This Cottage Cheese Egg Bake with Chicken Sausage is one of my go-tos when I want something hearty, high-protein, and easy to throw together.
It’s packed with flavor, keeps you full, and makes a great meal-prep option too.
The combo of fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, and savory sausage is seriously satisfying — and it all bakes up in one dish.
Why I Love This Recipe
I started making this when I needed a breakfast that actually held me over without a sugar crash. Now I make it for any meal — breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
- Easy to make in one bowl
- High-protein and low-carb
- Super creamy and cheesy
- Tastes great hot or cold
- Stores and reheats like a dream
It’s one of those recipes that feels like comfort food but secretly checks all the “healthy” boxes.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 6 large eggs
- 2 fully cooked chicken sausages, diced
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Nonstick spray or oil (for greasing)
Pro Tips
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer texture
- Squeeze out any extra moisture from the spinach
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing so it holds shape
- Double the batch and bake in a 9×13 if you want leftovers
- Try grating cheese fresh — it melts better than pre-shredded
Tools Needed
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Cutting board and knife
- Small baking dish (8×8 or similar)
- Oven
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap chicken sausage for turkey sausage, bacon, or veggie sausage
- Use kale instead of spinach
- Add diced bell peppers or onions
- Use mozzarella or pepper jack instead of cheddar
- Make it spicy with red pepper flakes or hot sauce
Make Ahead Tips
You can mix everything the night before, pour into a greased baking dish, and store in the fridge overnight. Bake it fresh in the morning. Leftovers keep in the fridge up to 4 days.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: Dice the Sausage and Chop the Spinach
Dice 2 fully cooked chicken sausages into small bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop 1 cup of fresh spinach.
Step 3: Mix Eggs and Cottage Cheese
In a large mixing bowl, crack in 6 eggs and add 1 cup of cottage cheese. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Stir in diced chicken sausage, chopped spinach, ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mix gently until everything is evenly combined.
Step 5: Pour into Greased Baking Dish
Spray or oil your baking dish, then pour the egg mixture in and spread evenly with a spatula.
Step 6: Bake
Bake for 35–40 minutes or until the center is set and the top is golden.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let it cool for 5–10 minutes, then slice and serve warm.
Servings and Time
- Makes: 4 servings
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35–40 minutes
Macros (per serving)
- Calories: ~250
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 4g
- Fat: 16g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Cottage cheese brings moisture and protein, and when baked with eggs, it creates a fluffy, creamy texture without needing cream. The proteins in the eggs set during baking, forming a soft, sliceable structure. Chicken sausage adds flavor and fat, while cheese brings everything together with richness and a melty finish.
Common Mistakes
- Overbaking: This dries it out — check at 35 minutes
- Not greasing the dish: It’ll stick, and that’s no fun
- Using raw sausage: Use fully cooked sausage or cook it before adding
- Skipping the whisking: Blend eggs and cottage cheese well for the best texture
What to Serve With
- A slice of sourdough toast
- Fresh fruit or a smoothie on the side
- Avocado slices with a sprinkle of chili flakes
- A quick side salad with lemon vinaigrette
FAQ
Can I use egg whites instead of whole eggs?
Yes, but the texture will be lighter and less rich.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
Nope! Once baked, it blends right in and just tastes creamy.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, slice and freeze in individual portions. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I use raw spinach?
Yes, just chop it roughly — it cooks down as it bakes.
What size dish should I use?
An 8×8 or similar size baking dish works great. If you double the recipe, use a 9×13.