3. Spinach, Tomato, and Quinoa Breakfast Casserole
This isn’t your grandma’s casserole: This breakfast casserole features veggies, protein, and cottage cheese.
The best part is that this recipe is incredibly versatile: Use it as a template for other delicious combinations.*
Swap spinach and tomatoes for any other vegetables you like.
We made this breakfast casserole vegetarian, but it would also taste great with pieces of lean ham, turkey bacon, or chicken breast.
Whip up one dish of this veggie-packed egg and quinoa casserole and you’re set for a week’s worth of breakfasts! It makes five servings of hearty, protein-packed meals.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 2½ cups cooked quinoa
- 8 large eggs, lightly beaten
- ¾ cup reduced-fat (2%) cottage cheese (or part-skim ricotta)
- 4 cups raw spinach
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup finely chopped basil
- Sea salt (or Himalayan salt) and ground black pepper (to taste; optional)
Instructions
Heat oven to 375° F.
Lightly coat 9×12-inch baking dish with spray. Set aside.
Combine quinoa, eggs, cottage cheese, spinach, tomatoes, and basil in a large bowl; mix well. Season with salt and pepper, if desired.
Pour quinoa mixture into baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Recipe Notes
Gluten-Free, High Protein, Lacto-Ovo Vegetarian
Sweet Breakfast Recipes
4. Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes
These Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes are a healthier twist on the breakfast favorite.
This recipe is gluten-free, but you don’t need to buy expensive gluten-free flour blends.
Instead, all you’ll need are oats and a bit of coconut flour. If you haven’t used coconut flour before, it’s great to have on hand for gluten-free baking.
These Apple Cinnamon Protein Pancakes are a delicious way to start your day.
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray
- 1 medium apple, peeled, sliced
- ¾ tsp. ground cinnamon, divided use
- 4 large egg whites (½ cup)
- ½ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup unsweetened almond milk
- 1 scoop whey protein powder, vanilla flavor
- ¼ cup dry rolled oats
- 2 Tbsp. coconut flour
- ½ tsp. baking powder
- ½ tsp. ground ginger
- 1 dash ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Heat medium nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium-low heat.
- Add apple and ¼ tsp. cinnamon; cook, stirring constantly for 3 to 4 minutes, or until apple is soft. Remove from heat. Set aside.
- Combine egg whites, applesauce, and almond milk in a small bowl; mix well. Set aside.
- Combine protein powder, oats, coconut flour, baking powder, remaining ½ tsp. cinnamon, ginger, and nutmeg in a medium bowl; mix well.
- Add applesauce mixture to oat mixture; mix until just blended.
- Heat large nonstick skillet lightly coated with spray over medium heat. Ladle about ¼ cup batter for each pancake; cook for 2 to 3 minutes, or until bubbles form on top. Flip. Cook for 90 seconds, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Divide pancakes between three serving plates. Top evenly with cooked apple slices.