If you’re like me and always looking for a breakfast that’s not only filling but packs a serious protein punch, you’re going to absolutely love this High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm morning hug—comforting, hearty, and downright delicious. Plus, it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy days. I can’t wait to share all the tips and tricks to help you nail it every time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with Protein: Thanks to eggs, cottage cheese, and lean turkey, you’ll stay energized all morning long.
- Super Versatile: Customize it easily with your favorite veggies or swap meats for a fresh twist.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make it ahead to save time on hectic mornings or for a quick grab-and-go breakfast.
- Family Favorite: My whole family goes crazy for this casserole, and it’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrients.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All of these ingredients work beautifully together to create a creamy yet fluffy texture with savory flavor. I always recommend using fresh vegetables and good-quality turkey to keep things tasting bright and clean.

- Oil: Use a neutral oil like avocado or olive oil for sautéing.
- Small onion: Adds sweetness and depth; I like to dice it finely so it blends well.
- Red bell pepper: Brings a subtle crunch and gentle sweetness; diced small works best.
- Ground turkey or turkey sausage: Lean protein base; I prefer ground turkey sausage for extra seasoning.
- Sea salt: Use sparingly to bring out flavors without overpowering.
- Eggs: The binder that holds everything together—fresh eggs make a difference.
- Cottage cheese: Key for adding moisture and protein without heaviness.
- Garlic powder: A little punch of flavor that wakes up the dish.
- Ground black pepper: For subtle heat and complexity.
- Fresh chives: Adds a mild oniony freshness; reserve some to sprinkle on top.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts to a golden, bubbly topping that everyone loves.
Variations
One of the best things about this High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. I’m always tweaking it depending on what’s in season or what’s in my fridge. Feel free to experiment with different veggies and proteins to suit your taste and dietary needs.
- Vegetarian Version: I once swapped out the turkey for crumbled tofu and added mushrooms—still so satisfying and protein-rich.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne powder to the egg mixture for a little morning kick.
- Cheese Swap: Try pepper jack or mozzarella for a different melty finish that changes the flavor profile.
- Seasonal Veggies: In the summer, I toss in zucchini or cherry tomatoes for freshness and texture.
How to Make High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and greasing a 9×13 baking dish with oil. This step is important so the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out cleanly. While the oven warms, dice your onion and red bell pepper. I find that prepping everything first makes the process so much smoother when cooking.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Peppers
Heat a bit of oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onions and bell peppers. Stir occasionally and cook until they’re soft and fragrant—about 5-7 minutes. These softened veggies add a naturally sweet flavor to the casserole that balances the savory turkey.
Step 3: Cook the Turkey
Give the skillet a quick wipe if needed, then add a little more oil and your ground turkey or turkey sausage. Sprinkle in half the sea salt now, and break the meat apart with a spatula. Cook until lightly browned and cooked through, around 6-8 minutes. This step builds the hearty protein base for the casserole.
Step 4: Blend the Egg Mixture
Now, this is my favorite part: combining the eggs, cottage cheese, remaining salt, garlic powder, pepper, and fresh chives in a blender until smooth. If you don’t have a blender handy, an immersion blender or even a whisk works, just make sure it’s well combined. The cottage cheese is what gives this casserole its creamy texture without being too heavy.
Step 5: Mix Everything Together
Combine the sautéed veggies, browned turkey, and your egg mixture in a large bowl. Stir everything until evenly mixed—this is when your casserole starts to come together. Trust me, the more evenly mixed, the better the texture after baking.
Step 6: Bake and Enjoy
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spread it out evenly, then sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Add some extra diced chives for color if you’re feeling fancy. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for another 15-20 minutes until golden on top and the eggs are fully set. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This resting step helps everything firm up and makes serving a breeze.
Pro Tips for Making High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Softening Veggies First: Cooking onions and peppers before baking brings out their natural sweetness and prevents sogginess.
- Let it Rest Before Serving: Giving the casserole 10 minutes to cool helps it set perfectly for clean slices.
- Using Cottage Cheese: This ingredient adds protein and moisture without making the casserole heavy or scrambled.
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Chives: They add a fresh, subtle bite that balances the richness of the eggs and cheese.
How to Serve High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe

Garnishes
I love sprinkling fresh chives on top just before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that makes the casserole look as good as it tastes. A little dollop of sour cream or a splash of hot sauce also works wonders if you like a flavor boost.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a simple green salad for a light contrast or some fresh fruit to balance the savory richness. My family enjoys sliced avocado or even crispy breakfast potatoes on the side for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For special brunches, I like to bake this in individual ramekins for a personalized touch—it looks fancy but requires minimal extra effort. You can also add a colorful spread of microgreens or a drizzle of herb-infused olive oil on top for an elegant finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, I cover and store leftover casserole in the fridge for up to 4 days. It holds its texture really well, and I love having ready-to-go breakfasts or quick lunches whenever I’m short on time.
Freezing
I’ve frozen this casserole several times by slicing it into portions first, then wrapping each piece tightly with plastic wrap and placing in freezer bags. It freezes wonderfully and thaws quickly in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop a slice in the microwave for 60–90 seconds or warm it in a toaster oven to keep the edges crisp. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness—just warm until heated through and enjoy.
FAQs
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Can I use different meats in this High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! Ground beef, chicken, or even plant-based alternatives like tempeh or tofu work well. Just adjust cook times accordingly and season to your liking.
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Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! It stores beautifully in the fridge and freezer, making it ideal for preparing breakfasts in advance. Just slice and store in airtight containers for easy grab-and-go options.
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Can I make this casserole dairy-free?
You can substitute the cottage cheese with dairy-free yogurt or silken tofu, and use a dairy-free cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture might be slightly different but still tasty!
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How do I know when the casserole is done?
The casserole should be golden brown on top and set in the middle. You can test by gently shaking the dish—it shouldn’t jiggle. If you want to be sure, insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean.
Final Thoughts
I honestly can’t get enough of this High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those recipes that’s just as great on a simple weekday morning as it is for weekend brunch with friends. It’s hearty, nourishing, and so easy to make ahead. I’m confident once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again. Give it a go—you might just discover your new favorite way to start the day!
Print
High Protein Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This High Protein Breakfast Casserole is a nutritious and hearty morning meal packed with ground turkey, eggs, cottage cheese, and colorful vegetables. Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd, this casserole combines savory flavors with a creamy, cheesy texture, baked to golden perfection. It’s a great way to start your day with a boost of protein and flavor.
Ingredients
Vegetables and Meat
- Oil, for cooking
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 lb ground turkey or ground turkey sausage
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, divided
Egg Mixture
- 12 eggs
- 2 cups (16 oz) cottage cheese
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ cup fresh chives, finely diced, plus more for garnish
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9 x 13-inch casserole dish with oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
- Sauté: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onions and red bell peppers and cook until soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Add a bit more oil to the skillet, then add the ground turkey along with ½ teaspoon of sea salt. Break up the meat with a spatula and cook until it is lightly browned, about 6-8 minutes. Transfer the cooked meat to the bowl with the sautéed vegetables and allow the mixture to cool slightly.
- Blend: In a blender, combine the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and ¼ cup fresh chives. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Alternatively, use an immersion blender in a separate bowl to mix. Pour this egg mixture into the bowl containing the meat and vegetable mixture. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Spread: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Optionally, garnish with additional freshly diced chives for a pop of color.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the eggs are set and the top is golden brown. Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey sausage for ground turkey if you prefer a spicier flavor.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat cottage cheese and cheese.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated overnight before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for longer storage.
- Feel free to add other vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (1/9 of casserole)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 320mg

