A cottage cheese egg bake is the lazy cook’s breakfast casserole: mix in one bowl, pour into one pan, and bake. The cottage cheese keeps the eggs custardy and adds protein, so each square lands at about 24 grams.
Cut it into eight squares and you have breakfast for the week at roughly 220 calories a piece.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- About 24g protein and only 221 calories per square
- One bowl, one pan, no crust or bread
- Reheats well, so it is ideal for meal prep
- Easy to swap in whatever vegetables you have
Ingredient Notes
Small-curd 2% cottage cheese blends into the eggs best. Use fresh spinach, chopped small, or thawed frozen spinach squeezed very dry. Cook the turkey, onion and pepper first so the bake does not turn watery.
How It Comes Together
- Cook the turkey with onion and pepper
- Whisk eggs with cottage cheese and half the cheddar
- Pour into a 9×13 dish and bake 35 to 40 minutes
Full measurements and step-by-step directions are in the recipe card below.
Nutrition snapshot: ~24g protein / ~221 cal per serving. Calorie needs vary, so adjust portions to fit your own goals.
Tips and Swaps
- For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese with the eggs for 10 seconds.
- Swap the turkey for diced ham or leave it out for a vegetarian bake.
- Let it rest 10 minutes before cutting so the squares hold their shape.
- Reheat a square in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.
More Recipes You’ll Love
- Cottage Cheese Breakfast Pizza
- Birds Nest Egg Bites
- This Week’s 7-Day Calorie Deficit Meal Plan (GLP-1 Friendly)
- 7-Day Calorie Deficit Meal Plan (GLP-1 Friendly)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a cottage cheese egg bake the night before?
Yes. Assemble, cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake in the morning. Add 5 minutes to the bake time if it goes in cold.
How do I know when the egg bake is done?
The center should be set with no liquid jiggle, and an inserted knife should come out clean. The internal temperature should reach 160°F.
Can I freeze it?
Yes. Cut into squares, freeze on a tray, then bag them for up to 3 months.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
Mildly. The cottage cheese melts into the eggs and mostly adds creaminess.
How many calories are in one square?
About 221 calories and 24g protein per square, based on the recipe card estimate.
Is it good for a calorie deficit or GLP-1 friendly plan?
It is a small, protein-forward portion. Needs vary, so check with your provider if you are on a GLP-1 medication.
Recipe
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Ingredients
- 8 oz lean ground turkey
- 1/2 cup onion diced
- 1 cup bell pepper diced
- 8 large eggs
- 4 egg whites
- 2 cups 2% cottage cheese small curd
- 1 cup reduced-fat shredded cheddar divided
- 2 cups baby spinach chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- cooking spray for the dish
Instructions
- Preheat: Heat the oven to 375°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the base: Cook the turkey, onion and bell pepper in a skillet over medium heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until the turkey is browned and the vegetables are soft.
- Season: Stir in half the salt, the garlic powder and the paprika, then cool for 5 minutes.
- Whisk the eggs: Whisk the eggs, egg whites, cottage cheese, remaining salt and half the cheddar in a large bowl.
- Combine: Stir in the spinach and the turkey mixture.
- Pour: Pour into the baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheddar.
- Bake: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the edges are golden.
- Rest and slice: Rest for 10 minutes, then cut into 8 squares.
Notes
Nutrition
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