Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: Easy High-Protein Breakfast Recipe

If you’re anything like me, mornings can sometimes feel like a rush. For years, I’d grab a granola bar or skip breakfast altogether, wondering why I was starving an hour later.
The game-changer? Discovering how simple it is to make a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake—an easy, protein-packed breakfast that actually keeps me full and energized all morning.

I still remember the first time I made it. I had some cottage cheese sitting in the fridge and thought, “Why not toss it into an egg casserole?” The result was light, creamy, and surprisingly flavorful. Since then, it’s been a staple in my weekly meal prep, saving me time, money, and hunger pangs.

This recipe offers everything you need: it’s fast, healthy, customizable, and ridiculously satisfying.

Key Benefits of Making This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Choosing this high-protein breakfast means you’re setting yourself up for a better day — here’s why:

1. Quick and Easy to Prepare

  • Preps in minutes with simple, everyday ingredients.
  • Only one bowl needed for mixing and one baking dish.
  • Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends.

2. High in Protein, Low in Hassle

  • Cottage cheese naturally boosts protein without adding unnecessary fat or carbs.
  • Keeps you full longer, helping control cravings and energy dips.

3. Flexible and Customizable

  • Mix and match veggies, cheeses, and even meats based on what you love or have on hand.
  • Easily adapted for keto, gluten-free, or vegetarian diets.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep

  • Make a full batch on Sunday, and enjoy a grab-and-go breakfast all week.
  • Reheats beautifully without losing flavor or texture.

5. Deliciously Moist and Tender

  • Cottage cheese prevents the bake from drying out, giving you a fluffy, creamy texture with every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Full Ingredient List

IngredientQuantityNotes
Large eggs6Free-range if possible for richer taste
Cottage cheese1 cupFull-fat for creaminess, low-fat if preferred
Cheddar cheese½ cupShredded; mozzarella or feta work too
Baby spinach1 cupFresh; chopped
Red bell pepper1Diced finely
Onion½Finely chopped
Olive oil (for greasing)1 tablespoonOr cooking spray
Salt½ teaspoonAdjust to taste
Black pepper¼ teaspoonFreshly ground preferred

Optional Add-ins: cooked turkey sausage, chopped mushrooms, diced tomatoes, jalapeños for heat.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

  • Crack the eggs into a large bowl and whisk until fully combined.
  • Stir in the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, spinach, red bell pepper, onion, salt, and black pepper.
  • Mix until evenly distributed.

Step 3: Bake the Egg Mixture

  • Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
  • Place the dish in the center of the oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set.
  • To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.

Step 4: Cool and Slice

  • Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before slicing.
  • Serve warm or at room temperature.

Pro Tip:
If you prefer a golden cheesy top, sprinkle an extra handful of shredded cheese over the bake during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Benefits of Adding Cottage Cheese to Your Egg Bake

  • Boosts Protein Content: Cottage cheese adds a serious protein punch, perfect for muscle maintenance or weight management.
  • Adds Moisture: It keeps the egg bake tender without needing heavy creams or loads of cheese.
  • Lightens the Texture: Instead of being dense, your egg bake will be fluffy and light.
  • Enhances Flavor: Mildly tangy cottage cheese complements savory veggies and meats beautifully.

High-Protein Variations You Can Try

Meat Lover’s Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

  • Add crumbled bacon, turkey sausage, or chopped ham for an even bigger protein boost.

Veggie-Packed Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

  • Stir in mushrooms, zucchini, broccoli, or asparagus for extra nutrients and flavor.

Dairy-Free or Keto Option

  • Swap cottage cheese with unsweetened almond yogurt and load up on keto-friendly vegetables like spinach and bell peppers.

Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
  • Use small curd cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
  • Drain excess liquid if your cottage cheese seems very watery.
  • Let it rest after baking to help it set properly and slice neatly.
  • Don’t overbake, or it can become rubbery—start checking at the 30-minute mark.

Storage and Meal Prep Tips

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze: Cut into portions, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Microwave a slice for about 30–45 seconds; add a splash of water to keep it moist.

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, based on 6 servings)

NutrientAmount
Calories220
Protein20g
Carbohydrates4g
Fat14g
Fiber1g

Note: Exact values will vary depending on the types of cheese and add-ins you use.

FAQs About Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

What does adding cottage cheese to eggs do?

Adding cottage cheese to eggs boosts the protein, improves moisture, and results in a tender, fluffy bake without making it heavy or greasy.

Does cottage cheese melt when you bake it?

Cottage cheese softens and blends beautifully into the egg mixture. While it doesn’t melt like shredded cheese, it creates tiny pockets of creaminess throughout the dish.

How to make baked cottage cheese eggs?

Simply whisk eggs, stir in cottage cheese and your favorite veggies or meats, pour into a baking dish, and bake at 375°F until the eggs are set.

What does cottage cheese do in baking?

In baking, cottage cheese adds moisture, a light tang, and creaminess. It enhances both the texture and nutritional value of dishes without making them heavy.

Conclusion: A Cottage Cheese Egg Bake You’ll Want on Repeat

There’s something truly satisfying about starting your day with a meal that’s hearty, healthy, and ready to go without much effort. This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake delivers on all fronts: it’s easy, delicious, flexible, and keeps you full for hours.

I keep coming back to it week after week because it checks every box—simple ingredients, fast prep, and endless ways to customize. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week, feeding a family, or just looking to boost your protein intake, this recipe is a clear winner.

Give it a try and make it your own—I promise it’ll become a favorite in your breakfast rotation too.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake

Cottage Cheese Egg Bake: Easy High-Protein Breakfast Recipe


  • Author: Sarah Mendez
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

A simple, high-protein breakfast casserole made with eggs, cottage cheese, and fresh vegetables. This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is perfect for meal prep, customizable with your favorite add-ins, and keeps you full and energized throughout the morning.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large eggs (free-range if possible for richer taste)
  • 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat for creaminess, low-fat if preferred)
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (mozzarella or feta work too)
  • 1 cup fresh baby spinach, chopped
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced finely
  • ½ onion, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing, or cooking spray)
  • ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
  2. In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully combined.
  3. Stir in the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, diced red bell pepper, chopped onion, salt, and black pepper. Mix until evenly distributed.
  4. Pour the egg mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.
  5. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the eggs are fully set. To check doneness, insert a toothpick into the center—it should come out clean.
  6. Let the bake cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Customize with your favorite add-ins like cooked turkey sausage, chopped mushrooms, diced tomatoes, or jalapeños for heat.
  • Great for meal prep: store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • Reheat individual slices in the microwave for a quick and easy breakfast.
  • For a golden cheesy top, sprinkle additional shredded cheese over the bake before placing it in the oven.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 slice
  • Calories: 394
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 210mg

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Egg Bake, High Protein Breakfast, Meal Prep Breakfast, Gluten Free Breakfast, Egg Casserole

Spread the love