A golden baked breakfast casserole slice with veggies and melted cheese on a plate, steam rising, with a baking dish in the background.
This healthy breakfast casserole is your secret weapon for calm mornings. It’s packed with colorful veggies, protein, and cheesy goodness, all baked into a cozy sliceable casserole. The flavors are savory, lightly herby, and totally satisfying without being heavy. It’s perfect for meal prep, brunch, or a busy weeknight-for-breakfast moment.
This healthy breakfast casserole is one of those recipes you make once… and suddenly it becomes your default. It’s warm, comforting, and it turns simple ingredients into a breakfast that feels special.
The standout feature is how well it bakes up: the eggs set gently, the veggies stay tender, and every bite has a little cheese pull. It’s the kind of dish everyone asks for the recipe after brunch.
If you want a make-ahead breakfast that tastes amazing on day three, this healthy breakfast casserole is it. Trust me—don’t skip the seasoning step. It makes the whole pan sing.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Breakfast Casserole
- Meal prep hero: Slice and reheat for an easy weeknight-style breakfast all week.
- Veggie-packed: A delicious way to eat more vegetables in the morning.
- High-protein & satisfying: Eggs and cottage cheese keep you full longer.
- One-pan easy: Mix, bake, and you’re done—minimal cleanup.
- Great for brunch: Feels fancy but is totally beginner-friendly.
Ingredients for Healthy Breakfast Casserole
- Eggs (10): The base that bakes into slices; swap 2 eggs for 1/2 cup liquid egg whites if you like.
- Cottage cheese (1 cup): Adds creaminess and extra protein; swap with Greek yogurt for a tangier flavor.
- Shredded cheese (1 cup): Makes it cozy and melty; freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded.
- Bell peppers, diced (1 1/2 cups): Sweet crunch and color; use any color you have.
- Yellow onion, diced (1/2 cup): Adds savory depth; swap with green onions.
- Baby spinach (2 packed cups): Wilts into the eggs; swap with kale (chopped small).
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Easy flavor boost; swap with 2 minced garlic cloves.
- Dried oregano or Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Gives a herby, brunchy flavor.
- Fine salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Balances everything.
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for the dish): Prevents sticking.
How to Make Healthy Breakfast Casserole
- 1. Preheat and prep. Heat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with oil or cooking spray.
- 2. Whisk the base. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cottage cheese, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- 3. Mix in the goodies. Stir in bell peppers, onion, spinach, and shredded cheese. The mixture should look thick and veggie-filled.
- 4. Bake. Pour into the baking dish and smooth the top. Bake 35–45 minutes, until the center is set and a knife comes out mostly clean.
- 5. Rest and slice. Let it rest 10 minutes (this helps it firm up), then slice into squares.
Tips for Perfect Healthy Breakfast Casserole
- Chop veggies small so the casserole slices cleanly.
- If your veggies are watery (like mushrooms), sauté them 3–5 minutes first.
- Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before slicing for neat squares.
- Taste your seasoning in the raw egg mix (just a tiny dab on a spoon) so it’s not bland.
- For extra browning, broil 1–2 minutes at the end—watch closely.
Variations & Substitutions
- Add protein: Stir in 1 cup cooked turkey sausage crumbles or diced ham.
- Make it spicy: Add 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper or a few shakes of hot sauce.
- Lower dairy: Use reduced-fat cottage cheese and part-skim mozzarella.
- Gluten-free: Naturally gluten-free as written.
- More veggies: Add chopped zucchini (squeezed dry) or roasted broccoli.
- Leftovers: Stuff slices into a tortilla for a quick breakfast wrap.
Make-Ahead & Freezing
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 4 days. Reheat slices in the microwave for 30–60 seconds, or warm in a 325°F oven until hot.
To freeze, wrap individual slices tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture, then reheat.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
- Fresh fruit for a bright, sweet contrast.
- Avocado slices or salsa for a savory topping.
- Toast or a warm English muffin for a heartier plate.
- A simple green salad if you’re serving it for brunch.
- Hot sauce for anyone who likes a kick.
Reader Review: “I made this healthy breakfast casserole on Sunday and had breakfast handled for four mornings. So easy and so good!”
Try it and tell me how you customize your healthy breakfast casserole. More veggies, more spice, or extra cheese? Leave a comment and share your favorite add-ins!