Delicious & Easy Fluffy Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cottage Cheese: A Family Favorite
Kickstart your day with a breakfast that’s anything but ordinary! This incredible breakfast casserole, featuring eggs and cottage cheese, elevates a simple morning meal into a culinary delight. It’s an absolute game-changer, delivering a remarkably fluffy, moist, and almost cake-like texture that’s bursting with cheesy goodness. So incredibly delicious, it’s destined to become a cherished family staple for years to come.
The Ultimate Solution for Stress-Free Mornings
Ah, breakfast—often hailed as the most important meal of the day, yet frequently underestimated and rushed. In our busy lives, finding time to prepare a wholesome and delicious breakfast can be a significant challenge. We’ve all been there, scrambling to get something on the table before heading out the door. While wonderful make-ahead options like a savory quiche pie or a classic French toast recipe that can be warmed up in the morning offer great relief, a little variety makes all the difference.
Enter the Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cottage Cheese. This recipe is a true marvel, offering a fantastic change of pace from your usual morning routine. Its ease of preparation and ability to feed a crowd make it an ideal choice for weekend brunches, holiday gatherings, or simply making a Tuesday morning feel special. Imagine effortlessly popping this casserole into the oven while your family gets ready for the day, then pulling out a golden, aromatic dish that promises a satisfying and tasty breakfast in a remarkably short amount of time. It’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone to the table with anticipation.
Why This Breakfast Casserole Will Be Your New Favorite
What sets this particular breakfast casserole apart? It’s all about the texture and flavor profile. Unlike some egg dishes that can turn rubbery or dry, the addition of cottage cheese works wonders, ensuring every bite is incredibly moist and tender. The casserole bakes up beautifully, achieving a fluffy, almost soufflé-like consistency that’s surprisingly light yet satisfying. I personally adore the edge pieces—they develop a delightful, slightly crisp exterior while the interior remains wonderfully soft and full of savory flavor. The combination of eggs and melted cheese creates a rich, comforting taste that’s both familiar and exciting.
This recipe is not just about taste; it’s also about convenience. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something substantial but don’t have the luxury of time for individual preparations. Whether you’re feeding your immediate family or hosting a large gathering, this casserole scales wonderfully. You can easily make the full recipe to serve a crowd (it yields 12 servings!) or halve it for a smaller, more intimate meal. If this becomes a beloved dish in your home, please don’t hesitate to share your experience!
Key Ingredients for a Perfectly Fluffy Casserole
The magic of this breakfast casserole lies in a few simple yet powerful ingredients that work together to create its signature fluffy and moist texture:
- Bisquick: This classic baking mix provides the perfect base, giving the casserole a slightly cakey structure that holds everything together beautifully. It contributes to the casserole’s overall rise and helps create that desirable fluffy texture. For those who prefer to make things from scratch or don’t have Bisquick on hand, a simple homemade substitute is provided in the notes below.
- Cottage Cheese: This is the secret weapon for moisture and tenderness. The curds melt into the egg mixture, imparting a delicate creaminess and preventing the eggs from drying out. It also adds a subtle tang and a boost of protein, making the casserole even more satisfying.
- Shredded Cheese: A generous cup of your favorite shredded cheese (cheddar is a classic choice, but Monterey Jack or a blend works too) melts throughout the casserole, adding a layer of savory flavor and that irresistible gooeyness.
- Eggs: The foundation of any great breakfast casserole, eggs provide the primary protein and structure. Lightly beating them ensures an even distribution and helps achieve a lighter texture.
- Milk: Adds further moisture and helps create a smooth, custardy base when combined with the eggs and cottage cheese.
- Butter: Melting butter in the pan before adding the mixture not only prevents sticking but also infuses the bottom of the casserole with a rich, buttery flavor and helps form those delicious crisp edges.
- Dried Onion & Parsley: These seasonings add depth of flavor without overwhelming the dish. They provide a subtle aromatic quality that complements the eggs and cheese perfectly.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors in the casserole.
