If you’re looking for a hearty, nourishing way to start your day, this High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe will quickly become your go-to. I absolutely love this casserole because it’s packed with protein, easy to prep ahead, and the flavors just meld together into something wonderfully comforting without any fuss. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or craving a crowd-pleasing brunch, this recipe has your back – and trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s a staple in my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-Packed Powerhouse: With eggs, turkey, and cottage cheese, this casserole keeps you full and energized all morning long.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: I love prepping this ahead – just bake in the morning and enjoy a stress-free breakfast.
- Customizable and Flavorful: The veggies and herbs add freshness, and you can swap ingredients to match your taste or diet.
- Family Favorite: My family goes crazy for this casserole – it’s simple enough for weeknights and special enough for weekends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients combine for a balanced, high-protein meal that feels indulgent but is actually quite healthy. When I shop, I like to choose fresh veggies and quality turkey to get the best flavor and nutrition.
- Oil: I use olive or avocado oil for sautéing to add a mild, healthy fat without overpowering the flavors.
- Onion: Adds a subtle sweetness and depth; diced small so it cooks evenly and blends well in the casserole.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a pop of color and a slight crunch that brightens up each bite.
- Ground turkey or ground turkey sausage: A lean source of protein with mild flavor, great for layering in this breakfast dish.
- Sea salt: Enhances all the flavors; I split it between cooking and mixing to season everything perfectly.
- Eggs: The star protein that binds the casserole together and provides structure and creaminess.
- Cottage cheese: You might be surprised, but this adds moisture and a creamy texture while pumping up the protein content.
- Garlic powder: Adds a gentle, savory kick without overwhelming the eggs or veggies.
- Ground black pepper: A touch of spice that wakes up the dish and balances the richness.
- Fresh chives: For that fresh oniony brightness—plus, they make the casserole look as good as it tastes.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully on top for golden, bubbly goodness with every bite.
Variations
I always encourage you to make this casserole your own. Over time, I’ve tweaked it here and there to accommodate cravings or what I have on hand, and it’s fun to experiment!
- Use sausage instead of turkey: When I want a little extra flavor punch, I swap in ground turkey sausage for a spicier kick.
- Add different veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini all work wonderfully – just sauté them like the onions and peppers.
- Make it dairy-free: If you’re avoiding dairy, try swapping cottage cheese and cheddar for vegan alternatives or omit cheese entirely.
- Use egg whites only: For a leaner version, replace some whole eggs with egg whites – I’ve done this on lighter mornings and it’s still plenty satisfying.
How to Make High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sauté Your Veggies
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing your 9×13 casserole dish – trust me, this helps everything release easily after baking. Heat some oil in a skillet over medium heat, then toss in the diced onions and red bell peppers. Cook these until soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step builds the foundation of flavor, so don’t rush it. Once softened, transfer them to a large mixing bowl so they can cool while you move on.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Turkey
In the same skillet, add a little more oil and the ground turkey. Sprinkle half a teaspoon of salt over it, which helps bring out the meat’s natural flavor. Stir and crumble the turkey as it cooks, letting it brown lightly—about 6 to 8 minutes. Browning adds a savory depth you don’t want to miss. When done, pour that into the bowl with your veggies and set aside to cool. Keeping things warm but not hot makes mixing easier later.
Step 3: Blend the Egg Mixture
Now the magic — in a blender or using an immersion blender, combine the remaining salt, eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and fresh chives. Blend until you get a smooth, silky batter. I like this method because it whips in air, making the casserole nice and fluffy. You could also whisk by hand, but blending gives a slightly lighter texture that really stands out.
Step 4: Combine and Bake
Pour the egg mixture into the bowl with the turkey and sautéed veggies. Mix everything gently but thoroughly so each bite gets a perfect balance. Spread this evenly into your prepared casserole dish, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If you’re feeling fancy, add a few extra diced chives for a fresh pop of green. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake another 15 to 20 minutes until the eggs set and the top turns a gorgeous golden brown. Let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before slicing—it really helps it hold together.
