Looking for a high-protein egg bake with cottage cheese that’s easy to meal prep? This breakfast casserole is packed with protein, simple ingredients, and takes just 45 minutes to prep, making it the perfect solution for busy mornings when you need something quick, nourishing, and delicious.
I first started making this egg bake on weeks when I knew my mornings were going to be hectic. Between trying to fit in a quick workout, walking the dog, and getting out the door, I needed something I could just grab from the fridge and know it would keep me full until lunch.
After a bit of experimenting, this version became my favorite. The cottage cheese makes it creamy, the hash browns give it a little heartiness, and the turkey bacon brings that salty crunch I crave in the mornings.
It’s simple, it’s satisfying, and it feels like the kind of breakfast that gets the day started on the right note.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein-packed and filling – Each slice has over 17 grams of protein, so you won’t be reaching for a snack an hour later when your stomach starts grumbling.
- Perfect for meal prep – Bake once, cut into bars, and you’ve got breakfast covered for the week.
- Balanced and flavorful – The egg whites and cottage cheese keep it light, the hash browns add a hearty texture, and the turkey bacon gives just the right amount of salty crunch.
- Easy to grab and go – I love that I can wrap these up and take them with me if I’m rushing out the door.
- Customizable – Swap the cheese, mix in your favorite veggies, or even add chicken sausage for something a little different.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Egg whites – The base of this bake, giving it a light, fluffy texture while keeping the protein high and the calories low.
- Turkey bacon – Adds savory, salty flavor and a bit of crunch without being too heavy.
- Cottage cheese – Blends right into the eggs for extra creaminess and a big boost of protein.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the bake for that satisfying cheesy flavor.
- Frozen hash browns – A hearty addition that makes this breakfast feel hearty and filling.
- Baby spinach – Adds color and nutrients.
- Garlic powder & salt – Simple seasonings that bring all the flavors together.
How to Make It
- Get your pan ready
Line an 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar) with parchment paper and give it a light coat of cooking spray or olive oil so nothing sticks. - Cook the bacon
Crisp up the turkey bacon in a skillet over medium heat, then chop it into bite-sized pieces once it cools slightly. - Whisk the base
In a large bowl, whisk together the egg whites, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, and seasonings until smooth. - Add the mix-ins
Stir in the spinach, hash browns, and turkey bacon until everything is evenly combined. - Bake it off
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and bake until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean. - Cool & slice
Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bars for the easiest grab-and-go breakfast.
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Tips & Variations
- Switch up the cheese – Try mozzarella for a milder flavor, pepper jack for a little heat, or feta for something salty and bold.
- Play with the veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini work beautifully alongside the spinach.
- Make it richer – Swap half of the egg whites for whole eggs if you prefer a creamier texture.
- Double the batch – Use a 9×13-inch pan and increase the baking time slightly if you want to prep extra portions for the week.
Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store sliced bars in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.
High-Protein Egg Bake with Cottage Cheese & Hash Browns
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Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line an 8×8-inch baking dish (or similar) with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray or olive oil.
- Cook the turkey baconPlace 6 slices of turkey bacon in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel–lined plate, then chop into small pieces.
- Mix the baseIn a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 cups liquid egg whites (or 10 egg whites), ½ cup cottage cheese, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and ½ teaspoon salt.
- Add spinach, hash browns & baconStir in 1 cup chopped baby spinach, 1 cup frozen shredded hash browns, and the chopped turkey bacon until evenly combined.
- BakePour the mixture into the prepared dish, pushing the mix-ins below the surface of the egg white mixture. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted in the middle comes out clean.
- Cool & sliceAllow the egg bake to cool for at least 5 minutes before slicing into 6 bars. Serve warm or store for meal prep.
Nutrition
Notes
- Cheese swaps: Use mozzarella for a milder flavor, or try feta or pepper jack.
- Veggie add-ins: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini can be mixed in with the spinach.
- Meal prep tip: Wrap individual bars and store in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave for 45 to 60 seconds.
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- Copycat Starbucks Egg White Bites Recipe (Made In Oven)
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- High-Protein Low-Calorie Breakfast Sandwich (30g Protein)
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Absolutely loved this one! I normally don’t do bakes as my husband is very picky but we both loved this one. The texture was good, flavorcombo was perfect. Simple for the kids to help with too. Definitely keeping this in rotation!
So happy to hear you and the family enjoyed! Thanks for the feedback 🙂
I made this last week and enjoyed everyday! I’m already making it again!! Thank you