor and a touch of sweetness make basil an ideal addition. Basil pairs exceptionally well with tomatoes and mozzarella, making it an indispensable component of this dish.
- Garlic Powder: It lends depth and savory background flavor without overpowering the fresh ingredients, creating a well-rounded taste profile.
- Salt: A crucial element for enhancing all the flavors within the casserole. Eggs, in particular, require salt to prevent them from tasting bland.
- White Pepper (or Black Pepper): Adds a gentle warmth and balances the overall creaminess. White pepper maintains the casserole’s clean appearance, while black pepper provides a bit more of a bite.
Easy Steps to Make a Protein-Packed Breakfast Casserole
Here are the straightforward steps you need for this satisfying egg bake recipe:
- Prep: Begin by preheating the oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C) and lightly coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- First Layer: Arrange the tomatoes and fresh basil evenly at the bottom of the prepared baking dish. These will naturally float upward throughout the eggs as it bakes.
- Whisk: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix together all of the remaining egg casserole ingredients. Once combined, gently pour the egg mixture evenly over the tomatoes and basil in the baking dish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake until the casserole is nicely puffed and the eggs are completely set, leaving no liquid remaining.
Customizable Variations and Add-Ins for Your Egg Casserole
One of the wonderful things about this egg casserole is how customizable it is! Feel free to add your own favorite vegetables, such as sautéed asparagus, onions, broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms. To further boost the protein content, consider including sausage, bacon, or ham. The possibilities are truly endless – choose whatever flavor combinations you love!
Convenient Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Meal Prep Made Easy
This egg casserole can be enjoyed throughout the week, and it also makes a fantastic base for delicious egg sandwiches on English muffins or focaccia. If you prefer, you can mix all the ingredients together, store it unbaked and well-covered in the refrigerator overnight, and then bake it fresh in the morning.
Alternatively, you can bake the casserole, allow it to cool completely, and then reheat it in the oven at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for approximately 15 minutes the next morning. It maintains its quality and reheats beautifully!
Proper Storage Techniques
To store any leftovers, wrap the baking dish securely with plastic wrap or transfer the cooled casserole to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will remain fresh for around 5 days.
This recipe is also perfect for freezing after baking! I recommend cutting the casserole into individual slabs and freezing them in freezer bags for easy portioning.
While my viral breakfast cottage cheese bowl is a great option when I have time to chop and assemble ingredients, this healthy egg and cottage cheese recipe is perfect for making once and enjoying throughout the entire week. Start your mornings with this protein-packed breakfast egg casserole with cottage cheese—it’s easy, make-ahead friendly, and full of wholesome, nourishing ingredients.
Watch How This Healthy Egg Casserole is Made…
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More Delicious and Healthy Breakfast Options…
- Eggs and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bowl
- Protein Chocolate Chip Cookie Baked Oatmeal in a Mug
- Protein Green Smoothie Granola Parfait Recipe
- Sausage Monterey Jack Souffle
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ Cups Cherry Tomatoes
- ½ Cup Fresh Basil Leaves, torn
- 14 Eggs, large
- 2 Cups Low Fat Cottage Cheese
- ½ Cup Milk
- ⅓ Cup Mozzarella Cheese, shredded, optional
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 Roasted Red Bell Pepper, from a jar, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon White Pepper, or black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375℉. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Evenly spread the tomatoes and fresh basil on the bottom of the dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and milk.
- Add the mozzarella, salt, roasted bell pepper, pepper, and garlic powder and stir. Pour on top of the basil and tomatoes.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until casserole is puffed and eggs are set.
- Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.