The Quiche That Saved My Breakfasts

The Quiche That Saved My Breakfasts is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 550 calories per serving. Recipe by Ethan Paff on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 55 min | Total: 1 hr 30 min

Cost: $15.09 total, $2.51 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 whole Shallot (small onion, half used for this recipe, other half saved for later)
  • 2 cloves Garlic Clove (peeled and minced using the crush‑then‑slice technique)
  • 8 oz Mushrooms (sticky or button mushrooms, roughly chopped; optional but adds savory depth)
  • 1 lb Ground Turkey (lean, versatile, inexpensive; cooked until browned)
  • 2 tsp Salt (regular table salt; 1 tsp added while cooking meat, 1 tsp added to eggs)
  • 1 tsp White Pepper (white pepper, not black)
  • 3 tsp Rub Sage (dried sage, about 3 g)
  • 18 large eggs Large Egg (beaten until fully combined)
  • 2 14 oz containers Cottage Cheese (2% low‑fat cottage cheese; adds creamy texture and extra protein)
  • 12 oz Frozen Broccoli Florets (microwaved first to remove excess moisture)
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for greasing the baking dish; optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep Aromatics

    Trim the shallot, slice one half lengthwise, then mince it. Crush the garlic cloves with the flat side of the knife, peel, trim the ends and mince.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Preheat Oven

    Set the oven to 375°F (190°C) and let it preheat while you finish prep.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 375°F

  3. Cook Ground Turkey

    Heat the skillet over medium heat, add the ground turkey, sprinkle 1 tsp salt, and cook, breaking it up, until it starts to brown (about 5‑6 minutes).

    Time: PT8M

    Temperature: medium heat

  4. Add Mushrooms

    Add the chopped mushrooms to the skillet and continue cooking until they release moisture and soften (about 4‑5 minutes).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: medium heat

  5. Season and Mash

    Stir in 1 tsp white pepper and 3 tsp rub sage. Use a potato masher to break the mixture into a finer mince.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Add Shallots and Garlic

    Add the minced shallot and garlic to the skillet, cooking for another 2 minutes until fragrant.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Beat Eggs with Salt

    In a large mixing bowl, crack 18 eggs, add the remaining 1 tsp salt, and whisk vigorously until fully combined.

    Time: PT5M

  8. Incorporate Cottage Cheese

    Add the two 14‑oz containers of cottage cheese to the beaten eggs and stir until just combined. For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese beforehand (optional).

    Time: PT3M

  9. Combine Meat Mixture with Egg Base

    Pour the cooked turkey‑mushroom mixture into the egg‑cottage cheese bowl and whisk gently to distribute evenly.

    Time: PT2M

  10. Prepare Frozen Broccoli

    Place the frozen broccoli in a microwave‑safe dish, add a splash of water, cover loosely, and microwave on high for about 4 minutes until heated and excess moisture released.

    Time: PT4M

  11. Add Broccoli to Mixture

    Fold the microwaved broccoli into the casserole mixture, distributing evenly.

    Time: PT1M

  12. Transfer to Baking Dish

    Lightly grease the 9x13‑inch glass baking dish with olive oil (or use a non‑stick spray) and pour the mixture in, smoothing the top with a spatula.

    Time: PT2M

  13. Bake the Kiche

    Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

    Time: PT40M

    Temperature: 375°F

  14. Cool and Portion

    Remove from oven, let cool for 5 minutes, then cut into portions (each serving is roughly two sections).

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
550
Protein
60 g
Carbohydrates
15 g
Fat
20 g
Fiber
5 g

Dietary info: High‑protein, Gluten‑free, Low‑carb

Allergens: Eggs, Dairy (cottage cheese)

Last updated: April 17, 2026

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The Quiche That Saved My Breakfasts

Recipe by Ethan Paff

A savory, cheesy, high‑protein breakfast casserole that can be made in under an hour and provides a week’s worth of nutritious meals. Ground turkey, cottage cheese, and 18 eggs create a protein‑packed dish, while optional mushrooms and frozen broccoli add flavor and veggies. Perfect for winter or fall mornings.

EasyAmericanServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
32m
Prep
57m
Cook
11m
Cleanup
1h 40m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$15.09
Total cost
$2.51
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Preheat Oven to 375°F (190°C)
  • Cook ground turkey until browned and fully cooked
  • Bake the kiche for 40 minutes until set

Safety Warnings

  • Cook ground turkey to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to eliminate food‑borne pathogens.
  • Handle hot skillet and oven with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Steam from microwaved broccoli can be very hot; lift the dish carefully.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of high‑protein breakfast egg bake (kiche) in American cuisine?

A

Breakfast casseroles like this egg bake have been a staple in American home cooking since the mid‑20th century, offering a convenient way to feed families with a hearty, protein‑rich meal. The modern "kiche" variation reflects today’s focus on high‑protein, meal‑prep friendly dishes that suit busy weekend mornings.

cultural
Q

What traditional regional variations of egg‑based breakfast casseroles exist in the United States?

A

Across the U.S., you’ll find variations such as the Southern "egg casserole" with sausage and cheese, New England "hash brown casserole," and Southwest versions that add corn, black beans, and jalapeños. Each reflects local ingredients and flavor preferences while keeping the core concept of baked eggs.

cultural
Q

How is a high‑protein breakfast egg bake (kiche) traditionally served in American households?

A

It is typically sliced into squares and served warm, often accompanied by toast, fresh fruit, or a simple side salad. Many families reheat individual portions for a quick weekday breakfast or pack them for on‑the‑go meals.

cultural
Q

During which occasions or celebrations is a breakfast egg bake (kiche) commonly prepared in American culture?

A

Egg casseroles are popular for holiday brunches, family gatherings, and as a make‑ahead option for busy school mornings. They’re also a go‑to dish for potlucks because they can be prepared ahead and served at room temperature for a short time.

cultural
Q

What makes this high‑protein breakfast egg bake (kiche) special compared to other American breakfast casseroles?

A

The use of ground turkey and cottage cheese dramatically boosts protein while keeping fat moderate. Adding mushrooms and optional broccoli adds umami and nutrients, making it a balanced, savory option that stands out from cheese‑only or sausage‑heavy versions.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a breakfast egg bake (kiche) and what are acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional ingredients include eggs, cheese (often cheddar or cottage cheese), a protein such as sausage or turkey, and vegetables like onions, peppers, or broccoli. Substitutes can be ground chicken for turkey, ricotta for cottage cheese, and any frozen or fresh vegetable you prefer.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making the high‑protein breakfast egg bake (kiche) from Ethan Paff?

A

Common errors include adding frozen vegetables without draining excess water, under‑cooking the turkey, and over‑mixing the cottage cheese which can make the texture grainy. Follow the microwave‑drain step for broccoli and mash the turkey for a finer consistency.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use cottage cheese instead of a traditional cheese sauce for the egg bake (kiche)?

A

Cottage cheese adds moisture and a mild cheesy flavor while contributing a high amount of protein with less fat than many shredded cheeses. It also blends easily into the egg base, creating a creamy texture without the need for a separate sauce.

technical
Q

Can I make the high‑protein breakfast egg bake (kiche) ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, bake the casserole a day or two in advance, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days. For longer storage, portion and freeze; reheat in the microwave or oven before serving.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Ethan Paff specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Ethan Paff focuses on quick, high‑protein, budget‑friendly meals that are easy to prepare for busy lifestyles, often featuring meal‑prep techniques and simple ingredient lists.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Ethan Paff's approach to high‑protein breakfast dishes differ from other cooking channels?

A

Ethan Paff emphasizes minimal prep time, uses unconventional protein sources like ground turkey, and incorporates surprise ingredients (like cottage cheese) to boost nutrition without sacrificing flavor, setting his style apart from channels that rely on traditional breakfast meats.

channel

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