If you’re looking for a wholesome morning dish that’s both hearty and healthy, this Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It combines fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, melty mozzarella, and vibrant fresh spinach into a comforting bake that’s bursting with flavor and texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy mornings, this casserole brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying breakfast that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for creating the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and fresh flavors, along with a lovely light green hue that spinach brings. Each item plays its role to make this casserole both nourishing and irresistibly tasty.
- 6 large eggs: The fluffy base that holds everything together and adds protein.
- 1 cup cottage cheese: Adds creaminess without heaviness and a subtle tang.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts wonderfully, providing gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach: Brings a burst of color and nutrients; thawed and drained frozen spinach works perfectly too.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses the dish with savory depth without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle sweetness and rounds out the seasoning.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides a gentle kick of warmth.
How to Make Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper. Taking this step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will have beautiful edges for easy slicing later.
Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients and Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and shredded mozzarella. This blend creates an irresistible, creamy texture that sets wonderfully in the oven and gives the casserole its rich yet light character.
Step 3: Season the Mixture
Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and ground black pepper to the egg and cheese mixture. Whisk well so the seasonings are evenly distributed, ensuring every bite bursts with flavor.
Step 4: Fold in the Spinach
Gently stir in the chopped fresh spinach until it’s evenly mixed throughout. The spinach not only adds color and nutrients but also a fresh earthiness that perfectly complements the creamy ingredients.
Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish and Bake
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula. Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. This step transforms the liquid mixture into a firm yet tender casserole that’s easy to serve.
Step 6: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes to allow it to firm up further. This also makes slicing easier and safer. Serve warm or at room temperature and enjoy the full flavors and comforting texture of this delicious breakfast dish.
How to Serve Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe, fresh garnishes like chopped chives, a sprinkle of paprika, or even a dollop of sour cream work wonders. These little touches add freshness, color, and a hint of contrast to the creamy casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with crisp fresh fruit, a morning salad, or some warm whole-grain toast to round out your breakfast. The lightness of fruit balances the richness of the casserole, making your meal both satisfying and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a brunch crowd, consider cutting the casserole into bite-sized squares and serving on a platter with colorful fruit skewers or mini yogurt parfaits. You could also add a drizzle of hot sauce or herb-infused olive oil for an extra flavor kick that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, wrap leftover casserole tightly in plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it perfect for quick, ready-to-go breakfasts during your busy week.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! For best results, cut into portions, wrap individually in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can stay frozen for up to 3 months without sacrificing flavor or texture, ideal for meal prepping.
Reheating
Reheat slices in the microwave for about 1 to 2 minutes or warm them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 to 15 minutes. Either method brings back that fresh-out-of-the-oven taste and satisfying texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much moisture as possible before adding it to the mixture. This prevents your casserole from becoming watery while still packing all the nutritious benefits of spinach.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as it contains no flour or gluten-based ingredients. Just double-check your spice blends and other additions to ensure they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Can I add other vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or onions for extra flavor and texture. Just sauté any raw vegetables beforehand to remove excess moisture and develop their flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
While this Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe is dairy and egg-based, you could try substituting with vegan cheese, tofu, or chickpea flour to replicate the texture and protein content, but it will change the flavor and consistency somewhat.
What’s the best way to reheat without drying it out?
The trick is gentle reheating. Use low oven heat or short bursts in the microwave, and if needed, cover loosely with foil or a microwave-safe lid to trap moisture while warming.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe is a fantastic dish to add to your morning routine — full of flavor, simple to prepare, and great for sharing. Give it a try on your next weekend brunch or for a wholesome weekday breakfast. Once you taste it, I’m sure it’ll become one of your favorite go-to recipes just like it is mine!
Print
Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 9 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Spinach and Cottage Cheese Breakfast Casserole is a delicious and nutritious way to start your day. Featuring a creamy blend of cottage cheese, mozzarella, spinach, and eggs, this baked casserole is simple to make and perfect for a hearty breakfast or brunch. With a golden top and a soft, flavorful interior, it’s packed with protein and greens, making it both satisfying and wholesome.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×9-inch baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded mozzarella, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Add spinach: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach (or thawed and drained frozen spinach) ensuring it is evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture.
- Prepare the dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula for consistent cooking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is fully set.
- Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen spinach if fresh is unavailable; just make sure to thaw and drain well to avoid excess moisture.
- This casserole can be prepared the night before and refrigerated to save time in the morning.
- For a dairy-free alternative, consider using dairy-free cheeses, though the texture will vary.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms to enhance flavor and nutrition.
