Introduction
Remember those weekend mornings when the smell of breakfast filled the house, and you had all the time in the world to enjoy it? While those days might feel a little far off with our jam-packed schedules, what if I told you that you could recapture a little bit of that magic, even on a Tuesday morning? This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake is an absolute game-changer. It’s so incredibly simple to whip up, yet it tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. Get ready for a breakfast that’s both nourishing and ridiculously comforting!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast: Prep is a breeze, and it bakes up in under an hour.
- Easy: Minimal chopping and simple steps make it perfect for beginners.
- Giftable: Bake one for yourself and another for a friend going through a tough time or welcoming a new baby.
- Crowd-pleasing: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it perfect for brunch or a family breakfast.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to breakfast bliss! Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage: This adds a savory, hearty flavor that’s just unbeatable. Feel free to use your favorite kind!
- 12 large eggs: The base of our delicious bake.
- 16 oz cottage cheese: Don’t be shy! This is the secret ingredient that makes it extra creamy and protein-packed.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: For a little savory punch.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Adds depth of flavor without any fuss.
- ¼ tsp black pepper: Just enough to give it a little zest.
- Pinch of salt: To bring all the flavors together beautifully.
- 2 cups chopped spinach: We’re sneaking in some greens here – you won’t even taste it!
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes: These add little bursts of freshness and a pop of color.
How to Make It
Alright, let’s get cooking! This is where the magic happens, and it’s so straightforward. You’ve got this!
- Preheat your oven: First things first, get that oven warming up to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even baking.
- Cook the sausage: Grab a large skillet and cook your ground breakfast sausage over medium-high heat. Keep stirring until it’s all browned and cooked through. Once it’s done, drain off any excess grease. Nobody likes a greasy bake!
- Whisk it all together: In a big bowl (the bigger the better, right?), whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Keep whisking until it’s all smooth and well combined.
- Stir in the goodies: Now, gently stir in that delicious cooked sausage, your chopped spinach, and those lovely quartered cherry tomatoes into the egg mixture. Give it a good mix so everything is distributed evenly.
- Pour and bake: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Pour your glorious mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake until golden: Pop that dish into your preheated oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the center is set (no more jiggly eggs!) and the top has a beautiful, light golden hue.
- Let it rest: Patience, my friend! Let the bake stand for a few minutes after it comes out of the oven. This helps it set up perfectly for slicing.
Substitutions & Additions
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it’s also a wonderful canvas for your culinary creativity! Here are some ideas:
- Cheesy Goodness: Feel free to stir in about 1/2 cup of shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite) along with the sausage and veggies.
- Veggie Swap: If spinach isn’t your jam, try chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or even some cooked broccoli florets.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the egg mixture for a little kick.
- Herbs: Fresh chives or parsley stirred in at the end add a lovely fresh note.
- Different Sausage: Italian sausage or even a plant-based sausage would work wonderfully.
Tips for Success
A few little tricks can make this recipe even more foolproof:
- Don’t Overcook the Sausage: Make sure the sausage is fully cooked before draining. Undercooked sausage can make the bake greasy.
- Drain Sausage Well: After draining, you can even blot the sausage with a paper towel to remove any lingering grease.
- Prep Ahead: You can cook the sausage, chop the veggies, and whisk the egg mixture the night before and store them separately in the fridge. In the morning, just combine and bake!
- For a Smoother Bake: If you prefer a smoother texture, you can blend the cottage cheese with the eggs before adding the other ingredients.
How to Store It
Leftovers are your friend! This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake reheats beautifully.
- Once completely cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, you can microwave individual slices or warm the entire dish in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) until heated through.
FAQs
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the entire bake (minus baking) the night before and keep it covered in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time in the morning.
Is cottage cheese really the best cheese for this?
Cottage cheese isn’t technically a cheese in the way you might think, but it’s what gives this bake its incredible creaminess and protein boost! It blends beautifully with the eggs and doesn’t leave a strong cottage cheese flavor behind. It’s the secret to its moist texture.
Can I freeze this egg bake?
Yes! Once baked and cooled, you can cut it into individual portions, wrap them tightly, and freeze them. Reheat in the microwave or oven. It’s perfect for busy workdays!
What kind of sausage should I use?
Any ground breakfast sausage you enjoy will work wonderfully! Mild, spicy, or even a maple-flavored one will add a delicious dimension to your bake.
Cottage Cheese Egg Bake
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large bowl
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb ground breakfast sausage your favorite kind
- 12 large eggs
- 16 oz cottage cheese for creaminess and protein
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
- 1 pinch salt
- 2 cups chopped spinach
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook ground breakfast sausage in a large skillet over medium-high heat until browned. Drain excess grease.1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- Gently stir cooked sausage, chopped spinach, and quartered cherry tomatoes into the egg mixture.1 lb ground breakfast sausage
- Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish and pour the mixture in evenly.
- Bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden.
- Let the bake rest for a few minutes before slicing.