Get ready to meet your new breakfast hero: the Cheesy Protein Egg Bake. This high-protein casserole is loaded with fluffy eggs, melty cheddar, and a rainbow of vibrant vegetables, all nestled together in one irresistibly creamy bite. It’s a nutritious meal-prep favorite that will fuel your morning and satisfy your comfort food cravings, whether you’re hosting brunch or powering up the family at the start of the week. Bonus: it’s totally customizable and so simple to whip up that you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of straightforward ingredients, making a Cheesy Protein Egg Bake couldn’t be easier—or more delicious. Each component plays an essential role, adding protein, texture, or a pop of color you’ll love in every forkful.
- 8 large eggs: These bring structure, flavor, and lots of protein to the dish.
- 1 cup egg whites: Offers a lighter, fluffier texture and extra lean protein.
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese: The secret ingredient for creaminess and additional protein without heaviness.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: For that irresistible melty, cheesy topper with a sharp bite.
- ½ cup diced bell peppers: Adds a mild sweetness and cheerful color—you can use red, yellow, or orange.
- ½ cup chopped spinach: A sneaky way to get your greens in every serving.
- ¼ cup diced red onion: Brings a subtle tang and a pop of crunch.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances savory flavor throughout every bite.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Brings all the flavors together for a satisfying result.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Keeps the bake from sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
How to Make Cheesy Protein Egg Bake
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab your trusty 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coat with nonstick cooking spray—this ensures easy slicing and effortless cleanup later. Setting up your pan first takes one task off your plate, so you can focus on letting the Cheesy Protein Egg Bake shine.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, crack in your eggs and pour in the egg whites, followed by the low-fat cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Grab a whisk and mix until everything’s thoroughly combined and slightly frothy. This is the moment where all the creamy and savory flavors start coming together.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Cheese
Now the fun really begins! Fold in the diced bell peppers, fresh spinach, red onion, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir just until the vegetables and cheese are coated evenly in your egg mixture. The different colors and textures guarantee that every slice of Cheesy Protein Egg Bake is as beautiful as it is tasty.
Step 4: Assemble and Top
Pour the egg and veggie mixture into your prepared baking dish, making sure everything’s spread out evenly to cook perfectly. Scatter the remaining shredded cheddar in a generous layer across the top. This final addition will give your bake that golden, melty cheese crown everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is just set and the top turns irresistibly golden. Let your Cheesy Protein Egg Bake cool for around 5 minutes—this helps it firm up and makes slicing easier. Trust me, the anticipation makes that first bite even better!
How to Serve Cheesy Protein Egg Bake
Garnishes
After baking, you can take your Cheesy Protein Egg Bake to the next level with a sprinkle of fresh chopped chives, a little extra cracked black pepper, or even a dash of smoked paprika for a subtle twist. Sliced avocado or a few cherry tomatoes on the side add both color and creaminess, making your breakfast look as good as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This protein-packed bake is a star on its own, but pairing it thoughtfully can make your meal even more satisfying. Try serving with lightly dressed greens, roasted sweet potato wedges, or a slice of whole-grain toast. For brunch, a bright fruit salad adds a touch of natural sweetness to balance every savory bite.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeding a crowd, cut the Cheesy Protein Egg Bake into squares and arrange them on a big platter for a brunch buffet. For a grab-and-go breakfast, wrap individual slices in parchment paper. Alternatively, serve slices tucked into toasted English muffins with a dash of hot sauce for a high-protein breakfast sandwich that’s impossible to resist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cheesy Protein Egg Bake is a true gift for busy mornings. Just let it cool completely, then store individual squares in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The flavors continue to develop and stay delicious, making meal prep a game-changer.
Freezing
Freezing this bake is a breeze. Once it’s cooled, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or pop them into a freezer-safe bag. They’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Just be sure to label your package, so you remember when you tucked it away!
Reheating
For a quick breakfast, microwave a slice for 1–2 minutes until it’s piping hot, or warm in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes so the cheese remelts beautifully. If reheating from frozen, let the squares thaw in the fridge overnight for the best texture.
FAQs
Can I add meat to the Cheesy Protein Egg Bake?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked turkey sausage, chopped cooked bacon, or even diced ham for extra protein and flavor. Just make sure your meat is fully cooked before adding it to the egg mixture so everything bakes evenly.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes—substitute your favorite unsweetened plant-based cottage cheese and a dairy-free shredded cheese alternative. The texture will still be creamy, and you’ll keep the high-protein benefits.
Can I prepare the Cheesy Protein Egg Bake the night before?
Definitely! Mix all your ingredients and assemble in the baking dish. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then simply bake in the morning. This is the perfect make-ahead option for entertaining or busy weekdays.
What vegetables work well in this egg bake?
You can easily swap in vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, tomatoes, or even broccoli. Be sure to finely chop firmer veggies so they cook through, and remove excess moisture from watery vegetables to ensure the bake sets nicely.
How do I know when my Cheesy Protein Egg Bake is done?
The center should be slightly firm and not jiggly when you give the pan a gentle shake. You’ll also notice the edges are golden and pulling slightly away from the sides. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean for perfect doneness.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an easy, satisfying, and crowd-pleasing meal, look no further than this Cheesy Protein Egg Bake. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels special but comes together with everyday ingredients and minimal fuss. Go ahead—try it for your next meal prep or brunch, and watch it become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Cheesy Protein Egg Bake Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Protein Egg Bake is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that’s perfect for meal prep. Packed with eggs, cottage cheese, and veggies, it’s a high-protein dish that will keep you satisfied all morning.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture:
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup egg whites
- 1 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetable Mix-ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup diced bell peppers
- 1/2 cup chopped spinach
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
Additional:
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 375°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Mix egg mixture: In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in bell peppers, spinach, red onion, and half of the shredded cheddar.
- Bake: Pour mixture into the baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheddar on top, and bake for 30–35 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool and serve: Let cool for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- You can add cooked turkey sausage or chopped cooked bacon for extra protein.
- Swap vegetables based on preference—zucchini, mushrooms, or tomatoes work well.
- This egg bake stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days and is great for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 square
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 21g
- Cholesterol: 225mg
