Cottage Cheese Sunrise Bake

Q: Can I make this recipe dairy-free? What substitutions should I use?

Yes, you can adapt it! Substitute your favorite plant-based milk for the dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat work well). For the cheese, either use a dairy-free cheddar alternative or simply omit it. The protein will still be there from the cottage cheese substitute, perhaps something like tofu scramble.

Cottage Cheese Breakfast Bake Easy Protein Casserole

By Amara Vitalis September 15, 2025

4.67 (12 Ratings)

Table of Contents

Right then, let's get to the good stuff, shall we? Ever find yourself staring into the fridge, thinking 'Blimey, what's for brekkie?' You're in luck because this cottage cheese breakfast casserole is a game changer.

I'm talking a protein breakfast explosion that'll keep you going till lunchtime. Honestly, it's pure genius.

Sunshine on a Plate

This healthy breakfast casserole is inspired by classic comfort food, but with a lighter twist. It's a savory hug in a baking dish.

Think Italian countryside meets a cozy Sunday morning. Quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. It's all about that savory breakfast vibe, you know?

The Lowdown

It's dead easy. This easy breakfast recipe takes about an hour, start to finish. This recipe serves six hungry people.

Perfect for feeding the family or meal prepping for the week. It's a breakfast bake with cottage cheese that is easy to fall in love with.

Why You'll Love It

The biggest win? It's packed with protein. Cottage cheese is a total hero here. Giving you sustained energy to tackle your day.

This casserole is fantastic for a relaxed weekend brunch. Or even a quick weekday breakfast casserole . What makes it special? It is incredibly versatile and you can toss in any veggies you fancy, making it a personalized masterpiece.

It's one of those high protein breakfast ideas you'll keep coming back to.

Now, let's talk ingredients! This cottage cheese and egg breakfast needs just a few key bits and bobs.

Ingredients & Equipment

Alright, let's talk about what you'll need for this amazing cottage cheese breakfast casserole. I call it "Sunrise Bake" because it just screams happy mornings.

Honestly, it's one of my go-to healthy breakfast casserole recipes. It's loaded with protein , making it a perfect protein breakfast option.

Plus, it's an easy breakfast recipe , which is always a win in my book.

Main Ingredients

Here's the shopping list, down to the nitty gritty. This breakfast bake with cottage cheese is super customisable, but this base is golden.

Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (15 ml). This is for sautéing, so don't skimp!
Onion: 1 small , finely chopped (around 100g). White or yellow is fine.
Bell pepper: 1 , finely chopped (approx 150g). Any colour works, rainbow vibes!
Mushrooms: 1 cup chopped (approx. 100g). Button or chestnut are ideal.
Dried thyme: 1/2 teaspoon (2.5 ml). Adds that cozy flavour.
Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). Adjust to taste, of course.
Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 ml). Freshly ground is always best.
Eggs: 6 large (approx. 360g). Free range if you can!
Milk: 1 cup (240 ml). Dairy or non-dairy, your call!
Parmesan cheese: 1/2 cup (120 ml) grated. The real stuff, if possible.
Cottage cheese: 16 oz (450g) full fat. Look for a good brand with small curds.

The secret to great cottage cheese? Taste it! It should be creamy, slightly tangy, but never sour. High protein breakfast ideas usually focus on ingredients like eggs and cheese, but the cottage cheese adds a unique element, giving you all the benefits from the cottage cheese recipes breakfast .

Seasoning Notes

Let's chat spices. This savory breakfast hinges on a few key players. Thyme is non-negotiable; it adds that earthy depth.

A little pepper kicks it up a notch. Want a bit more? Try a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.

If you are looking for a similar dish, try and make a cottage cheese casserole !

Honestly, a dash of garlic powder is never a bad idea, either. For aromatics, I sometimes throw in some fresh parsley or chives.

If you are not sure, go to the internet search for cottage cheese and egg breakfast and get to see many different combinations and seasoning possibilities!

Equipment Needed

Right, onto the kit. You don't need fancy gadgets for this weekday breakfast casserole .

Large skillet: For sautéing the veggies.
9x13 inch baking dish: This is your main stage.
Whisk: To combine the eggs and milk.
Measuring cups and spoons: For accuracy!
Cutting board and chef's knife: To chop those veggies.

Cooking Method: Baking the Cottage Cheese Sunrise Bake

Right then, let's talk baking! Honestly, this cottage cheese breakfast bake is dead easy. Even if you're like me and occasionally burn toast, you can nail this healthy breakfast casserole .

Think of it like a savoury bread pudding, but way healthier. I messed it up once, though. Accidentally added sugar instead of salt, what a disaster! Learn from my mistakes!

Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Sorted!

First things first: let's get our act together. Get your mise en place sorted. This means chopping your veg and measuring your ingredients.

Honestly, it saves you so much time in the long run. Trust me. Roughly chop 1 small onion , 1 bell pepper , and 1 cup of mushrooms .

Bash them up properly! Get your 6 eggs , 1 cup of milk , 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese , and 16 oz of cottage cheese ready, too.