Pro Tips for Making High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Don’t Overcook the Meat: Slightly undercooking the turkey ensures it stays juicy while finishing perfectly in the oven.
- Cool the Meat and Veggies First: This prevents scrambling the eggs when you mix the batter.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh chives give a bright bite that dried herbs just don’t replicate.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Sitting lets the casserole firm up, making cutting neat slices a breeze.
How to Serve High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I always sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped chives or parsley on top just before serving—it brightens the flavors and adds a pretty splash of green. A dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa also pairs beautifully, especially if you like a little extra tang or spice.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own, but I like to serve it alongside fresh fruit like berries or orange slices to balance the savory richness. A simple green salad or roasted potatoes also work great if you’re having it for brunch or a heartier meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday mornings or special gatherings, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins for neat personal portions. You can also cut it into squares and serve buffet-style—guests love grabbing a slice with a little fresh herb garnish and dipping sauces on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover casserole tightly wrapped in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well and actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to meld overnight.
Freezing
Whenever I make a big batch, I slice and freeze individual portions in airtight containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat for an easy, protein-packed breakfast on busy mornings.
Reheating
To keep the casserole moist, I reheat it covered with foil in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 15 minutes. You can also microwave slices, but covering with a damp paper towel helps avoid drying out.
FAQs
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Can I make this High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can swap the ground turkey for crumbled firm tofu or cooked lentils and add extra veggies like mushrooms or spinach for substance. Using vegetarian cheese will keep it fully meat-free and still protein-rich.
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Is it possible to prepare this casserole the night before?
Yes! I often assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Then, bake it fresh in the morning—just add a few extra minutes to the bake time since it starts cold from the fridge.
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What if I don’t have cottage cheese?
You can substitute ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt (well drained) to keep the creamy texture and protein boost. Just be mindful that this may slightly alter the texture.
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Can I use other types of cheese in the High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Definitely! Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even feta all bring their own delicious twist. Pick your favorite or whatever you have on hand to keep it fun.
Final Thoughts
This High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe has been a total game-changer for me, especially on hectic mornings when I need something nourishing and ready to go. I love how it’s so versatile and forgiving, making it easy to tweak based on what I’m craving or have in the fridge. I really hope you give this recipe a try — it’s like a warm, satisfying hug in every bite, and I promise, it’ll earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation just like it did in mine.
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High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This High Protein Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and nutritious meal perfect for starting your day with a protein-packed boost. Featuring ground turkey or turkey sausage, eggs, cottage cheese, and vibrant vegetables like onions and red bell peppers, it’s an easy-to-make dish that combines savory flavors with a creamy texture. Topped with shredded cheddar and fresh chives, this casserole bakes to a golden perfection and is ideal for meal prepping or serving a crowd.
Ingredients
Vegetables:
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- ¼ cup fresh chives, finely diced, plus more for garnish
Protein:
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground turkey sausage
- 12 eggs
- 2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings & Oils:
- Oil, for cooking
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with oil to prevent sticking.
- Saute: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and red bell peppers, cooking until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. In the same skillet, add a little more oil and then the ground turkey. Stir and crumble the meat, seasoning with ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Cook until lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes, then remove and add to the bowl with the vegetables. Allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the remaining ½ teaspoon sea salt, eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, black pepper, and finely diced chives. Blend until smooth and creamy. If preferred, you can blend these ingredients using an immersion blender in a bowl. Pour this egg mixture into the bowl with the meat and vegetables and stir everything until well combined.
- Spread: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, garnish with additional freshly diced chives for color and a fresh flavor boost.
- Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking uncovered for an additional 15-20 minutes until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to sit for 10 minutes after baking to set further, making it easier to cut and serve. Enjoy warm for a delicious and filling breakfast.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey sausage or regular ground turkey depending on your flavor preference.
- If you don’t have a blender, an immersion blender or even whisking by hand is possible, though the texture may be slightly different.
- To make the casserole dairy-free, substitute cottage cheese and cheddar with plant-based alternatives.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making for convenient meal prep.
- If you prefer a spicier version, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper in the saute step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of casserole)
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 370 mg