How to Make This Incredible Eggs and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole
Preparing this casserole is incredibly straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum deliciousness. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cook Time: 28-35 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 12
INGREDIENTS for Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cottage Cheese:
- 1 cup Bisquick (I always use the homemade mix in the notes)
- 1 1/2 cups of cottage cheese (half of a 24 oz container)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp dried onion
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 6 eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 cup milk
- 6 tbsp butter
How to make Eggs and Cottage Cheese breakfast casserole:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 6 tablespoons of butter into a 9×13-inch baking pan. Place the pan in the preheated oven for a few minutes until the butter is completely melted. This step creates a wonderful flavorful base and helps achieve those coveted crispy edges.
2. While the butter is melting, prepare the casserole mixture. In a large bowl, whisk together all the other ingredients: Bisquick, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, dried onion, dried parsley, salt, lightly beaten eggs, and milk. Whisk until well combined and the mixture is smooth.
3. Carefully remove the hot pan with melted butter from the oven. Pour the prepared egg and cottage cheese mixture evenly over the melted butter in the pan. The melted butter will naturally rise to the top during baking, creating a rich crust.
4. Bake for 28-35 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown, set in the center, and a knife inserted into the middle comes out clean. Baking times can vary slightly depending on your oven, so keep an eye on it.
Tips for the Perfect Breakfast Casserole
- Don’t Overmix: While you want the ingredients to be well combined, avoid over-whisking the egg mixture. Overmixing can incorporate too much air, leading to a denser texture.
- Even Pour: Ensure the mixture is poured evenly over the melted butter for consistent baking and flavor distribution.
- Rest Before Serving: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows it to set properly, making for cleaner slices and enhancing its moist texture.
- Customization is Key: Feel free to add cooked vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms. Cooked breakfast meats like crumbled sausage or diced ham also make fantastic additions. Just be sure to pre-cook any additions to prevent excess moisture.
Quick Homemade Bisquick Mix Substitute:
If you don’t have Bisquick on hand, you can easily make your own mix! In a bowl, combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, and 1/4 tsp salt. Then, cut in 1 Tablespoon of cold butter or shortening using a pastry blender or your fingertips until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. This homemade blend works perfectly in this recipe, providing the same structure and light texture.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Reheating
This versatile breakfast casserole is delicious on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside fresh fruit salad for a light, refreshing contrast, or with a side of crispy bacon or sausage for a heartier meal. A dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh chives on top can add an extra layer of flavor and elegance. Don’t forget a hot cup of coffee or a glass of fresh orange juice to complete the perfect breakfast experience.
One of the best things about this casserole is its potential for make-ahead convenience and excellent leftovers. If you have any remaining, allow the casserole to cool completely before covering it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply slice individual portions and warm them in the microwave, or place the entire covered casserole back in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. It reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick weekday breakfasts or lunchbox additions.
This Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cottage Cheese is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to enjoy more relaxed mornings and delicious, satisfying meals with those you love. Its simple ingredients and straightforward method yield impressive results every time, ensuring it will earn its place as a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
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Breakfast Casserole with Eggs and Cottage Cheese
Ingredients
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1 cup Bisquick* (see notes for the homemade mix)
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1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (half of 24 oz container)
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1 tsp dried onion
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1 tsp dried parsley
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1/4 tsp salt
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6 eggs lightly beaten
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1 cup milk
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6 tbsp butter
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place butter into a 9×13″ pan and put in the oven for the butter to melt.
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Meanwhile, whisk all the other ingredients together until well combined. Pour mixture evenly over the melted butter and bake for 28-35 minutes, or until golden brown and set.
Notes
- Homemade Bisquick Mix Substitute: 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 1/2 tsp baking powder, 1/4 tsp salt, 1 Tablespoon of cold butter. Mix the dry ingredients then cut the cold butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. This will work as a perfect substitute.
Nutrition per serving