This easy breakfast casserole is made with eggs, cottage cheese, melty pepper jack cheese, and green chilies - perfect for meal prep, holidays, or feeding a crowd.

breakfast casserole with golden cheesy top and garnish of green onions, with two squares removed and one square cut, with metal spatula rest in the pan.

I love having an easy breakfast casserole recipe like this, tucked in my back pocket. It's made with simple ingredients and requires very little hands-on time, making it perfect for busy mornings, weekend brunch, or feeding overnight guests. The base is made with eggs, cottage cheese, pepper jack, and green chilies, creating a “chile relleno”-inspired flavor. So delicious!

And, honestly, this breakfast casserole truly couldn't be simpler - no chopping, sautéing, roasting, and no extra pans required. Just blend the eggs, cottage cheese, and spices, stir in the remaining ingredients, pour everything into a baking dish, and bake until puffed and golden. Leftovers are amazing, and I can’t tell you how much I look forward to this for lunch. A “dump-and-go” recipe that's perfect for meal prep, a special brunch, or anytime you want a warm, satisfying meal without a lot of fuss.

Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!

A go-to recipe for brunch or overnight guests. Take the stress out of hosting! This is my go-to breakfast casserole when I need something easy, yet delicious, to feed a crowd. Plus, it’s make-ahead-friendly!

It couldn’t be easier! Simply blend the eggs and cottage cheese, stir in the remaining ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and bake until puffed and golden. No piles of dishes, no chopping, no sautéing, no pre-roasting. Easy Peasy!

Full of bold flavor. This breakfast casserole is rich, custardy, and cheesy, thanks to eggs, cottage cheese, and pepper jack. Diced chilies and green onions add mild heat and delicious Southwest flavor.

Breakfast Casserole Ingredients

ingredients for easy breakfast casserole neatly arranged in bowls - green onions, cottage cheese, spices, eggs, two small cans of green chiles, bowl of milk, and grated cheese.

Eggs - The hearty foundation of this breakfast casserole, creating a fluffy, protein-rich base that holds everything together.
Cottage cheese - Adds creaminess, moisture, and extra protein while helping the casserole bake up light and tender. Whole-milk cottage cheese yields the best texture.
Milk - Helps loosen the egg mixture and creates a soft custardy consistency.
Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano - A simple blend of seasonings that adds savory flavor and warmth without overpowering the dish.
Pepper Jack cheese - Brings melty richness and a gentle kick of spice, creating those irresistible cheesy pockets throughout the casserole.
Diced green hatch chilies - Add mild heat and Southwestern flavor, keeping the casserole interesting while still family-friendly. Use 2-3 small cans.
Green onions or cilantro - Provide fresh, bright flavor and a pop of color; using a mix of both works especially well.

Variations

Add any of the suggestions below to your breakfast casserole for extra protein or veggies! I will say, though, that it is truly delicious without any additions, but feel free to add:

Browned sausage or diced ham
Sautéed vegetables, like bell peppers, yellow onion, mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli
Wilted spinach for extra nutrients
Roasted poblano or hatch chilies (instead of diced green chilies)

How to Make Breakfast Casserole

Preheat the oven to 350F.

1. Blend the eggs. Add eggs, cottage cheese, milk, spices, salt, and black pepper to a blender and blend until smooth.

top view of blender with eggs, cottage cheese, and spices.

vitamix blender with eggs and other ingredients needed for breakfast casserole.

2. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for the top, then stir the rest into the egg mixture, along with the chilies and most of the green onions or cilantro (leave some for garnish!).

blended egg mixture in blender with wood utensil to stir in cheese and herbs.

rectangular casserole dish with egg mixture with green onions, unbaked.

3. Assemble the breakfast casserole. Pour the egg mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top.

breakfast casserole before going into the oven, with grated pepper jack cheese spread over the top.

4. Bake. Place the baking dish on the lower middle rack for 35-50 minutes, or until the center puffs. Check halfway through and tent with aluminum foil if the edges are getting too dark.

5. Garnish and serve. Garnish with the remaining green onions or cilantro, then cut into squares with a sharp knife, and serve warm or at room temperature.

baked breakfast casserole topped with sliced green onions with metal spatula resting on top.

Chef’s Tips

Stir in the cheese, don’t blend! When adding the cheese, chilies, and green onions or cilantro, be sure to stir well. Avoid blending, as this will turn the mixture green. Plus, you want to preserve some texture!
Use Pepper Jack cheese for the best flavor! Pepper Jack adds a lot of flavor. If you use a different cheese, I recommend adding more spices, salt, or even chili flakes.
Cover the pan with foil if it begins to brown. Keep an eye on the casserole, and if it begins to brown along the edges, place a tented sheet of foil over the top, or move to the lowest rack.
The casserole is done when the center puffs. Check the center of the casserole for doneness.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this breakfast casserole any time of day on its own or with a breakfast side like Breakfast Potatoes or Sweet Potato Hash, fresh fruit, or simple dressed greens. Here are more of our favorite pairings:

Make-Ahead & Storage

Make-ahead: Feel free to assemble the breakfast casserole the day before serving. Prep it and store it in the refrigerator, then bake it in the morning. Let the pan come to room temperature before baking. Or, simply bake the day before and reheat in the morning.
Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.