This cottage cheese egg bake is a protein-packed, low-carb breakfast that’s perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd. It’s made with simple, wholesome ingredients like eggs, cottage cheese, turkey sausage, and colorful veggies for a fluffy, creamy texture with incredible flavor.
With 28–32 grams of protein per serving, this dish keeps you full and energized for hours. It’s easy to customize, reheats beautifully, and fits into busy mornings or weekend brunch spreads with zero fuss.
Whether you’re looking for a make-ahead option or a reliable go-to breakfast, this cottage cheese egg bake delivers every time.
Table of Contents
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Ingredients
- 12 eggs
- 1 lb turkey breakfast sausage ground or removed from casing
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 16 oz cottage cheese full-fat recommended
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 0.5 sweet onion diced small
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper diced small
- 1 red bell pepper diced small
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil and cook turkey sausage until done.
- Sauté onion, garlic, and bell peppers until softened.
- Blend eggs, cottage cheese, cheddar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Stir in cooked sausage and veggies.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9×13″ baking dish.
- Bake for 40–50 minutes or until center is set.
- Cool 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Why Cottage Cheese Makes the Best Egg Bake
Adds Creamy Texture and Protein Punch
If you’ve never tried baking with cottage cheese, this recipe will be a revelation. Cottage cheese doesn’t stay lumpy in the oven—it melts and blends seamlessly with eggs, creating a light and fluffy texture that’s perfect for casseroles. The added bonus? Cottage cheese contains up to 28 grams of protein per cup, which makes it ideal for those looking to start their day with something more filling. Plus, it gives this bake an extra cheesy richness without needing a ton of shredded cheese.
If you’re looking for more ways to sneak cottage cheese into meals, our banana cottage cheese pancakes are another great way to pack in nutrition without sacrificing flavor.
Great for Texture Haters
Many people shy away from cottage cheese because of its curds. But once it’s blended and baked, that texture disappears. In this recipe, we blend the eggs and cottage cheese before baking—so all you’re left with is a smooth, fluffy, cheesy bite. Even picky eaters can’t tell it’s there. This technique works beautifully in our cottage cheese quiche, another favorite for protein-packed mornings.
Ingredients Breakdown and Smart Swaps
Breakfast Staples You Already Love
What makes this cottage cheese egg bake so easy is that you’re likely to already have most of the ingredients on hand. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one matters:
- Eggs: A full dozen gives this bake its base. Eggs are rich in nutrients and the perfect protein-packed canvas.
- Cottage cheese: Full-fat works best here. It blends beautifully and adds a soft, souffle-like finish. If you’re unsure about cottage cheese, this recipe will change your mind.
- Turkey sausage: Mild, flavorful, and lean—turkey sausage balances the richness of the cheese and eggs. You can use links (remove casings), ground sausage, or even chopped precooked sausage.
- Bell peppers and sweet onion: These add color, crunch, and a touch of sweetness. Sautéing them first brings out their best flavor.
- Fresh garlic: Just a couple of cloves add warmth and depth to the dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar is classic, but feel free to experiment.
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper: Simple seasonings that tie it all together.
This balance of eggs, cottage cheese, sausage, and veggies creates a complete, satisfying breakfast that fuels you for hours.
Substitutions and Customizations
The beauty of a cottage cheese egg bake is how easy it is to customize. Want to make it vegetarian? Skip the sausage and add mushrooms or spinach. Prefer pork sausage? Go for it. You can also switch up the cheese to suit your tastes.
Here are some tasty swaps to try:
- Use mozzarella or pepper jack for a gooier finish.
- Swap turkey sausage for crumbled bacon or ham for a heartier bake.
- Try other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli florets.
- Add spice with jalapeños, chili flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
You can even use this same base for muffins! Just pour the mixture into a muffin tin for single-serve portions.
Looking for another way to enjoy cheesy, savory cottage cheese recipes? You’ll love the cottage cheese queso, which proves just how versatile cottage cheese can be in savory dishes. Or check out the cottage cheese pizza crust—perfect for low-carb eaters.
