This Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a tasty way to start your day! With fluffy eggs, savory turkey sausage, and creamy cottage cheese, it’s both filling and delicious.
It’s easy to make—just mix, pour, and bake! I love how it’s perfect for busy mornings. You can prep it the night before, and then enjoy warm, yummy slices in the morning. So good! 🍳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Turkey Sausage: This adds great flavor and protein. If you prefer, you can use chicken sausage or a plant-based sausage for a healthier or vegetarian option.
Cottage Cheese: A key player for creaminess and protein! If you’re not a fan, ricotta cheese can be a good alternative, but will change the texture slightly.
Eggs: They hold the casserole together. You can use egg substitutes if you’re avoiding eggs, though the texture will differ. Silken tofu blended might work well too!
Cheddar Cheese: Adds a delicious cheesy flavor. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use low-fat cheddar or a different cheese like mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bell Peppers: They bring color and crunch! Feel free to swap with other veggies such as spinach, zucchini, or even mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
How Do I Ensure My Casserole Sets Perfectly?
A common challenge with breakfast casseroles is getting them to set without being too wet. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- Cook the turkey sausage thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mix.
- Whisk the eggs and cottage cheese well to ensure they’re evenly incorporated.
- Do not overload with too many wet ingredients like milk or watery vegetables; they can make it soggy.
- Bake until the center is firm and the top is golden brown; if you shake the dish gently, it should jiggle just slightly.
Letting the casserole cool for a few minutes helps it firm up even more, making it easier to cut into perfect squares!
Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 lb ground turkey sausage
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
- 2 green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley or Italian herbs
- C cooking spray or butter (for greasing the baking dish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time, and then you’ll need 35-40 minutes to bake it. So, in about an hour, you could have a delicious and filling breakfast casserole ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready for your casserole. Grab a 9×13 inch baking dish and lightly grease it with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Turkey Sausage:
In a skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey sausage. Cook it until it’s fully browned, breaking it into smaller pieces with a spatula. Once it’s nice and cooked, drain any excess fat and set the sausage aside.
3. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and dried parsley until it’s all mixed nicely. This will be the creamy base for your casserole.
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now stir in the cooked turkey sausage, diced red bell pepper, chopped green onions, and 3/4 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. It’s important to mix everything so every bite is filled with goodness!
5. Pour Into the Dish:
Pour the mixture into your greased baking dish and spread it evenly so it cooks uniformly.
6. Add More Cheese:
Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheese on top. This will give a nice cheesy crust when it bakes!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-40 minutes. Keep an eye on it; you’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is a lovely golden brown.
8. Cool and Garnish:
After baking, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. You can garnish with some extra chopped green onions and diced red pepper for a pop of color!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Cut into squares and serve warm. This casserole is great for breakfast, brunch, or even a quick lunch. Enjoy your delicious Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole!
Can I Use Different Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! While cheddar adds great flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella for a milder taste or use a blend of cheeses for extra creaminess. Just be mindful of how the flavor profiles will change!
How Do I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
If you want a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground turkey sausage with a plant-based sausage or omit it entirely. You can also add more veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for added texture and flavor!
Can This Casserole Be Made Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can. Prepare the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap. On the day of serving, bake it straight from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time as needed.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. It makes for a great quick breakfast option during the week!