Protein-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Fuel your week with this incredibly delicious and easy-to-make High Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese. This recipe isn’t just a breakfast; it’s a strategic move for a healthier, more organized week. Rich, tender, and incredibly satisfying, this casserole is packed with savory breakfast sausage, vibrant bell peppers, earthy mushrooms, and a generous amount of cheese, all contributing to a symphony of wholesome flavors. The star ingredient, cottage cheese, works wonders, lending an unbelievably creamy texture while boosting the protein content to a hefty 20g per serving!

Slice of egg bake on a white plate with the casserole in the background in a white dish.

High Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese: Your Ultimate Make-Ahead Breakfast

Starting your day with a nutritious, protein-rich meal is key to sustained energy and satiety. This High Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese offers a perfect solution for busy mornings, combining convenience with incredible flavor and impressive nutritional benefits. Whether you’re a seasoned meal prepper or looking for a straightforward way to incorporate more protein into your diet, this egg bake is designed to become a staple in your breakfast routine. Say goodbye to rushed, unsatisfying breakfasts and hello to a hearty, flavorful dish that keeps you going!

Why This High-Protein Egg Bake Will Become Your New Favorite

There are countless reasons to fall in love with this versatile and delicious High Protein Egg Bake. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s a game-changer for anyone seeking a balance of health, flavor, and convenience.

  • Effortless Meal Prep for the Week: Imagine waking up each morning knowing a delicious, protein-packed breakfast is ready to go. This recipe yields a generous 8 servings, each boasting a massive 20g of protein, making it an ideal choice for healthy meal prepping. Simply bake it once, then gently warm individual portions in the microwave throughout the week. It saves precious time and eliminates the stress of deciding what to eat for breakfast daily.
  • Incredible Flavor and Texture Profile: This isn’t just a bland egg dish. The combination of savory breakfast sausage, tender mushrooms, crisp bell pepper, and sharp cheddar cheese infuses every bite with a burst of robust flavor. But the real secret weapon for its luxurious texture? Cottage cheese! It melts into the eggs, creating an unbelievably creamy, moist, and tender consistency that distinguishes this bake from drier alternatives. It’s not just there for extra protein; it’s a culinary hero for texture.
  • Naturally Gluten-Free: For those managing gluten sensitivities or adhering to a gluten-free lifestyle, this egg bake is a fantastic option. As long as you ensure your bulk breakfast sausage doesn’t contain any hidden gluten-containing ingredients, you can enjoy this hearty breakfast worry-free. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that caters to diverse dietary needs without compromising on taste.
  • Customizable to Your Liking: While the classic combination of sausage, bell pepper, and mushrooms is undeniably delicious, this egg bake serves as a perfect canvas for your culinary creativity. It’s incredibly forgiving and adaptable, making it an excellent way to use up leftover vegetables or experiment with different flavor combinations.
  • Economical and Wholesome: Made with readily available ingredients like eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh produce, this recipe is not only healthy but also budget-friendly. It provides significant nutritional value, including essential proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making it a wholesome choice for the entire family.

Unlocking the Power of Protein with Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese is often hailed as a superfood, particularly for its impressive protein content and versatility. In this egg bake, it plays a dual role: significantly boosting the nutritional profile and contributing to a superior texture. Unlike traditional egg bakes that can sometimes turn out dry, the addition of cottage cheese ensures a moist, tender, and incredibly satisfying result. Its mild flavor blends seamlessly with the other ingredients, adding a creamy richness without overpowering the dish. This makes our High Protein Egg Bake not only a fantastic source of lean protein but also a delightful culinary experience.

Top down view showing the melted cheese on top of a high protein egg bake.

Chef’s Tips & Customization Ideas for Your Egg Bake

Elevate your High Protein Egg Bake experience with these expert tips and creative variations. This recipe is incredibly adaptable, allowing you to personalize it based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

  • Ingredient Versatility – The “Clear Your Refrigerator” Bake: The beauty of this egg bake lies in its flexibility. While breakfast sausage, mushrooms, and bell pepper form a classic and delightful combination, almost any ingredient that would shine in a quiche, frittata, or omelette will work wonderfully here. Think of it as a perfect opportunity to clear out your refrigerator!
    • Vegetable Variations: Spinach, kale, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, broccoli florets, asparagus, or even roasted sweet potatoes can be fantastic additions. Just be sure to pre-cook any harder vegetables to ensure they’re tender in the finished bake.
    • Protein Power-Ups: Swap out or add other proteins like diced ham, crumbled bacon, shredded chicken, or even plant-based sausage. For a leaner option, use turkey sausage as suggested in the instructions.
    • Cheese Choices: Experiment with different cheeses! Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Colby, Swiss, or a spicy pepper jack can add new dimensions of flavor and melt beautifully.
    • Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of dried herbs like oregano or thyme can greatly enhance the flavor profile.
  • Serving Suggestions for Any Occasion: This egg bake is delicious enough to stand alone, especially when you’re in a hurry. However, for a more complete meal, consider these pairings:
    • With a Kick: Perk up a plain slice with a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce or a dollop of salsa.
    • Freshness on the Side: Add a vibrant contrast with a side of fresh fruit, a green salad, or a refreshing smoothie.
    • Heartier Options: A slice of whole-grain toast or a side of avocado can transform it into an even more substantial breakfast.
  • Make-Ahead and Storage: This bake is truly designed for meal prep. Once cooled, individual slices can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. For longer storage, slices can be wrapped individually and frozen for up to 2-3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
  • Preventing a Dry Bake: Overbaking is the enemy of a tender egg bake. Keep an eye on it in the last 10-15 minutes of baking. If the top starts to brown too quickly, loosely cover it with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning while the center finishes cooking.

