Easy High-Protein Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings

By: Kelly Barlow

Easy high-protein breakfast casserole is the perfect make-ahead meal for busy mornings.

Packed with eggs, lean turkey sausage, cheese, and vegetables, it’s hearty enough to keep you energized until lunch.

Bake it on the weekend and enjoy grab-and-go portions all week long. Great on its own or paired with fresh fruit, avocado slices, or whole-grain toast.

Baked breakfast casserole in a white dish, topped with melted cheese, mushrooms, broccoli, and red peppers, with fresh ingredients in the background

Easy High-Protein Breakfast Casserole for Busy Mornings

This Easy High-Protein Breakfast Casserole is your new go-to for busy mornings. Packed with lean turkey sausage, eggs, veggies, and cheese, it’s a hearty, satisfying meal that fuels your day with 29 grams of protein per serving. Best of all, it’s perfect for meal prep—just bake once and enjoy grab-and-go slices all week.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Breakfast
Cuisine: American
Calories: 280

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb (450g) lean turkey sausage or chicken sausage
  • 8 large eggs
  • 1 cup (240 ml) egg whites
  • 1 cup (120 g) shredded reduced-fat cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (120 g) diced bell peppers mixed colors
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cups (60 g) fresh spinach roughly chopped
  • 1 cup (240 ml)  milk  skim or unsweetened almond milk
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp salt  optional, adjust to taste
  • Cooking spray or 1 tsp olive oil

Equipment

  • 9x13-inch baking dish or 8×8 for a thicker casserole
  • Large skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

  1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil.
    Cook the Sausage: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the turkey sausage until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed.
    Sliced sausage pieces being cooked in a skillet with onions and herbs, stirred with a wooden spatula
  2. Sauté Veggies: Add diced onion and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove from heat.
    Whisk Eggs: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, egg whites, milk, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
    A mixing bowl with whisked eggs, milk, and seasonings being combined with a wire whisk
  3. Assemble Casserole: Spread the cooked sausage and veggies evenly in the baking dish. Pour the egg mixture over the top, then sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
    Bake: Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and a knife inserted comes out clean.
    A glass baking dish filled with uncooked breakfast casserole layers of sausage, broccoli, red peppers, and shredded cheese
  4. Cool & Serve: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing into 6 portions. Serve warm or refrigerate for up to 5 days.
    A close-up of a slice of baked breakfast casserole with sausage, eggs, cheese, peppers, and herbs on top, ready to serve

Video

Notes

Nutrient Amount per Serving (~220g)
Calories 280
Carbohydrates 6 g
Protein 29 g
Fat 14 g
Saturated Fat 5 g
Polyunsaturated Fat 2 g
Monounsaturated Fat 4 g
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 260 mg
Sodium 620 mg
Potassium 480 mg
Fiber 1 g
Sugar 3 g
Vitamin A 2100 IU (42% DV)
Vitamin C 35% DV
Calcium 180 mg (18% DV)
Iron 2.5 mg (14% DV)

Cooking Tips

  • Swap in Greek yogurt in place of some milk for extra creaminess and protein.
  • Use different veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or broccoli to switch things up.
  • Make it spicy by adding jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
  • For a meal-prep boost, cut into squares and wrap individually for quick reheating.

Serving Ideas for Your High-Protein Breakfast Casserole

This high-protein breakfast casserole is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different mornings or dietary needs.

For a quick weekday breakfast, simply reheat a slice in the microwave and enjoy it as-is, no extras needed.

If you’re craving something heartier, pair it with a slice of whole-grain toast or an English muffin to add a dose of complex carbs. A small side of fresh fruit like berries, orange slices, or a banana complements the savory flavor and adds natural sweetness without extra sugar.

For a more elevated brunch option, serve each slice with a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices on top. You can also turn it into a wrap, just roll up a warm piece of the casserole in a whole-wheat tortilla with some salsa or hot sauce for a delicious on-the-go breakfast burrito.

If you’re feeding a crowd, consider offering a toppings bar with extras like chopped green onions, jalapeños, hot sauce, or even crumbled feta or goat cheese, so everyone can customize their own plate.

A slice of breakfast casserole with ham, broccoli, cheese, and herbs served on a white plate with a fork
Adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach to your breakfast casserole boosts fiber and micronutrients, keeping you full longer

Alternative Ingredients for Customizing Your Breakfast Casserole

One of the best things about this high-protein breakfast casserole is how adaptable it is.

Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions, personal preferences, or simply using what you have on hand, there are plenty of easy ingredient swaps that keep the dish just as delicious and nutritious.

Swapping ingredients is also a great way to keep the recipe fresh week after week.

Here are some popular alternatives you can try:

Category Main Alternative Additional Option
Protein Options Chicken sausage, lean ground beef, or plant-based sausage crumbles Add diced cooked bacon or ham
Vegetables Zucchini, broccoli florets, mushrooms, or kale Use thawed and drained frozen vegetables
Cheese Pepper jack, mozzarella, or Swiss Use plant-based cheese for a dairy-free version
Egg Alternatives Replace whole eggs with additional egg whites Use a liquid egg substitute like Egg Beaters
Milk Options Unsweetened soy, oat, or almond milk Use 2% or whole milk for added richness

These swaps make the casserole more flexible and inclusive for different diets, including vegetarian, dairy-free, and low-carb lifestyles, without compromising on taste or texture.

Summary

Make-ahead meals like high-protein breakfast casseroles are a simple way to stay fueled without sacrificing time or flavor.

With just a few ingredient swaps, it becomes easy to adjust for dietary needs, pantry limitations, or personal tastes.

Keep a batch in the fridge for busy mornings or serve it as part of a weekend brunch. It’s flexible, filling, and fits into just about any routine.

Try it once, and it might just become part of your weekly rotation.

Find out more and delicious no-cook, no-refrigeration dishes here!