This Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole is a tasty and filling way to start your day! With fluffy eggs, hearty turkey sausage, and creamy cottage cheese, it’s bursting with flavor.
Making this dish feels like a breakfast hug! I love preparing it on weekends when I have extra time. Just mix it all up, pop it in the oven, and enjoy the delicious smell while it bakes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Turkey Sausage: This is the protein base for the casserole. If you’re looking for a lighter option, consider using chicken sausage or even crumbled turkey bacon. For a vegetarian twist, try replacing the sausage with sautéed mushrooms or diced tofu.
Cottage Cheese: I like small curd cottage cheese for its creamy texture, but you can use large curd if you prefer. Greek yogurt can be a great substitute for a tangy flavor and extra protein, but keep in mind it is thinner than cottage cheese.
Cheddar Cheese: While shredded cheddar adds a nice sharp flavor, you can mix it up with mozzarella for a milder taste or pepper jack for some spice. Vegan cheese is also an option for those with dairy restrictions.
Green Onions: They add freshness and crunch. If you don’t have green onions on hand, chopped chives or even regular onions that have been sautéed can work well too.
Bell Pepper: This ingredient is optional, but it brings color and sweetness. Feel free to use any color or skip it altogether. Zucchini or spinach can also be added for more veggies!
How Do You Ensure the Eggs Are Cooked Just Right?
Getting the eggs perfectly cooked is key to a great casserole. You want them fluffy, not rubbery. Follow these steps:
- Be sure not to overbeat the eggs; whisking just until combined keeps them light.
- Mix in the cottage cheese and other ingredients gently to keep air in the mixture.
- Keep an eye on the casserole as it bakes. Check for doneness by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking before cutting. This helps everything set up nicely and makes serving easier!
Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole
Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground turkey sausage
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 8 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped bell pepper (optional, for added texture and color)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs or mixed herbs
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or butter (for greasing baking dish)
- Hot sauce or ketchup (optional, for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious breakfast casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and 30 to 35 minutes to bake, making it a total of about 50 minutes from start to finish! It’s a great dish to whip up ahead of time for a busy morning.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
2. Cook the Sausage:
In a medium skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey sausage. Cook it until it is fully browned and cooked through, using a spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Eggs:
Grab a large mixing bowl and whisk the 8 large eggs until they are well beaten. This will help make your casserole fluffy!
4. Combine Ingredients:
Now, stir in the cottage cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked turkey sausage, chopped green onions, and bell pepper (if you’re using it). Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together gently until it’s well combined.
5. Pour and Spread:
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly so it cooks uniformly.
6. Bake the Casserole:
Place the casserole in the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the eggs are set and the top is slightly golden.
7. Cool and Cut:
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will help it hold its shape when you cut it.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Cut into squares and garnish with extra chopped green onions if you like. Serve warm, and don’t forget the hot sauce or ketchup if you want a bit of extra flavor!
Enjoy your hearty and delicious Cottage Cheese Turkey Sausage Breakfast Casserole! It’s perfect for brunch or a filling breakfast any day of the week.
Can I Use a Different Type of Meat?
Absolutely! If you prefer a different meat, you can use ground chicken or lean pork sausage. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or veggie sausage. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the casserole mixture.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole the night before. Simply mix everything together, pour it into the greased baking dish, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. In the morning, let it sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking as usual.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or bake it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Can I Add More Vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add more vegetables like spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms. Just make sure to chop them finely and sauté any that contain a lot of water (like zucchini) to prevent the casserole from becoming soggy.