This Baked Cheesy Egg Casserole is perfect for a crowd or a breakfast celebration.
This cheesy baked egg casserole is perfect for Christmas morning. I love a big breakfast Christmas morning, but I don't want to spend all morning cooking in the kitchen.
You already know I make my cinnamon rolls the day before and reheat them Christmas morning. These cheesy baked eggs can also be prepared the day before and then just popped in the oven in the morning to bake.
This recipe came from a friend many years ago. The original name of this dish was Cottage Baked Eggs. She did get the recipe from a bed and breakfast, but the dish wasn't named for some cute little cottage....nope, they are named for the secret ingredient in this dish!
I don't usually tell people about the secret ingredient because they prejudge the dish if they know what's in it. Nope, I usually don't reveal it at all! It's up to you if you keep it a secret, but if you have finicky eaters at all, I recommend not telling!
This dish got its original name from the cottage cheese that is added! See what I mean? You are already going...ewww! I told you! But trust me. This dish is delicious. The cottage cheese disappears when baked and just leaves an extra creaminess.
These cheesy baked eggs are super versatile. I used ham, but you could also use cooked breakfast sausage or bacon or leave the meat out altogether. I often toast up some English muffins to serve alongside this casserole.
What vegetables can I add?
The veggies are totally up to you. I used a bell pepper, but you could also add onions, mushrooms or thinly sliced spinach.
What type of cheese can I use?
You can use your favorite type of cheese. Some options that would work, Swiss, Gouda, Colby, Pepper Jack and Fontina.
Of course you need to add the cottage cheese, but you also add 2 cups of grated cheese. I used one cup of cheddar and one cup of Monterey Jack.
How do I make this ahead of time?
If you are preparing this dish the night before, simply mix everything together except the butter. Cover and refrigerate.
In the morning, melt the butter and pour into the baking dish. Because the mixture will be cold, the baking time will increase.
Keep an eye on your casserole...you don't want it overcooked. I used a deep pie dish and mine took 50 minutes. If your dish isn't as deep, decrease your time.
How do I know if my egg casserole is done?
I always check this dish as it gets close to being done. Give the dish a little jiggle.
If the middle jiggles, it needs more time. You can also test with a butter knife. If it comes out gooey, it needs more time.
Other great breakfast recipes
- Hash Brown Casserole
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts
- Cranberry Scones
- Oatmeal Banana Muffins
- Mini Frittatas
- Cranberry Sweet Rolls
- Puff Pastry Baked Eggs
- Cream Cheese Danish
If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Leave a comment below and snap a picture and tag me on Instagram @beyondthechickencoop
Check out all my breakfast recipes!
Cheesy Baked Egg Casserole
Ingredients
- 10 whole eggs
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 1 ¾ cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese (Cheddar and Monterey Jack)
- 2 cups diced ham
- 1 whole diced red bell pepper.
- ¼ cup butter
Instructions
- Whisk eggs in a large bowl.
- Add flour, baking powder, salt and pepper. Mix
- Stir in cottage cheese, shredded cheese, ham and bell pepper.
- Place butter in a 2 quart baking dish. Place dish in preheated 350 degree oven until butter is melted.
- Remove from oven. Swirl butter around bottom and sides of dish.
- Pour in egg mixture.
- Bake for 45-55 minutes.
- Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Baking time may vary depending on size of baking dish and the amount of added veggies. Check for doneness by giving baking dish a gentle giggle or by inserting a butter knife into the center. Knife should not have any raw egg mixture when done.
- This dish can be made ahead of time up to mixing all ingredients together. Cover mixing bowl and store in refrigerator. When ready to bake proceed with melting butter in baking dish. This may increase baking time by 10 minutes.
Nutrition
Kentisha Harrison says
Hi Kathy,
I love cottage cheese but the hubs does not. Can you taste the cottage cheese or does it just make it creamier and cheesy? I would hate to omit.
Thanks,
Tisha
Kathy says
Hi! I think it disappears into the eggs. I don't notice it, but then I do love cottage cheese! 🙂 Try using a small curd cottage cheese.
Kathy says
Looks delicious, and easy! Thanks so much for sharing, Kathy!
Kathy says
It is a family favorite!
Laura ~ Raise Your Garden says
Looks scrumptious Kathy! Hope you had a very Merry Christmas. I can still make this for New Year's. Now that Hubby is home all week I need food every morning for the whole family. I'm usually freaked out by cottage cheese but will take your advice as to the creaminess and try it!
Kathy says
People seem to either love or hate cottage cheese! Luckily in this dish, everyone can love it!
Adina says
This sounds like a great holiday breakfast. And I love the use of cottage cheese, I always have some in the fridge.
Kathy says
It's a perfect use for cottage cheese!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
This looks perfect for the crowd of kids who are still sleeping upstairs - I think I still have time! Happy new year, Manali!
Kate @ Framed Cooks says
Whoops - I meant Kathy...I was reading Manali's comment above and writing my message to you at the same time! Happy New Year to us all! 🙂
Kathy says
Too funny! Happy New Year to you too!!!
Manali @ CookWithManali says
I love easy recipes like this, sounds yum! Happy Holidays & Merry Christmas to you & your family! 🙂
David @ Spiced says
I totally would have pre-judged this dish based on the cottage cheese addition. I'm not a cottage cheese fan, but this looks like a super delicious casserole. (Hey, casseroles are where I first starting liking mushrooms, too...so I can be flexible!) Hope you and the family have an awesome Christmas, Kathy! 🙂
Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says
Yaahhhss to a big queen sized breakfast on Christmas morning! Your cinnamon rolls looked fantastic and this cheesy egg casserole would be a great addition! I happen to LOVE cottage cheese, so I am seriously digging the fact that you used it in here! I bet it makes this egg casserole out of this world tasty! Cheers, my friend and warm wishes to a very Merry Christmas!!
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks says
Breakfast casseroles are perfect for Christmas morning! This looks delicious even if there is cottage cheese in there. This along with your cinnamon rolls will make a fabulous and easy breakfast!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Oh my! Cheese and eggs are a match made in heaven! I love the idea of a make-ahead breakfast for Christmas morning! This fits the bill, splendidly!