I absolutely love sharing this Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe because it’s one of those meals that feels cozy and hearty but also fresh and packed with veggies. When I first tried making breakfast casseroles, I used to struggle getting the veggies cooked just right without making the dish soggy. This recipe cracked the code for me! It brings together tender mushrooms, wilted spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar in a way that my whole family goes crazy for. Whether you’re prepping for a weekend brunch or meal prepping for busy mornings, you’ll find that this casserole is as delicious as it is forgiving to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Vegetable-Packed Goodness: Mushrooms and spinach add great flavor and nutrition without overpowering the dish.
- Creamy & Cheesy Comfort: Cottage cheese and sharp cheddar melt perfectly, giving this casserole a luscious texture.
- Easy to Prep Ahead: You can mix it all up the night before and bake it fresh in the morning with minimal fuss.
- Great for Any Meal: Not just breakfast—you’ll love it for brunch, lunch, or a light dinner too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole recipe calls for everyday ingredients that complement each other beautifully. When shopping, pick fresh mushrooms with no bruising and bright green spinach for the best flavor and texture.
- Unsalted butter: Using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level more precisely in this savory dish.
- Medium onion: I like to use yellow onions for their sweetness when sautéed.
- Mushrooms: White button or cremini mushrooms work great, just slice them thin for even cooking.
- Baby spinach: Feel free to substitute with fresh baby kale if you want a slightly earthier bite.
- Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic is key for that punch of flavor.
- Eggs: They’re the binder holding everything together—make sure they’re well-beaten.
- Cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and protein without heaviness.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: I always shred it fresh for that melty, rich flavor.
- Green onions: They give a subtle oniony freshness that lightens the casserole.
- Kosher salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance.
Variations
One of the things I love about this Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe is how easy it is to customize. I often switch up the veggies or add a little extra protein depending on what we have on hand—so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
- Adding sausage or bacon: I once tossed in cooked crumbled sausage for a meatier brunch option, and my family adored it.
- Using different greens: Swiss chard or kale can brighten the flavor and texture beautifully if spinach isn’t your favorite.
- Cheese swaps: Try pepper jack or gruyere for a twist on the classic cheddar flavor.
- Make it dairy-free: Substitute cottage cheese with a silken tofu blend and use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a vegan spin.
How to Make Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Sauté your veggies to perfection
Start by heating 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. I like using a wide pan so the onions and mushrooms cook evenly without steaming. Once the butter is melted, toss in your chopped onion and sliced mushrooms. Stir them around for about 3-4 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the mushrooms soften up nicely. Next, add the minced garlic—this is where that fragrant garlicky punch kicks in—then sauté everything for just another minute.
Step 2: Wilt and prep the spinach
Now, add spinach by the handfuls right into the skillet. It will look like a ton at first, but it wilts down quickly. Cover your pan with a lid and let it cook for about 5 minutes until fully wilted. One trick I learned is to let the mixture cool for a bit, then gently squeeze out any excess liquid—this stops your casserole from turning watery. Once drained, chop the spinach and mushroom mixture a bit finer to spread the flavor evenly throughout.
Step 3: Combine everything in a bowl
In a separate large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, kosher salt, and black pepper. I find that whisking the eggs well ensures a fluffy, consistent texture. Then, fold in your cooled spinach and mushroom mixture until everything is evenly distributed. This mixture is already full of flavor and texture at this point, so you’re well on your way!
Step 4: Bake to golden perfection
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with a tablespoon of butter. Pour your mixture into the dish and smooth out the top. Bake for 45 to 50 minutes until the top is a beautiful golden brown and the center is set. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife in the middle—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs. I’ve found that letting it cool for a few minutes before slicing helps it hold its shape nicely.
Pro Tips for Making Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Drain Your Veggies Well: Squeezing excess moisture out of the spinach and mushrooms before mixing prevents a soggy casserole.
- Freshly Shred Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often has anti-caking agents that melt differently, so shredding your own gives a smoother finish.
- Use a Glass Baking Dish: I find glass heats more evenly, helping the casserole cook through without burning the edges.
- Avoid Overbaking: Pull the casserole out as soon as the center sets to keep it moist and tender rather than dry.
