The first time I saw someone whip eggs and high-protein cottage cheese into a golden, fluffy breakfast bake, I may have gaspedwith excitement! It’s all over TikTok for good reason. These casseroles are warm, hearty, and downright satisfying. Best of all, it comes together with just one mixing bowl, 10 minutes of hands-on time, and a quick bake in the oven.
This isn’t the dry or bland “diet food” you might expect. Think creamy cottage cheese blended with fluffy eggs, sweet bell peppers, and flavorful turkey sausage. It’s the kind of easy recipe that brings comfort and nourishmenttastes like something Grandma would make, but with a modern, health-conscious twist. Keep reading for all the details and tips!
Growing up, cottage cheese casseroles were a Sunday tradition after churchespecially when we had leftover holiday ham. That tradition stuck. I’ve tested this version carefully to bring back the same cozy, cheesy bite while upgrading it with leaner meats and boosted protein. And yesthere’s a delicious little secret that ties it all together.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- High-protein and satisfying: Thanks to cottage cheese, eggs, and turkey sausage, each portion offers a protein punch to fuel your morning.
- Quick prep: You’ll only need 10 minutes of hands-on time before popping it into the oven.
- Cozy and nostalgic: All the comfort of an old-fashioned casserolebut lighter, healthier, and faster to make.
- Great for meal prep: Perfect for making ahead and portioning out for quick weekday breakfasts.
Key Ingredients
This wholesome breakfast bake keeps it simple and delicious. Here’s what you’ll need to create it:
Ingredient | Role in Recipe |
---|---|
8 large eggs | Main structural base packed with natural protein and essential nutrients. |
1 cup cottage cheese | Provides creaminess, texture, and high-quality protein. |
1 pound turkey sausage | Lean and flavorfuladds savory depth and protein without extra fat. |
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese | Gives the casserole that gooey, melty cheese pull we all love. |
1 cup chopped spinach (optional) | Adds color, fiber, and a nutritional boost. |
1 teaspoon garlic powder | Adds aromatic, savory flavor throughout the dish. |
Salt and pepper | Brings out the natural flavor in every ingredientadjust to taste. |

Step-by-Step: How to Make It
You’ll be amazed at how simple this high-protein breakfast casserole is. Follow these easy steps for a perfect bake:
- Prep the oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or non-stick spray.
- Whisk it up: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and slightly frothy.
- Mix the good stuff: Add crumbled turkey sausage (cooked and drained of excess fat), shredded mozzarella, and chopped spinach (sauteed if fresh and watery). Stir until evenly combined.
- Bake it to perfection: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top. Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes, or until set in the center and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and enjoy: Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This helps the pieces hold together cleanly when serving.
Step | Time |
---|---|
Prep | 10 minutes |
Bake | 35–40 minutes |
Cool | 5–10 minutes |
Storage & Reheating Tips
This breakfast casserole stores like a dream, making it excellent for busy schedules or meal planning:
Method | How Long? |
---|---|
Refrigerate | Place cooled slices in an airtight container. Keeps fresh for up to 4 days. |
Freeze | Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. |
Reheat | Microwave on high for 1–2 minutes, or warm in a 350°F oven for 10–15 minutes until heated through. |
Swaps & Variations
Feel free to mix things up depending on your pantry, dietary needs, or preferences:
- Cheese swap: Use sharp cheddar, pepper jack, or even feta to change up the flavor profile.
- Meat options: Sub turkey sausage with cooked chicken sausage, diced ham, or a plant-based alternative.
- Extra veggies: Add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to boost fiber and flavor.
Pro Tip: When using high-moisture vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini, sauté them first to prevent excess water in the final bake.
Expert Says: The Benefits of High Protein Cottage Cheese
High-protein cottage cheese is ideal for supporting muscle recovery, managing appetite, and boosting daily protein intake. With its mild flavor and soft, creamy texture, it works in both savory bakes and sweet dishes like smoothies or pancakes. It’s also a rich source of essential amino acids and calcium, making it a versatile nutritional powerhouse for any meal.
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How I Mastered High-Protein Cottage Cheese for Every Meal
This delicious breakfast casserole took some trial and error in my kitchen. In early attempts, I learned that skipping stepslike properly sautéing veggies or draining sausageled to watery or uneven textures. Now I’ve dialed it in: creamy, fluffy, nutrient-packed, and totally crave-worthy. It’s become my go-to for everything from weekend brunches to post-workout fuel.
FAQs ( Irresistible High-Protein Cottage Cheese & Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole )

Conclusion
This high protein cottage cheese breakfast casserole comes together quickly and fills your kitchen with a comforting aroma that signals something nourishing is on the table. Made with simple, wholesome ingredients, it bakes into a golden, creamy dish that’s ideal for busy mornings or weekend brunch spreads.
Get creative by swapping the cheese or adding extra vegetablesit’s a base recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It reheats beautifully, so don’t be afraid to make a double batch for easy meals through the week. A helpful tip: let it cool completely before slicing to ensure clean, sturdy pieces perfect for reheating.
I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Drop a comment or tag me in your versionespecially if it brings back memories of family meals or inspires a new weekend ritual. And don’t forget to pass the recipe alongit’s a dish worth sharing!

High-Protein Cottage Cheese Breakfast Ideas
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Whisk the Eggs: In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Add cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper; whisk until smooth.
- Mix in the Fillings: Stir in crumbled turkey sausage, shredded mozzarella, and chopped spinach.
- Bake the Casserole: Pour mixture into prepared dish. Bake 35–40 minutes, until center is set and top golden.
- Cool and Serve: Let cool 5–10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Customize with different cheeses, sausages, or extra veggies. Great for meal prep—refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months.