Go Back
High-protein vegetable breakfast bake sliced into squares in a 9x13 baking dish with golden top and colorful vegetables

High-Protein Vegetable Breakfast Bake

A hearty, gluten-free egg and vegetable casserole made with egg whites, cottage cheese, cheddar, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for meal prep and ready in about 55 minutes including a 5-minute rest.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Rest Time 5 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 8 portions
Course: Breakfast, Brunch, Meal Prep
Cuisine: American
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup egg whites carton egg whites recommended for convenience
  • 4 large eggs
  • 1 cup cottage cheese full-fat preferred for creamier texture
  • 0.5 cup cheddar cheese grated
  • 1 medium red bell pepper diced
  • 1 medium green bell pepper diced
  • 1 small onion chopped
  • 1 cup fresh spinach chopped
  • 1 cup broccoli florets chopped small for even cooking
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp salt
  • 0.25 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the pan and sauteing vegetables

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray, coating the sides as well.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg whites and whole eggs for about 30 seconds until fully combined and slightly foamy.
  3. Stir the cottage cheese and grated cheddar cheese into the egg mixture until fully incorporated. The mixture will look slightly lumpy from the cottage cheese but smooths out during baking.
  4. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red and green bell peppers, chopped onion, and broccoli florets. Saute for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened but still holding their shape.
  5. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook for 2 more minutes until just wilted. Do not overcook as the spinach will continue cooking in the oven.
  6. Transfer the cooked vegetables into the egg and cheese mixture. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is evenly distributed.
  7. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly with a spatula. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until the center is fully set and the top is golden. A toothpick inserted in the center should come out clean.
  8. Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before slicing into squares. This helps the squares hold their shape cleanly. Serve warm.

Notes

Add mushrooms, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. For a spicy version, stir in chopped jalapenos or a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking. Substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or plain Greek yogurt in the same amount if needed. Slice the entire bake right after cooling for easy grab-and-go portions throughout the week. Freeze individual wrapped portions for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.