Step-by-Step: Making the Perfect Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Prep and Sauté the Savory Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. In a medium skillet, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add your turkey sausage and cook until browned and fully cooked through—about 10 minutes. Once cooked, transfer it to a plate.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onions, bell peppers, and garlic for 4–5 minutes until softened. This step enhances the flavor of your egg bake and gives it that classic breakfast aroma we all love. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly.
This sauté technique is also used in dishes like our cottage cheese pizza crust, where pre-cooking your toppings enhances the overall flavor and texture.
Blend for a Fluffy, Cheesier Finish
Now it’s time for the secret step that sets this cottage cheese egg bake apart. In a large mixing bowl, combine the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Use an immersion blender or a standard blender to blend until smooth. This creates an extra fluffy texture that’s similar to a quiche but more protein-packed and hearty.
Fold in your cooked turkey sausage and sautéed veggies. Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
Pour the mixture into a lightly greased 9×13” casserole dish.
Bake uncovered for 40–50 minutes, or until the center is firm and the edges are golden. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can cover the dish loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes.
Let the bake cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This helps the egg mixture set and makes it easier to cut into neat squares.
How to Store, Serve & Meal Prep Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Meal Prep Like a Pro
This cottage cheese egg bake is one of the best make-ahead breakfasts you can add to your weekly routine. Once cooled, slice it into 9 even squares. Store the slices in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30–60 seconds.
Want to switch things up? Pour the mixture into a muffin tin instead of a casserole dish for individual-sized egg muffins. They’re perfect for on-the-go mornings and freezer-friendly too.
Other great meal prep-friendly breakfast recipes include our high protein bagels and cottage cheese bagel recipes, both of which complement this egg bake beautifully for a full breakfast spread.
Brunch-Ready and Crowd-Friendly
Planning a brunch? This cottage cheese egg bake is always a hit. It’s easy to slice, mess-free to serve, and holds its shape well—perfect for buffets or breakfast potlucks. Pair it with a fresh fruit salad, a sweet treat like cottage cheese cookie dough, or even a spoonful of cottage cheese chocolate mousse for a balanced menu.
FAQs
Does cottage cheese melt when you bake it?
Yes, it does! When baked, cottage cheese softens and melts into the eggs, losing its curd-like texture. This gives the egg bake a creamy, smooth finish without any lumps. It blends right in, making it ideal even for people who don’t normally love cottage cheese.
Can you put cottage cheese in egg casserole?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese is a wonderful addition to egg casseroles because it increases protein, improves texture, and adds a subtle richness without overpowering the dish. It also helps keep the eggs moist and fluffy as they bake.
Does cottage cheese affect the taste of eggs?
Only slightly—and in the best way. Cottage cheese adds a gentle creaminess and a mild tang that enhances the overall flavor. It won’t make your eggs taste “cheesy” in the traditional sense, but it gives the bake a well-rounded, satisfying flavor.
What does cottage cheese do in baking?
In baking, cottage cheese works like a secret weapon. It provides moisture, lightens the texture, and boosts protein. Whether you’re making a savory dish like this egg bake or a sweet treat like cottage cheese chocolate mousse, it adds richness and balance.
Try It, Love It, Repeat
This cottage cheese egg bake is everything breakfast should be—easy, comforting, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re prepping meals for the week or feeding a brunch crowd, this go-to dish never disappoints. It delivers all the cozy comfort of a cheesy casserole with the bonus of high protein and real, simple ingredients.
And here’s the best part: it’s endlessly adaptable. Change up the meat, swap in your favorite veggies, or give it a spicy twist with jalapeños or hot sauce. Once you try this cottage cheese egg bake, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation. It’s become a staple in our Asheville kitchen—and I hope it becomes one in yours too.
New to cooking with cottage cheese? This recipe is the easiest place to start. And once you’re hooked (trust me, you will be), try other reader favorites like our banana cottage cheese pancakes or cottage cheese bagel recipes.
For more feel-good food ideas, follow us on Pinterest and Facebook for fresh inspiration every week..
This recipe makes a great option for a vegetarian dinner.