This irresistibly fluffy Cheesy Egg Casserole is a breakfast game-changer! Packed with protein and bubbling with gooey cheese, this casserole comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients. The perfect solution for busy mornings, weekend brunches, or meal prep—it’s versatile enough to serve any day of the week and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Time-Saver: Prep it in just 20 minutes, then let the oven do all the work while you get on with your morning.
- Protein-Packed: With eggs and two types of cheese, this casserole delivers serious protein to keep you full until lunch.
- Family-Friendly: Even kids who turn their noses up at breakfast will devour this cheesy delight.
- Meal Prep Marvel: Make once, enjoy all week—this casserole reheats beautifully.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Eggs: The star of the show, providing structure, protein, and that classic breakfast flavor.
- Butter: Adds richness and moisture—don’t skimp here! Quality butter makes a difference.
- Cottage Cheese: Trust me on this one! It melts into the casserole creating an incredible texture. You won’t even know it’s there, but you’d miss it if it wasn’t.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Brings that stretchy, melty goodness that makes every bite satisfying.
- Flour: Just a bit helps give structure to the casserole so it’s not too wet.
- Baking Powder: The secret to a lighter, fluffier texture—it gives the casserole a bit of lift.
- Italian Seasoning: Adds depth of flavor with minimal effort.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the richness.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
This casserole is incredibly versatile! Here are some of my favorite ways to customize it:
- Meat Lover’s Edition: Add cooked crumbled bacon, sausage, or ham for an extra protein boost.
- Veggie Delight: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for added nutrition.
- Southwestern Twist: Mix in diced green chiles, a sprinkle of cumin, and swap the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese.
- Fancy Brunch Version: Top with sliced avocado, fresh herbs, and a dollop of sour cream before serving.
How to Make Cheesy Egg Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F and prepare your baking dish with a generous coat of nonstick spray. This ensures easy serving later!
Step 2: Mix the Eggs
In a large mixing bowl, lightly beat the eggs until just combined. Don’t over-beat them or you’ll incorporate too much air.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Add the melted butter, cottage cheese, mozzarella, flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and salt to the beaten eggs. Stir until combined—but don’t worry about getting it perfectly smooth! Those little lumps of cheese will create pockets of deliciousness.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and bake for 30-40 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top is beautifully golden brown and the center is set but still has a slight jiggle.
Step 5: Rest Before Serving
Allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the casserole set up properly for clean, beautiful slices.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Room Temperature Ingredients: If you have time, let your eggs come to room temperature before mixing. This creates a fluffier texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Stir just until combined—overworking the mixture can lead to a denser casserole.
- Watch For Doneness: Every oven is different, so start checking at the 25-minute mark. The edges should be set and slightly pulling away from the sides of the dish.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This casserole actually develops more flavor overnight, so don’t hesitate to make it the evening before a busy morning.
How to Serve
This versatile casserole works well with numerous pairings:
Breakfast Spread
Serve alongside fresh fruit, crispy hash browns, or buttered toast for a complete breakfast.
Brunch Star
Make it the centerpiece of a brunch buffet with muffins, fruit salad, and mimosas.
Light Dinner
Pair with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette for a satisfying, protein-rich evening meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop nicely overnight!
Freezing
Cut the cooled casserole into individual portions and freeze in airtight containers or wrapped well in plastic wrap and foil. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 3 months.
Reheating
For refrigerated leftovers, microwave individual portions for 60-90 seconds. For frozen portions, microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until warmed through (about 15-20 minutes).
FAQs
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Can I really not taste the cottage cheese in this recipe?
Trust me on this one—the cottage cheese completely melts into the casserole, contributing amazing texture and protein without any of that distinctive cottage cheese taste or texture. Even devoted cottage cheese haters will be none the wiser!
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Can I use different cheeses in this casserole?
Absolutely! While mozzarella provides that classic stretchy cheese pull, cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack work beautifully too. Just make sure to use a good melting cheese for best results.
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How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
The casserole is done when the edges are set and golden brown, and the center is mostly set but still has a slight jiggle when you gently shake the pan. A knife inserted in the center should come out mostly clean.
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Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can easily substitute a gluten-free flour blend for the all-purpose flour to make it gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Egg Casserole is one of those back-pocket recipes you’ll find yourself turning to again and again. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for busy weekdays, or hosting a relaxed weekend brunch, it delivers consistently delicious results with minimal effort. The combination of creamy, cheesy goodness with the protein-packed eggs creates something truly special that transcends its simple ingredients. Give it a try this week—your breakfast routine will never be the same!
PrintCheesy Egg Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Egg Casserole is the perfect make-ahead breakfast or brunch option. Packed with protein, gooey mozzarella cheese, and a hint of Italian seasoning, it’s flavorful, filling, and delightfully fluffy. Whether you’re serving it fresh out of the oven or reheating leftovers, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and can even be prepped the night before for busy mornings!
Ingredients
Wet Ingredients
- 10 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter, melted
- 1 16–ounce container (453g) cottage cheese
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups mozzarella cheese (approximately 8 ounces/226g)
- 1/4 cup (31g) all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 9×13” baking dish by spraying it thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray. This will ensure your casserole comes out easily once baked. - Whisk the eggs
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they are fully beaten. This step ensures the casserole will have a smooth, fluffy texture. - Combine the ingredients
Stir in the melted butter, cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, flour, baking powder, Italian seasoning, and salt into the eggs. The mixture may appear slightly lumpy due to the cottage cheese, but this is expected and completely normal. - Pour into the baking dish
Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it evenly to ensure even cooking. - Bake the casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes. The casserole is ready when it is golden brown and set in the middle. To check, insert a knife or toothpick into the center—if it comes out clean, the casserole is done. - Cool before serving
Once baked, allow the casserole to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This resting period helps the dish set and makes it easier to slice. - Store leftovers, if any
This dish is best served fresh, but leftovers can be sliced and stored in individual containers. Freeze for later use and defrost in the microwave when ready to enjoy.
Notes
- You can assemble the casserole the night before to save time. Simply store it in the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature before baking the next morning.
- If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, don’t worry—you won’t notice it in this recipe. It only enhances texture and boosts the protein content.
- This casserole is versatile and pairs well with a fresh fruit salad or a side of toast for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 175mg