This Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a hearty and healthy way to start your day! Packed with protein and filled with tasty veggies and turkey sausage, it warms you up from the inside out.
Plus, it’s super easy to make—just mix, pour, and bake! I love preparing this on Sunday and enjoying the leftovers all week. Breakfast has never been so simple and satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Sausage: The turkey sausage provides a lean source of protein. If you prefer, you can swap it for chicken sausage or even vegan sausage for a plant-based option.
Cottage Cheese: This is a key ingredient for creaminess. If you’re not a fan, ricotta cheese can be a nice substitute, giving a similar texture and taste.
Eggs: Large eggs are standard, but you can use egg whites or an egg substitute for a lower cholesterol option. Just reduce the quantity since substitutes can vary in strength.
Cheddar Cheese: While sharp cheddar adds great flavor, feel free to mix it up with mozzarella or pepper jack for a different profile. Just remember, sharper cheeses may elevate the flavor more!
Green Onions: These add freshness. If they’re not available, diced regular onions can work too, but sauté them for a softer flavor. You could also use chives or even leeks.
How Do You Make Sure the Casserole Sets Perfectly?
Getting the casserole to set just right can be a bit tricky but follow these tips:
- Ensure you whisk the eggs and cottage cheese thoroughly to avoid clumps, which helps with even setting.
- Bake until the center is firm. If it jiggles, give it a few more minutes. The egg will continue to set as it cools.
- Let it sit for a few minutes after taking it out of the oven. This cooling time allows the casserole to firm up more.
These steps help ensure that your casserole comes out fluffy and perfectly cooked, making your breakfast not only delicious but also satisfying!
Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 pound turkey sausage
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions, plus more for garnish
- 1 small red chili pepper, sliced (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare, and then you’ll need to bake it for 35 to 40 minutes. So, total time is approximately 50 minutes. Perfect for a filling breakfast, especially on busy mornings!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Dish:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While that’s warming up, take an 8×8 inch baking dish and grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking. This will help your casserole come out nice and clean!
2. Cook the Turkey Sausage:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the turkey sausage. Cook it thoroughly until it’s browned and crumbled, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir it occasionally. If there’s any excess fat, feel free to drain it off once the sausage is cooked.
3. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This is where the magic starts to happen—it’s going to be creamy and packed with flavor!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Add the cooked turkey sausage and chopped green onions to the egg mixture. Also, sprinkle in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Give it a good stir to combine everything evenly. You’re building layers of deliciousness here!
5. Pour and Top:
Now, pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Make sure it spreads out evenly. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for that cheesy goodness we all love!
6. Bake:
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You’ll know it’s done when the casserole is set in the center and the top is a lovely golden brown.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baking is complete, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes. This makes slicing easier. Garnish with sliced red chili pepper and extra chopped green onions for a delightful touch!
8. Enjoy Your Meal!
Serve warm and enjoy this hearty breakfast that’s perfect for any day of the week! You can also make it ahead of time and reheat it for quick breakfasts throughout the week. Enjoy!
Can I Use a Different Type of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar is delicious, you can substitute it with mozzarella, pepper jack, or even feta cheese for a different flavor profile. Just be mindful of how the moisture content of the cheese may affect the casserole’s texture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! Prepare the casserole the night before, cover it, and refrigerate. Just pop it in the oven the next morning, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed. This is perfect for busy mornings!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm it all up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Casserole?
Of course! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the turkey sausage to release their moisture and enhance the flavor before mixing them in.
