Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole for Non-Egg Lovers

For anyone looking for a hearty and satisfying breakfast that skips the usual eggs, this savory cottage cheese breakfast casserole is about to become your new morning hero. It’s packed with protein to keep you full and energized, making it a fantastic start to any busy day.

This recipe is specifically designed for those who might not be fans of traditional egg dishes but still crave a warm, comforting, and wholesome breakfast. It’s incredibly easy to assemble and bakes up beautifully, offering a delicious alternative that doesn’t compromise on flavor or nutrition.

Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole (No Eggs)

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• Total Time: 35-45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This savory cottage cheese breakfast casserole is a hearty, protein-packed, and satisfying alternative to traditional egg dishes. It’s easy to assemble, versatile, and perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

1/2 cup milk (any kind)

1/4 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon black pepper

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon bits (optional)

1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives

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Instructions

1. 1. Preheat your oven to 375 F (190 C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

2. 2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and milk until well combined.

3. 3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add this dry mixture to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until just combined. Do not overmix.

4. 4. Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) and the cooked breakfast sausage or bacon bits (if using). If using, fold in the green onions or chives now as well.

5. 5. Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish. Spread it out gently with a spatula.

6. 6. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

7. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center.

8. 8. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: breakfast
• Method: baked
• Cuisine: american

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole

Keywords: casserole, breakfast, savory, cottage cheese, protein, make ahead, easy, no eggs, brunch, comfort food

What You’ll Love About This Quick And Easy Recipe

This savory cottage cheese breakfast casserole is a true game-changer for several reasons. First and foremost, it offers a fantastic high-protein alternative for individuals who aren’t keen on eggs, providing that essential morning fuel without any eggy flavor or texture. It’s perfect for busy families because most of the prep can be done ahead of time, meaning you can simply pop it in the oven on a hectic weekday morning or weekend. It’s also incredibly versatile, allowing you to easily customize it with your favorite vegetables or cheeses. This casserole is ideal for a relaxed weekend brunch, a potluck, or even as a make-ahead meal prep option to enjoy throughout the week. Its comforting, savory profile makes it a welcome addition to any breakfast table, satisfying both adults and kids alike.

Everything You Need To Make This Recipe Without Stress

Gathering your ingredients for this casserole is straightforward, focusing on common pantry and refrigerator staples. You won’t need any exotic items, making this a budget-friendly and accessible recipe for everyone.

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled breakfast sausage or bacon bits (optional)
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives

When it comes to substitutions, feel free to use any type of cottage cheese you prefer, whether it’s full-fat for a richer casserole or low-fat for a lighter option. For the milk, dairy or non-dairy alternatives work equally well. If you don’t have cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack or a Colby blend would be delicious. For a vegetarian version, simply omit the sausage or bacon. You can also experiment with other additions like finely diced bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and flavor.

Time Needed From Start To Finish

• Preparation Time: 10-15 minutes
• Baking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-45 minutes

The prep time is minimal, mostly involving mixing ingredients. The baking time allows for a golden-brown top and a set, bubbly interior. While it bakes, you can easily get other morning tasks done, making it a truly practical breakfast solution.

How To Make It Step By Step With Visual Cues

Creating this savory cottage cheese casserole is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Your Dish: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease an 8×8 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
2. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese and milk until well combined. The mixture will be slightly lumpy, which is perfectly normal for cottage cheese.
3. Whisk in the Dry Ingredients: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, and black pepper. Gradually add this dry mixture to the cottage cheese mixture, stirring until just combined. Be careful not to overmix, as this can make the casserole tough.
4. Fold in the Savory Additions: Gently fold in half of the shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup) and the cooked breakfast sausage or bacon bits (if using). If you’re adding green onions or chives, fold them in now as well.
5. Pour into Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture evenly into your prepared 8×8 inch baking dish. Spread it out gently with a spatula to ensure an even layer.
6. Top with Remaining Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. This will create a beautiful golden crust.
7. Bake Until Golden and Set: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is set in the center. You can check for doneness by gently shaking the dish; the center should not jiggle excessively.
8. Cool Slightly Before Serving: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to firm up slightly, making it easier to cut into neat squares.

Easy Variations And Serving Ideas That Fit Real Life

This cottage cheese casserole is incredibly adaptable, making it easy to customize for your family’s preferences or for different occasions. For a kid-friendly twist, you can add finely diced ham or mild cooked sausage. You could also mix in a little cream cheese for an even creamier texture.

If you’re serving this for a party or buffet, consider baking it in a larger 9×13 inch dish (you’ll need to double the recipe ingredients and potentially increase baking time by 5-10 minutes). Cut it into smaller squares for easy grab-and-go portions.

Optional toppings can elevate the experience: a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a dash of hot sauce for a kick, or even a side of fresh salsa. It pairs wonderfully with a simple fruit salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, serve it alongside some roasted potatoes or a green salad.

Common Slip-Ups And How To Avoid Them

Even simple recipes can have small pitfalls. Here are a few common mistakes to watch out for and how to avoid them for a perfect casserole every time.

• Overmixing the Batter: When you add the flour mixture, stir just until combined. Overmixing can develop the gluten in the flour too much, leading to a tougher, less tender casserole. A few small lumps are fine.
• Not Greasing the Baking Dish Properly: If your dish isn’t well-greased, the casserole can stick, making it difficult to remove clean slices. Always use butter, cooking spray, or even parchment paper on the bottom for easy release.
• Undercooking the Casserole: An undercooked casserole will be too soft and might fall apart when sliced. Make sure the center is set and the top is nicely golden brown. If the top is browning too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil for the last few minutes of baking.
• Not Letting it Rest: While it’s tempting to dig in right away, letting the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking allows it to firm up and makes for cleaner slices. This also helps distribute the heat more evenly.
• Using Cold Add-ins: If you’re adding cooked sausage or bacon, make sure they are not straight from the fridge and super cold. This can lower the overall temperature of the batter and affect baking time. Room temperature is best.

How To Store It And Make It Ahead Without Ruining Texture

This savory cottage cheese casserole is excellent for meal prepping and can be stored easily.

Storage: Once cooled completely, cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer individual portions to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating: To reheat individual slices, place them on a microwave-safe plate and microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. For larger portions or the whole casserole, cover it loosely with foil and reheat in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through.

Make-Ahead Guidance: You can assemble the entire casserole (steps 1-6) the night before. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then bake as directed, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold. This is a fantastic strategy for stress-free mornings!

Questions People Always Ask Before Making This Recipe

Here are some common questions that often come up when making this delicious casserole.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Yes, absolutely! Both full-fat and low-fat cottage cheese work well in this recipe. Full-fat will give a slightly richer, creamier texture, while low-fat is a great lighter option.

Can I add other vegetables to this casserole? Definitely! Finely diced bell peppers, spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry), mushrooms, or even corn would be delicious

FAQs

• Can I make these ahead? Yes—prep ahead, refrigerate, then serve when ready.
• How long do leftovers last? Store covered in the fridge for 3–4 days for best texture.
• Can I adjust sweetness? Yes—add more or less sweetener to taste.
• Can I change the fruit? Yes—swap strawberries for blueberries, raspberries, or sliced banana.