Hearty, savory, and packed with protein, this naturally gluten-free Cottage Cheese and Egg Bake is everything you want in a make-ahead morning meal. Eggs, cottage cheese, quinoa, broccoli, mushrooms, and Parmesan come together for an easy breakfast bake that's perfect for brunch, a holiday breakfast, or breakfast-for-dinner. Assemble the night before, bake in the morning if desired.
If you're looking for an easy, hearty cottage cheese egg bake recipe, here you go. Eggs, cottage cheese, quinoa, and sautéed veggies get the day started right. Serve it up with fresh fruit or berries, and some good hot coffee or tea.
Recipe
Cottage Cheese and Egg Bake Recipe Highlights
- Easy to prep ahead and bake in the morning.
- Something more special for a holiday or weekend breakfast.
- Gluten-free, high protein, and low carb to keep you going.
- Think of it like a crustless quiche.
For a hearty side dish, try these air fryer red potatoes. You can make them in the oven too.
Ingredients You'll Need
- Butter - I use unsalted butter to control the salt in the recipe.
- Onion - Yellow, white, or brown onions all work well.
- Herbs - Fresh Italian (flat-leaf) parsley adds flavor, and fresh or dried thyme.
- Garlic - Adds depth and savory aroma, use garlic powder or fresh.
- Quinoa - Use white quinoa or tri-color quinoa; cook and cool before using.
- Mushrooms - White or brown mushrooms (like cremini) both work.
- Broccoli - Use fresh broccoli crowns and trim into small florets.
- Eggs - Large eggs, preferably at room temperature.
- Red pepper flakes - Optional, for a touch of heat.
- Cottage cheese - Full-fat offers more flavor, but low-fat also works.
- Parmesan cheese - Adds nutty, salty richness to the casserole.
Please see the recipe card for the complete recipe, measurements, salt and pepper.
For another easy, eggy, breakfast option, make this ham and cheese frittata.
Substitutions and Variations
- Dairy-free option - There are some plant-based cottage cheese alternatives on the market, but since I haven't tested them in this recipe, I can't guarantee the results. If you try one, let me know how it turns out. And use a vegan Parmesan-style cheese.
- Cheeses - Try buttery grated Monterey Jack, grated cheddar cheese, or gruyere.
- Add meat - Stir in up to ½ cup of browned and crumbled pork sausage, chicken sausage for extra flavor. It's a great way to add a savory note.
These buttery baby dutch yellow potatoes are another good side dish for a bigger meal.
How to Make a Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
This cottage cheese and egg bake can be made the night ahead, covered with plastic wrap, refrigerated, and baked the next morning if desired.
Cook and cool the quinoa ahead of time. Spray your baking dish with cooking spray. Pre-heat the oven to 350°F if baking right away.
- Saute the onions in butter until soft. Add the to the casserole dish.
- Saute mushrooms in butter until browned and moisture is mostly gone.
- Steam broccoli florets until tender, 2-3 minutes.
- Chopped the cooked broccoli
- Add the veggies, quinoa, and herbs to the dish and mix together.
- Briefly blend the cottage cheese, eggs, half of the parmesan, salt & pepper on low (NOT on high as it whips in too much air).
7. Pour the egg mixture over the veggies. Sprinkle rest of the parmesan on top evenly.
8. Bake the egg casserole at 350°F on the middle rack of the oven for 45-50 minutes until light golden and firm to the touch.
Serving Suggestions
Allow the the egg bake to cool a few minutes, then slice into individual pieces.
To finish off your menu, add some berries, sliced melon or a fresh fruit salad. A little crisp bacon on the side is nice if your family loves bacon. If you're serving more for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, add a tossed green salad.
Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, chopped parsley, or chopped green onions if desired or more parmesan.
Recipe FAQs
You can use ricotta cheese for a similar texture, or use more shredded cheese if you prefer. Just note it may change the protein content and texture slightly.
Yes, if you use vegetarian-friendly Parmesan or omit it. Always check cheese labels if you're cooking for strict vegetarians. Otherwise, regular parmesan may be fine.
Absolutely-cooked crumbled bacon, finely chopped leftover ham, or cooked, drained, chopped sausage all work well. Try Italian sausage, turkey sausage, maple sausage, or even a mild breakfast sausage for different flavor profiles. Just chop and mix in with the vegetables, but don't overdo the quantities. Use no more than ½ cup. I like using fully cooked sausage-it's easy to dice and stir in without extra prep.
Yes! Assemble it the night before, cover and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temp for 30-45 minutes before baking in the morning. It works great.
More Delicious Breakfast Recipes
Here are more great recipe ideas for terrific breakfasts. And if you need something quick and healthy, check out the smoothies recipes.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this gluten free breakfast casserole, please add your comment. I appreciate your feedback and enjoy hearing from you. If you loved it, please give it a 5-star rating! They really help other readers.
This recipe was originally published 4/3 2017 and if you are looking for that recipe version, comment and I will send it to you.
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Teri says
Would you send me this recipe which was posted in 2017.
Sally Cameron says
Sure Teri...coming right up. Check your email, I have it in my recipe archive.
Denise says
Yummy! And easy to make! I love this idea of breakfast casserole!