Highlight
Baked cottage cheese eggs have become my answer to busy mornings or when I want a breakfast that actually keeps me going. With just a handful of ingredients and hardly any prep work, these creamy baked eggs transform simple staples into a bubbly casserole that never fails to impress.
I stumbled onto this recipe on a weekend when my fridge was nearly empty but I craved something cozy and filling. Now it is on repeat whenever I want a fuss free brunch or something to meal prep ahead.
Gather Your Ingredients
- Cottage cheese: whole milk or lowfat cottage cheese makes the mixture really creamy look for fresh curds with no off smell
- Eggs: aim for large cage free eggs to give fluffiness and protein structure
- Parmesan cheese: or try aged Italian cheese for savoriness nutritional yeast works if you want to skip the dairy but keep the umami
- Fresh chives: or swap for sliced green onions for a little bite always pick bright green unbruised stalks
- Garlic powder: or use fresh grated garlic for a stronger punch choose bulbs that feel firm and heavy
- Paprika: regular or smoked for subtle heat opt for a Spanish smoked paprika if you like a whisper of smoky depth
- Salt: helps balance out the tang and richness use sea salt or kosher for cleaner flavor
- Pepper: fresh cracked black pepper creates the best flavor and gentle warmth
- Bell peppers: for color and crunch pick glossy firm peppers in any color drain before adding
- Spinach: for moisture and nutrients use leaves with a deep green color or thaw and squeeze frozen spinach dry
- Sun dried tomatoes: offer a tangy punch drain them thoroughly so they do not make the bake soggy
How to Make It
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit making sure the rack is centered so your eggs cook evenly
- Grease the Baking Dish:
- Coat a nine inch pie dish or an eight inch square baking pan with your favorite oil or a spritz of nonstick spray
- Blend the Cottage Cheese:
- Scoop cottage cheese into a food processor and blend for thirty seconds until perfectly smooth this step makes the bake extra fluffy and creamy so do not skip it
- Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and whisk until no streaks remain then fold in the blended cottage cheese Parmesan chives garlic powder paprika salt and pepper mixing gently so everything is evenly distributed
- Add Veggies and Optional Extras:
- For additional flavor mix in bell peppers spinach or sun dried tomatoes making sure any wet ingredients are well drained this keeps the casserole from turning watery
- Bake to Perfection:
- Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and smooth the top bake for fifteen to seventeen minutes until the edges are puffed and golden with the center just slightly jiggly for perfect tenderness
- Rest and Slice:
- Let your casserole rest for two to three minutes so it sets before cutting into slices and serving warm
Parmesan is my personal favorite ingredient because it melts into the casserole and gives a salty richness in every bite. My family loves when I let them sprinkle extra cheese on before baking for golden tops. Some of my most relaxed weekend mornings have started with this dish on the table and coffee in hand.
Flavor Boosters
Use fresh chives or sliced green onions for brightness. Fold in sun dried tomatoes or roasted peppers for tang, and swap in different hard cheeses for more umami. Smoked paprika adds a subtle depth to each slice.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with a side of fruit salad to brighten up the meal. Try with toasted sourdough or sliced avocado. A drizzle of hot sauce or pesto also turns this casserole into a restaurant worthy brunch.
Creative Twists
Swap spinach with cooked mushrooms, use roasted butternut squash and sage in the fall, or fresh peas and asparagus in spring. Make it dairy free with silken tofu and nutritional yeast, or add cooked greens and other favorite veggies.
This simple casserole will quickly become a staple once you have made it your own. Do not overbake for the silkiest and most tender results.
Common Questions About the Recipe
- → Can I use other cheeses instead of Parmesan?
Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with feta, cheddar, or nutritional yeast for a different flavor or dairy-free option.
- → What vegetables work well as add-ins?
Try bell peppers, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or even kale for varied flavor and texture.
- → How do I keep the dish from turning watery?
Drain excess moisture from vegetables like spinach or bell peppers before adding them to the mixture.
- → Can this breakfast be made ahead?
Absolutely. Prepare and refrigerate slices for up to 3 days. Reheat as needed for a quick meal.
- → Is it possible to make it dairy-free?
Use lactose-free cottage cheese and swap Parmesan with nutritional yeast for a dairy-free approach.