Imagine starting your day with a warm, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying breakfast that keeps you full for hours. This Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole is loaded with high-quality protein, healthy fats, and nutrient-rich vegetables, making it the perfect meal to fuel your morning. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this hearty casserole is easy to make, delicious, and packed with nutrients.
Unlike traditional breakfast casseroles that rely on heavy creams and breads, this version features cottage cheese for an extra protein boost, breakfast sausage for savory flavor, and spinach and bell peppers for added vitamins and minerals. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole delivers the ultimate combination of taste and nutrition.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole
✔ High in Protein – Packed with eggs, sausage, and cottage cheese, delivering over 20g of protein per serving.
✔ Easy to Prepare – Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and one baking dish make this an effortless meal.
✔ Great for Meal Prep – Make it ahead and enjoy a nutritious breakfast all week long.
✔ Low-Carb & Gluten-Free Option – Easily adaptable to fit low-carb diets by omitting or replacing the flour.
✔ Customizable – Swap out the veggies, use turkey sausage, or try different cheeses to suit your taste.
If you’re looking for a delicious, protein-rich breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings, this Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole is exactly what you need!
Ingredients for Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole
This casserole is loaded with high-quality protein, fiber-rich vegetables, and savory spices.
| Category | Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Protein & Dairy | Breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled) | 1 lb. |
| Large eggs | 12 | |
| Cheddar cheese (shredded, divided) | 16 oz | |
| Parmesan cheese (shredded) | ½ cup | |
| Cottage cheese (4% milk fat) | 24 oz | |
| Unsalted butter (melted) | 1 stick | |
| Vegetables | Frozen spinach (thawed, squeezed dry) | 10 oz |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 cup | |
| Onion (minced) | ½ cup | |
| Dry Ingredients | Flour | ¾ cup |
| Oregano | 1 tsp | |
| Onion powder | 1 tsp | |
| Garlic powder | 1 tsp | |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
How to Make Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole
1. Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled.
- Drain excess grease and set aside.
3. Mix the Dry Ingredients
- In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Set aside for later.
4. Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fully combined.
- Add the cottage cheese, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir until well mixed.
5. Combine the Ingredients
- Stir in the cooked sausage, spinach, diced red bell peppers, and minced onions into the egg mixture.
- Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until evenly incorporated.
6. Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
7. Bake to Perfection
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
8. Let It Rest & Serve
- Allow the casserole to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Breakfast Casserole
⭐ Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach – Too much water can make the casserole soggy.
⭐ Use high-quality cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and tastes richer.
⭐ Let the casserole rest before slicing – This helps it set properly for cleaner cuts.
⭐ Customize with different veggies – Try mushrooms, zucchini, or jalapeños for variety.
⭐ Make it low-carb – Skip the flour or replace it with almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~300 kcal |
| Protein | 22g |
| Carbohydrates | 8g |
| Fat | 22g |
| Fiber | 2g |
With over 22g of protein per serving, this cottage cheese breakfast casserole is the perfect way to start your day strong!
Serving Suggestions
This Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole is delicious on its own but pairs wonderfully with:
🥑 Avocado slices – Adds creaminess and healthy fats.
🥗 A fresh side salad – Light and refreshing balance.
🍞 Whole-grain toast – Perfect for extra crunch.
🌶 Hot sauce or salsa – A flavorful kick!
Whether you’re enjoying it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this casserole is a guaranteed breakfast win!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Not draining the sausage properly – Excess grease can make the casserole too oily.
❌ Skipping the resting time – Slicing too early can make it fall apart.
❌ Using too much spinach without squeezing it dry – Watery spinach leads to a soggy texture.
❌ Overbaking – The casserole should be set but still moist and tender.
❌ Not greasing the baking dish – This ensures easy removal and prevents sticking.
Avoid these mistakes, and your breakfast casserole will turn out perfect every time!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before and refrigerate it overnight. Just bake it fresh in the morning.
2. How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze this breakfast casserole?
Yes! Slice into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
4. Can I use turkey sausage instead of pork?
Absolutely! Turkey sausage is a great leaner alternative.
5. What’s the best way to reheat it?
Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1–2 minutes.
6. Can I use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese?
Yes! Ricotta provides a similar texture, but cottage cheese has more protein.
Final Thoughts
This Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a nutritious, satisfying, and flavorful dish that belongs in your breakfast rotation. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, it’s an easy, high-protein option that everyone will love.
Why not give it a try today? Your taste buds (and muscles) will thank you!
Print
Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a nutritious, high-protein meal perfect for breakfast or brunch. Made with eggs, cottage cheese, breakfast sausage, and fresh vegetables, this dish is filling, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or serving a family, this casserole is a delicious and satisfying way to start your day!
Ingredients
Protein & Dairy:
- 1 lb. breakfast sausage (cooked and crumbled)
- 12 large eggs
- 16 oz cheddar cheese (shredded, divided)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (shredded)
- 24 oz cottage cheese (4% milk fat)
- 1 stick unsalted butter (melted)
Vegetables:
- 10 oz frozen spinach (thawed, moisture squeezed out)
- 1 cup red bell pepper (diced)
- ½ cup onion (minced)
Dry Ingredients:
- ¾ cup flour
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the breakfast sausage until browned and crumbled. Drain any excess grease and set aside.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the flour, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In a spacious mixing bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well-combined. Add the cottage cheese, melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Combine Everything: Stir in the cooked sausage, spinach, diced red bell peppers, and minced onions into the egg mixture. Gradually mix in the dry ingredients until evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese for a golden, cheesy crust.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm for breakfast or brunch, or refrigerate for meal prep and reheat as needed.
Notes
- For a low-carb version, omit the flour or replace it with almond flour.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the casserole the night before and bake it fresh in the morning.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave individual slices for 1-2 minutes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American