Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it reaches the correct temperature before the breakfast bake goes in. While the oven is heating, lightly coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray, making sure to cover both the bottom and sides thoroughly. This step helps prevent the egg mixture from sticking to the dish and makes serving and cleanup much easier.
In a large mixing bowl, crack all 8 large eggs and add the 1½ cups of low-fat cottage cheese. Using a whisk, mix everything together until well combined and evenly incorporated. Don't worry if you still notice some small cottage cheese curds in the mixture—these will soften and blend beautifully into the casserole as it bakes, creating a moist and tender texture.
Add the diced cooked turkey sausage, chopped fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, shredded reduced-fat mozzarella cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper to the egg mixture. These ingredients provide a delicious balance of protein, vegetables, and flavor while creating a satisfying breakfast that reheats exceptionally well.
Using a spatula or large spoon, gently stir all of the ingredients together until they are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. Take a moment to ensure the vegetables, sausage, and cheese are well dispersed so that each breakfast square contains an equal amount of protein-packed ingredients and flavor in every bite.
Carefully pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out into an even layer with a spatula if necessary. Once the mixture is evenly distributed, gently tap the baking dish a few times on the countertop. This helps release any trapped air bubbles and promotes even baking throughout the casserole.
Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the center is fully set and no longer appears liquid. To check for doneness, insert a knife or toothpick into the center of the casserole; if it comes out clean, the breakfast bake is ready. Avoid overbaking, as this can cause the eggs to become dry and rubbery.
Remove the baking dish from the oven and place it on a heat-safe surface. Allow the casserole to rest and cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This important resting period gives the eggs time to firm up slightly, making it much easier to cut clean, well-formed squares that hold their shape.
Using a sharp knife, cut the breakfast bake into 6 equal squares. Serve the squares immediately while they are warm and the cheese is still melty, or allow them to cool completely before storing them in airtight containers for meal prep. These protein-packed breakfast squares can be re