How to Serve Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top servings with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or additional sliced green onions. Sometimes, a little dollop of sour cream or a spoonful of salsa adds a delightful contrast that keeps things exciting. I love how these simple garnishes brighten up the rich casserole.
Side Dishes
For brunch, I like to serve this alongside crisp fruit salad or toasted multigrain bread. Roasted potatoes or a light mixed green salad also pair wonderfully to round out the meal. These sides keep the meal balanced and filling without overpowering the casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, I’ve cut the casserole into muffin-sized portions using a greased muffin tin—it makes for a fun finger food presentation that’s great for kids or buffet-style brunches. You can even slide individual slices onto a bed of arugula with a drizzle of herb vinaigrette for a fancy plated look.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep leftover casserole tightly wrapped in airtight containers in the fridge, and it usually lasts for 3-4 days without losing flavor or texture. If your casserole has absorbed moisture by the second day, a quick reheat in the oven can refresh the crispy top.
Freezing
Freezing this casserole is a lifesaver when I make a big batch. I slice portions, wrap each tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results. The texture holds up surprisingly well!
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer the oven to keep the texture intact—around 325°F for 15-20 minutes usually does the trick. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works fine too, though the casserole gets softer. To regain some crispiness, pop it under the broiler for a minute or two afterward.
FAQs
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Can I make this Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegetarian as written. Just ensure your cheese and cottage cheese fit your vegetarian preferences (some cheeses use animal rennet), and you’re good to go.
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Can I prepare the casserole the night before?
Yes! You can prepare the entire mixture the night before, store it covered in the fridge, and bake it fresh in the morning. This makes busy mornings so much easier and still produces a delicious, fresh casserole.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have cottage cheese?
If you don’t have cottage cheese on hand, ricotta is a great substitute that offers similar creaminess. Greek yogurt can also work if you want a tangier flavor and slightly lighter texture.
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Is this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, this Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free cheese and seasonings. It’s perfect for gluten-sensitive diets.
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How can I make this recipe vegan?
To veganize this casserole, substitute eggs with flax or chia egg replacers, replace cottage cheese with blended silken tofu, and swap the cheddar for a plant-based cheese. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will shift somewhat, but it’s still tasty!
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it balances simplicity with comforting flavor so well. Whether you’re feeding your family or prepping for the week ahead, this dish checks all the boxes: nourishing, easy, delicious, and adaptable. I really encourage you to give it a try—just imagine waking up to the smell of melted cheese, savory mushrooms, and fresh spinach baked into one perfect casserole. It’s a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, and I’m confident you’ll love it as much as we do!
Print
Spinach Mushroom Breakfast Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 min
- Cook Time: 45 min
- Total Time: 65 min
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Breakfast Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A hearty and nutritious Spinach and Mushroom Breakfast Casserole made with sautéed mushrooms, fresh spinach, and a rich mixture of eggs, cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar cheese. Perfectly baked to a golden brown for a delicious and satisfying morning meal.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 medium onion, chopped (about 7 ounces)
- 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
- 12 ounce baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
Dairy & Eggs
- 5 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
- 6 eggs, beaten
- 16 ounces cottage cheese
- 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Use 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter to grease a 13″ x 9″ baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and sliced mushrooms and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are soft. Then add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute to release its aroma.
- Cook Spinach: Gradually add the baby spinach in handfuls to the skillet, stirring to incorporate each addition. Cover the skillet and let the spinach wilt completely, which will take about 5 minutes.
- Cool and Drain: Once the spinach has wilted and combined with the other vegetables, remove the skillet from heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly, then drain any excess liquid that has accumulated. Chop the mixture more finely to ensure even distribution in the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, cottage cheese, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Then fold in the cooled spinach and mushroom mixture thoroughly.
- Assemble and Bake: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared greased baking dish. Place it in the preheated oven and bake for 45-50 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the center is fully set and cooked through.
Notes
- This recipe is gluten free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
- Be sure to drain the excess moisture from the spinach and mushrooms to keep the casserole from becoming soggy.
- The casserole can be prepared the night before and baked fresh in the morning for a convenient breakfast option.
- For a vegetarian diet, ensure the cottage cheese and cheddar are free from animal rennet if desired.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 242 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 554 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 15 g
- Cholesterol: 129 mg