Don't forget to grease your baking dish to avoid sticking!

Baking Made Easy: step-by-step

Ready to get baking?

Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . This is crucial!
Sauté the chopped onion in 1 tablespoon of olive oil until softened. Add the pepper and mushrooms. Cook for about 5- 7 minutes . Season with 1/2 teaspoon thyme , 1/4 teaspoon salt , and 1/4 teaspoon pepper .
Whisk your eggs, milk, and Parmesan in a bowl.
Stir the sautéed veggies and cottage cheese into the egg mixture. That's where the protein breakfast begins!
Pour everything into your greased baking dish.
Sprinkle 1/4 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
Bake for 35- 40 minutes until golden brown and set.
Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape.

Pro Tips: Elevate Your Breakfast Bake

Want to take this to the next level? Drain your cottage cheese slightly to avoid a watery bake. Don't overbake! Overbaking leads to a dry cottage cheese casserole , and nobody wants that.

For a great savory breakfast , add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. You know? Makes it really interesting.

Now go on, give this easy breakfast recipe a go.

Right, let's talk about making this cottage cheese breakfast casserole even better . It's already pretty fab, if I do say so myself.

But like any good recipe, there's always room for a bit of tweaking, innit? This easy breakfast recipe and my healthy breakfast casserole will be your new go to.

Recipe Notes

Let's dive into the bits and bobs that'll make this a smashing success. Think of these as your cheat codes to breakfast glory.

Honestly, this breakfast bake with cottage cheese is easier than making toast.

Serving Suggestions: Plating and Presentation Ideas

Right, plating. Honestly, just piling it high on a plate works. But if you want to be a bit fancy, try cutting it into squares.

I like to pop a dollop of Greek yoghurt on top. A little sprig of parsley also looks posh. A colourful side salad is always a winner.

And if you are feeling boozy, a cheeky mimosa never hurt anyone.

Storage Tips: Fridge and Freezer Guidance

Leftovers? What leftovers? Just kidding. Pop any remaining cottage cheese casserole into an airtight container and stick it in the fridge.

It'll happily sit there for about 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! Cut it into individual portions before freezing.

Reheating is easy. Microwave it, or pop it back in the oven until it's piping hot. Just make sure it's at least 165° F ( 74° C) !

Variations: Dietary Adaptations and Swaps

Now, for the fun part. Want to make it gluten-free? Easy. Make sure your vegetables are gluten-free, and cheese, if using.

Want to make it lower in fat? Use low-fat cottage cheese. Add any veg you fancy. I've done it with spinach and it's champion.

And for meat eaters, crumbled bacon is always a good shout. This high protein breakfast ideas is easily customizable. We will have a savory breakfast if we add the thyme or red pepper.

Nutrition Basics: Simplified and Benefits

Okay, let's get a bit sensible. This cottage cheese breakfast bake is packed with protein breakfast , thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs .

It's fairly low in carbs. The amount depends on the veggies you bung in there. Cottage cheese is good for you.

It's full of protein and calcium! I even made a cottage cheese and egg breakfast and it's surprisingly good, with a good nutritional intake to last all day.

So, there you have it. All the tips and tricks you need to make a banging cottage cheese breakfast casserole, even if you do not consider it a weekday breakfast casserole.

Now go on, get baking! I have no doubt that you will be trying out other cottage cheese recipes breakfast! You know?

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I prepare this cottage cheese breakfast casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the night before, cover it tightly with foil, and store it in the fridge. Add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator. Just think of it like a lovely overnight oats situation, but savoury!

How do I store leftover Cottage Cheese Sunrise Bake?

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It's just as yummy the next day, perfect for a quick and easy brunch!

What are some good variations for this cottage cheese breakfast?

Fancy a bit of a twist? Try adding cooked bacon or sausage for a meaty kick. You could also experiment with different vegetables, like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or artichoke hearts. For a vegetarian option, roasted red peppers and feta cheese would be divine!

Is this cottage cheese breakfast recipe healthy? What's the nutritional breakdown?

This Cottage Cheese Sunrise Bake is a relatively healthy option, packing a protein punch from the cottage cheese and eggs. It's lower in carbs than many breakfast casseroles. The provided nutritional information (approximately 250-300 calories, 25-30g protein, 15-20g fat, and 10-15g carbs per serving) is an estimate; you can adjust the nutritional profile by choosing low-fat cottage cheese or adding more vegetables.

My cottage cheese breakfast seems a little watery. What did I do wrong?

Sometimes cottage cheese can release excess liquid during baking. To prevent this, try draining the cottage cheese slightly in a sieve before adding it to the mixture. Also, be sure your sautéed vegetables are not holding excess moisture. Don't worry, even if it's a tad watery, it'll still taste great!

Can I make this recipe dairy-free? What substitutions should I use?

Yes, you can adapt it! Substitute your favorite plant based milk for the dairy milk (almond, soy, or oat work well). For the cheese, either use a dairy-free cheddar alternative or simply omit it. The protein will still be there from the cottage cheese substitute, perhaps something like tofu scramble.