Easy make-ahead breakfast bake

This cottage cheese egg bake delivers an impressive 28 grams of protein per slice, making it the perfect make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. The secret ingredient—cottage cheese—creates an irresistibly fluffy texture while dramatically boosting the protein content. Combined with savory turkey sausage, colorful peppers, and sharp cheddar cheese, this hearty breakfast casserole will keep you satisfied and energized for hours.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic month when my morning routine was constantly being interrupted. Tired of grabbing less-than-ideal breakfast options on the go, I decided to experiment with a make-ahead solution that would actually keep me satisfied until lunch. The first time I made this protein-packed egg bake, I knew my mornings had changed for the better! Even my husband, who typically turns his nose up at cottage cheese, requests this regularly and has no idea it's the secret to the incredible texture.

Ingredients

• 12 large eggs: The foundation of our egg bake, providing structure, protein, and that classic breakfast flavor
• 1 cup cottage cheese: The star protein-booster that creates a remarkably fluffy texture when baked – use full-fat for the best results
• 8 oz turkey breakfast sausage: Adds savory flavor and additional protein without excess fat
• 1 red bell pepper, diced: Provides sweet flavor, beautiful color, and valuable nutrients
• 1 green bell pepper, diced: Offers a slightly bitter contrast to the sweet red pepper, creating balanced flavor
• 1 medium sweet onion, diced: Adds a subtle sweetness and aromatic foundation
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the entire dish with warm, savory notes
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Creates those irresistible pockets of melty goodness throughout
• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the sausage and vegetables to develop their flavors
• ½ teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors without making the dish taste salty
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and depth

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1:

Prepare your oven and baking dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of olive oil. This prevents sticking and makes serving much easier. The size of the dish is important—too small and the egg bake will be too thick and may not cook evenly; too large and it might become too thin and overcook.

Step 2:

Cook the sausage: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the turkey sausage, breaking it up with a wooden spoon into small, bite-sized pieces as it cooks. Continue cooking until no pink remains and the sausage is completely cooked through, about 8-10 minutes. Transfer the cooked sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess fat.

Step 3:

Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet (no need to clean it—the sausage flavor will enhance the vegetables), add the diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the vegetables soften and the onions become translucent, about 4-5 minutes. The goal is to soften them while maintaining some texture, not to brown them. Remove the skillet from heat and let the vegetable mixture cool slightly.

Step 4:

Blend the egg mixture: While the sausage and vegetables are cooling, crack all 12 eggs into a large mixing bowl. Add the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Using an immersion blender (or regular blender if you don't have one), blend until smooth and well combined. The blending step is crucial—it incorporates air into the mixture for a fluffier texture and completely smooths out the cottage cheese curds.

Step 5:

Combine all ingredients: Add the cooked turkey sausage and sautéed vegetable mixture to the blended egg mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution of all the ingredients. Make sure the sausage and vegetables aren't too hot when you add them, or they might start cooking the eggs prematurely.

Step 6:

Transfer to baking dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly. Give the dish a gentle tap on the counter to release any large air bubbles that might have formed.

Step 7:

Bake until set: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40-50 minutes, or until the center is firm and no longer jiggly. The exact cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the exact dimensions of your baking dish. If you notice the top browning too quickly before the center is set, loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the remaining baking time.

Step 8:

Rest before serving: Once the egg bake is finished cooking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows the eggs to fully set and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices. Cut into 8 equal pieces and serve warm, or cool completely before storing for later.

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The Magic of Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese might seem like an unusual ingredient for an egg bake, but it's actually the secret to this dish's exceptional texture and protein content. When blended with eggs and baked, cottage cheese creates a result that's incredibly light and fluffy while adding a subtle creaminess that elevates the entire dish.

I discovered this trick when trying to boost the protein content of my typical egg casserole. Traditional recipes often rely on heavy cream or milk for richness, but neither adds much nutritional value. Cottage cheese solves this problem beautifully, contributing both protein and a wonderful texture.

The key is blending it completely with the eggs. This step transforms those characteristic curds that some people find off-putting into a smooth, creamy mixture that's indistinguishable from any other egg bake once cooked. Even dedicated cottage cheese skeptics won't detect it—they'll just notice that this egg bake seems exceptionally fluffy and satisfying.

Last month, I brought this egg bake to a family brunch where my niece, a self-proclaimed "healthy eating skeptic," reluctantly took a small piece. Within minutes, she was back for seconds and asking for the recipe, amazed that something so delicious could also be so nutritious. That's the magic of this dish—it satisfies both the flavor-seekers and the nutrition-conscious alike.

Customize It Your Way

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it adapts to different tastes and what you have on hand. Here are some of my favorite variations:

For a Mediterranean twist, swap the turkey sausage for chopped artichoke hearts, use feta cheese instead of cheddar, and add a handful of chopped spinach and halved cherry tomatoes to the vegetable mix. The tangy feta complements the cottage cheese beautifully.

When serving a crowd with varied preferences, I sometimes divide the mixture between two smaller baking dishes before baking. One gets spicy with the addition of diced jalapeños and pepper jack cheese, while the other stays mild for those who prefer less heat.

For an autumn-inspired version, replace the bell peppers with diced butternut squash and add some fresh sage to the sautéed vegetables. The sweet squash and earthy sage create a warm, comforting flavor profile that's perfect for cool mornings.

I've been making some version of this egg bake every Sunday for nearly two years now, and it has completely transformed my weekday mornings. What started as a solution to hectic schedules has become a beloved staple that my whole family looks forward to. The combination of convenience, nutrition, and delicious flavor makes this cottage cheese egg bake the perfect way to start any day!

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this egg bake ahead of time?

Yes! You can prep it the night before and refrigerate unbaked, then bake in the morning. Or bake it completely and refrigerate for up to 4 days, reheating portions as needed.

→ Can I freeze this cottage cheese egg bake?

Absolutely! Slice into portions, wrap individually, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

→ What can I substitute for turkey sausage?

You can use ground chicken, beef, pork sausage, or even plant-based crumbles. For a vegetarian version, try sautéed mushrooms instead.

→ Why blend the cottage cheese with the eggs?

Blending creates a smoother texture and distributes the cottage cheese evenly, which makes the bake creamier and adds protein without chunky bits.

→ What can I serve with this egg bake?

Fresh fruit, toast, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad make great sides. For brunch, pair with muffins and a fruit platter.