If you love dishes that combine wholesome ingredients with incredible taste, you are going to adore this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe. It’s a vibrant, protein-packed delight that brings together creamy cottage cheese, fresh spinach, and just the right blend of spices to create a nourishing meal any time of day. The best part? It’s crustless, making it lighter but still wonderfully satisfying. Whether you’re searching for a quick breakfast, a hearty lunch, or a comforting dinner, this recipe is guaranteed to become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here plays an essential role in crafting the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and nutrition. From the tender spinach to the creamy cottage cheese, each element is simple yet important for making this quiche stand out.
- Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity richness while preventing the vegetables from sticking.
- Small onion, diced: Provides a natural sweetness and depth of flavor when softened.
- Garlic clove, minced: Gives a gentle aromatic kick that enhances the overall taste.
- Fresh spinach, chopped: Bolsters the quiche with vibrant color, earthiness, and vital nutrients.
- Cottage cheese: The star protein that offers creaminess without heaviness.
- Large eggs: Bind everything together and add richness.
- Salt: Balances all flavors perfectly.
- Black pepper: Provides a subtle heat that complements the spinach.
- Ground nutmeg (optional): Infuses a warm, cozy spice that elevates the dish.
- Grated parmesan or shredded cheddar (optional): Sprinkles of cheese on top create a golden, savory crust.
How to Make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Dish
Begin by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s warming up, grease a 9-inch pie dish with non-stick spray or a light coating of olive oil to ensure the quiche will release easily after baking.
Step 2: Cook the Aromatics and Spinach
In a skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach, cooking until it wilts down pleasantly. Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly so it won’t scramble the eggs later.
Step 3: Mix the Quiche Filling
In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg if you’re using it. The eggs and cottage cheese create a luscious, creamy base. Gently fold the cooled spinach and onion mixture into the egg mixture, combining everything evenly.
Step 4: Bake the Quiche
Pour your filling into the prepared pie dish. If you like, sprinkle grated parmesan or cheddar over the top to add a cheesy golden finish. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is just set and the edges have turned a beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Once baked, allow the quiche to rest for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps it firm up for cleaner slices. Serve it warm or at room temperature depending on your preference—it’s delicious either way!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can brighten the flavors and add visual appeal. A dollop of sour cream or a light drizzle of hot sauce can introduce a creamy or spicy contrast that complements the mild quiche perfectly.
Side Dishes
This crustless quiche pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think mixed greens tossed in a simple vinaigrette, a crisp cucumber salad, or even roasted cherry tomatoes. For a heartier meal, crusty whole-grain bread or a bowl of vegetable soup rounds things out beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
You can bake individual portions in muffin tins for a fun, grab-and-go option at brunch or picnics. Serving wedges alongside a colorful sauté of mushrooms or asparagus makes for a stunning, restaurant-worthy presentation. No matter how you serve it, this quiche impresses every time.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your leftover quiche will keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply cover it tightly to preserve moisture and freshness.
Freezing
If you want to save it for longer, the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe freezes wonderfully. Wrap chilled slices tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. It will stay good for up to 2 months.
Reheating
For best results, reheat slices gently in a 325°F (160°C) oven for 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. Microwave reheating works too but may cause a softer texture.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for this quiche?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid a watery quiche.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this quiche is vegetarian-friendly as it contains no meat, but it does include dairy and eggs.
Can I substitute cottage cheese with ricotta or cream cheese?
You can swap cottage cheese for ricotta for a similar texture and mild flavor. Cream cheese will be richer and denser, so use it sparingly.
How can I make this quiche gluten-free?
Since this is a crustless quiche, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your cheese and other ingredients have no hidden gluten additives.
What other vegetables can I add?
Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to customize the quiche to your tastes and to add variety.
Final Thoughts
Trying this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe is like inviting a burst of wholesome flavor and comfort into your kitchen. It’s simple, nutritious, and versatile enough to fit any meal occasion. Once you make it, you’ll wonder how you ever went without this protein-packed, veggie-rich delight. So go ahead, gather the ingredients, and treat yourself to a slice of pure deliciousness!
Print
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a healthy, protein-packed dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. Combining fresh spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and eggs, it offers a flavorful and nutritious meal without the added carbs from a traditional crust. Simple to prepare and bake, this quiche is both delicious and satisfying.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 4 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 4 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
Topping (Optional)
- ¼ cup grated parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish lightly with non-stick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking. - Sauté Vegetables
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to avoid burning. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and allow the mixture to cool slightly. - Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, 1 cup of cottage cheese, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg if using. Fold in the sautéed spinach, onion, and garlic mixture until well combined. - Assemble the Quiche
Pour the egg and spinach mixture into the prepared pie dish. If desired, sprinkle ¼ cup of grated parmesan or shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top for added flavor and a golden crust. - Bake
Place the pie dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes. Bake until the center is set and the edges are lightly golden and slightly puffed. - Rest and Serve
Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or at room temperature for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- This quiche is crustless, making it a lower-carb and lighter option compared to traditional quiches.
- You can use either fresh or frozen spinach; if using frozen, make sure to thaw fully and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery quiche.
- Feel free to customize the cheese topping or omit it completely for a dairy-reduced version.
- Leftovers can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in the oven or microwave.
- Substitute the parmesan or cheddar with other cheeses like feta or gouda for variety.
