Christmas Egg Casserole with Cottage Cheese

Every year after Christmas Day, I look forward to this christmas egg casserole almost as much as the main feast itself. It is one of my favourite ways to reduce food waste, use up leftover turkey and veg, and create something wholesome and satisfying with very little effort. As a nutrition coach, I love recipes like this because they strike such a great balance between convenience and nourishment. With plenty of protein, colourful vegetables, and almost no prep, this cottage cheese egg casserole makes the days after Christmas feel calmer, easier, and a little more delicious.

This recipe has become a tradition in my home for a reason. It’s incredibly flexible, naturally a healthy egg casserole, and works beautifully as breakfast, lunch, or an easy dinner. Plus, it’s naturally a gluten free egg casserole and easily adapted to be dairy free, keto friendly, or vegetarian depending on what leftovers you have.

Ingredients

• Leftover turkey
  Sub: leftover chicken, ham, or plant-based turkey alternatives.
• Leftover Brussels sprouts
  Sub: any roasted veg—broccoli, green beans, asparagus, or sautéed mushrooms.
• Pigs in blankets
  Sub: cooked sausage, bacon, or vegetarian sausages.
• Leftover potatoes
  Sub: roasted sweet potatoes, mash, or parsnips.
• Leftover carrots
  Sub: roasted root veg of any kind.
• 4 large eggs
  Sub: 3 eggs + 2 egg whites for lower fat; use a plant-based egg alternative for dairy-free/vegan adaptations.
• 200 g cottage cheese
  Sub: ricotta, Greek yogurt, or dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives.
• Salt and pepper
  Sub: add herbs like thyme, rosemary, parsley, or smoked paprika.

Method

1. Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 180°C.
Coach tip: A hot oven ensures the casserole sets evenly without overcooking.

2. Layer your leftovers
Add turkey, Brussels sprouts, pigs in blankets, potatoes, and carrots to a baking dish.
Coach tip: Chop everything into similar-sized pieces so the casserole bakes uniformly.

3. Whisk the eggs
In a bowl, whisk 4 eggs with salt and pepper, then stir in the cottage cheese until combined.
Coach tip: Cottage cheese adds protein and creaminess without making the casserole heavy.

4. Pour and bake
Pour the egg mixture over the leftovers and gently shake the dish to help everything settle. Bake 12–15 minutes or until just set and golden around the edges.
Coach tip: Don’t overbake—eggs continue to firm up after removing from the oven.

5. Serve
Serve warm and enjoy the simplest, cosiest post-Christmas meal.

Tips & Variations

• Drain excess moisture from leftover vegetables to prevent a soggy casserole.
• Add fresh herbs or spring onion for brightness.
• Bake in muffin cups for portable breakfast portions.
• Keto egg casserole: Use low-carb veg (Brussels sprouts, broccoli, spinach) and omit potatoes or carrots.
• Dairy free egg casserole: Swap cottage cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit entirely.
• Vegetarian version: Replace turkey/pigs in blankets with extra veg or plant-based sausage.
• Breakfast sausage egg casserole: Swap turkey for cooked breakfast sausage.
• High-protein option: Add an extra egg or a handful of shredded cooked chicken.

FAQ

How do I make this recipe keto?
Skip the potatoes and carrots, and load up on turkey, sprouts, broccoli, mushrooms, or spinach.

Can I make this egg casserole without bread?
Yes, this recipe is naturally an egg casserole without bread, so it’s gluten-free and low carb.

What is the best way to use Christmas leftovers?
Egg casseroles, soups, and stuffed wraps are some of the healthiest ways to repurpose Christmas food while avoiding waste.

Can I use dairy-free ingredients?
Yes, use dairy-free cottage cheese or omit it entirely.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, although the texture is best when fresh. Freeze for up to 2 months and reheat fully before serving.

Storage, Serving & Reheating

• Storage: Keep in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze portions individually for easy meal prep.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven or microwave until hot throughout.
• Serving ideas: Pair with a green salad, roasted tomatoes, or fresh herbs.

Some Useful products I have found for this recipe:

This beautiful baking dish from Le Creuset is the only one you will need to bake anythings, from puddings to roast potatoes or vegetables.