Frequently Asked Questions About High-Protein Egg Bakes

What makes this egg bake “high protein”?
This recipe is high in protein due to the combination of 12 eggs, a pound of breakfast sausage, and especially the 16 ounces of cottage cheese. Each serving delivers a robust 20 grams of protein, essential for muscle repair, satiety, and sustained energy.
Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
Absolutely! You can use low-fat or fat-free cottage cheese if you prefer. The texture and protein content will remain excellent. Just be aware that full-fat cottage cheese might contribute slightly more creaminess.
Can I prepare this egg bake the night before?
Yes, this recipe is perfect for overnight preparation! You can assemble the entire egg bake in the casserole dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil, and refrigerate it overnight. In the morning, simply uncover and bake as directed. This makes busy mornings incredibly easy.
How long does the egg bake last in the refrigerator?
Once baked and cooled, the High Protein Egg Bake can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days, making it ideal for weekly meal prep.
Can I freeze individual portions?
Yes! This egg bake freezes beautifully. Once completely cooled, cut it into individual portions. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or reheat directly from frozen in the microwave or oven (add extra baking time if reheating from frozen).
What if I don’t have an immersion blender?
No problem! A regular blender or food processor will work perfectly for blending the egg and cottage cheese mixture until smooth. If you don’t have either, you can whisk vigorously by hand, though it might take a bit longer to achieve a smooth consistency.

Recipe: High Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese

Slice of egg bake on a white plate with the casserole in the background in a white dish.

High Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese

Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 5 minutes
Cooling Time: 10 minutes
Total: 1 hour 30 minutes


Cheryl Malik
Cheryl Malik

Print Recipe
Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 12 eggs
  • 1 pound bulk breakfast sausage
  • 16 ounces cottage cheese
  • 1 ½ cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • ½ onion diced small
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup mushrooms chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper diced small
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

  • 9 x 13 inch casserole dish
  • immersion blender or regular blender

Instructions

  1. Heat a drizzle of oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the bulk breakfast sausage and cook for approximately 10 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully cooked through and browned. Once done, transfer the cooked sausage to a separate plate or bowl and set aside.
  2. Using the same skillet (no need to clean it!), add the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers. Sauté these vegetables over medium heat for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they have softened and become aromatic. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the vegetable mixture to cool slightly.
  3. While the sausage and vegetables are cooling, prepare the creamy egg base. In a medium bowl, combine the 12 eggs, cottage cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Blend these ingredients thoroughly using an immersion blender directly in the bowl, or transfer to a regular blender, until the mixture is smooth and well combined. This step is crucial for achieving that signature tender texture.
  4. Add the cooled, cooked turkey sausage and the sautéed vegetables to the blended egg and cottage cheese mixture. Stir everything together gently until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the egg base.
  5. Pour the entire mixture into a 9×13 inch casserole dish (or a slightly larger baking dish) that has been either seasoned as nonstick or lightly sprayed with cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  6. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the egg bake for approximately 40-50 minutes, or until the center is firm and the edges are lightly golden. To test for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready. If the top begins to brown excessively before the center is cooked, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
  7. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes before cutting it into even slices. This resting time allows the egg bake to set properly, making it easier to serve clean, beautiful portions.

Notes

  • Breakfast sausage, mushrooms, and bell pepper are a classic breakfast combo, but pretty much any ingredient that would work in a quiche, frittata, or omelette will work in this egg bake recipe – it is also perfect for clearing the refrigerator!
  • In a hurry, slices of this egg bake are delicious by themselves (or perked up with a few shakes of your favorite hot sauce!) but you could also add fresh fruit or a smoothie on the side if you need or prefer a bigger breakfast.

Nutrition Information

Calories: 434kcal |
Protein: 20g |
Fat: 16g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Trans Fat: 0.03g |
Total Carbs: 7g |
Fiber: 1g |
Sugar: 3g |
Net Carbs: 6g |
Vitamin C: 20mg |
Cholesterol: 276mg |
Sodium: 560mg |
Potassium: 298mg |
Calcium: 239mg |
Iron: 1mg

Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.

Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.

To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.

© Author: Cheryl Malik
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More Delicious High-Protein Breakfast Ideas You’ll Love

If you’ve enjoyed the convenience and flavor of this High Protein Egg Bake, you’ll be thrilled to explore more breakfast options that keep you full, energized, and on track with your health goals. Here are some other fantastic recipes from our kitchen that prioritize protein and taste:

  • High Protein Cottage Cheese Blueberry Muffins: A sweet and satisfying way to get your protein fix.
  • High Protein Cottage Cheese Scrambled Eggs: Boost your everyday scrambled eggs with a creamy, protein-rich twist.
  • Keto Breakfast Casserole with Sausage: A low-carb, high-flavor option for those following a ketogenic diet.
  • Country Omelette Recipe with Bacon and Potatoes: A hearty and classic breakfast for a weekend treat.
  • 10-minute Instant Pot Oatmeal: Quick, easy, and customizable for a warm start to your day.
  • Healthy Omelette with Avocado: A vibrant and nutritious omelette packed with healthy fats.

We hope this High Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese becomes a beloved addition to your weekly menu, simplifying your mornings and nourishing your body. Don’t forget to leave us a review below and share your creations on social media!

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