Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s both delicious and easy to whip up, you’re in the right place! This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a family favorite in my home. It’s packed with protein from the cottage cheese and beautifully balanced with fresh spinach and cheddar cheese. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special brunch with friends, this quiche has got you covered. Plus, it’s crustless, making it lighter yet just as satisfying!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple to make: With just a few steps, you can have this quiche ready for the oven in no time.
- Packed with nutrition: The combination of cottage cheese and spinach offers a healthy dose of protein and vitamins.
- Versatile meal option: Enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner—this dish is perfect for any time of day!
- Great for leftovers: Make it ahead of time and store the leftovers in the fridge; it tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are easy to find. You’ll love how these flavors come together beautifully!
- • 1 tablespoon olive oil
- • 1 small onion, diced
- • 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- • 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- • 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- • 4 large eggs
- • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or half cheddar, half mozzarella)
- • 1/2 cup milk
- • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- • Salt and pepper to taste
Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative with your ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some mushrooms or tomatoes for extra flavor.
- Change the cheese: Use feta or goat cheese instead of cheddar for a different taste.
- Include herbs: Fresh herbs like basil or parsley can brighten the dish even more.
- Switch up the greens: If you don’t have spinach, kale or Swiss chard works beautifully too!
How to Make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your quiche bakes evenly from the moment you put it in.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté the diced onion and bell pepper until soft, about 3–4 minutes. This helps develop their flavors before mixing them into your quiche.
Step 3: Add Spinach
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Removing them from heat allows them to cool slightly before they join the egg mixture.
Step 4: Combine Eggs and Cheese
In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cottage cheese. Stir in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper. This mixture forms the creamy base of your quiche.
Step 5: Mix in Veggies & Cheese
Fold in your sautéed vegetables along with shredded cheese until everything is well combined. This ensures every bite has that delicious flavor!
Step 6: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9-inch pie dish and pour your mixture into it, spreading evenly. A good greasing will help prevent sticking when it’s done baking.
Step 7: Bake It Up!
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set. Allowing it to cool for around 5–10 minutes before slicing makes serving much easier.
Step 8: Enjoy!
Serve warm or at room temperature. This quiche is wonderful on its own or paired with a fresh salad on the side!
Pro Tips for Making Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
Creating a delicious Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is easy, especially when you keep these handy tips in mind!
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Use fresh ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cottage cheese make a significant difference in flavor. Opting for fresh produce enhances the overall taste and nutritional value of your quiche.
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Experiment with cheese: Mixing different types of cheese, like cheddar and mozzarella, not only adds depth to the flavor but also gives a delightful texture. Feel free to try other varieties such as feta or pepper jack for a unique twist!
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Don’t rush the cooling time: Allowing the quiche to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing helps it set properly. This ensures clean slices and makes serving easier.
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Customize your veggies: Feel free to swap or add vegetables like mushrooms, tomatoes, or zucchini. This customization lets you cater the quiche to your taste preferences and seasonal produce.
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Make ahead for convenience: This quiche keeps well in the fridge for several days. Preparing it in advance means you have a healthy meal ready to go whenever hunger strikes!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
This crustless quiche is versatile enough for breakfast, brunch, or even as a light lunch or dinner. Here are some ideas on how to present this tasty dish.
Garnishes
- Fresh herbs: Chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top can add a burst of freshness and color.
- Sour cream or yogurt: A dollop of dairy-free sour cream or plain yogurt complements the flavors beautifully while adding creaminess.
Side Dishes
- Mixed Green Salad: A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette brings a refreshing crunch that balances the richness of the quiche.
- Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs make for a hearty side that pairs nicely with the lighter quiche.
- Fruit Platter: A colorful assortment of seasonal fruits offers a sweet contrast and is perfect for breakfast or brunch settings.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with lemon juice adds an elegant touch and pairs well with this flavorful dish.
Enjoy your Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche as part of a delightful meal that’s sure to impress!
Make Ahead and Storage
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, store it, and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s perfect for busy mornings or quick lunches.
Storing Leftovers
- Allow the quiche to cool completely before storing.
- Place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Consume within 3–5 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
- To freeze, cut the quiche into individual portions.
- Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag.
- Freeze for up to 2 months. Be sure to label the bags with the date.
Reheating
- To reheat from frozen, remove the desired portion and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
- For a quick reheating option, use a microwave; heat on medium power until warmed through (about 1–2 minutes).
- Alternatively, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15–20 minutes until hot.
FAQs
Here are some common questions you might have about this recipe!
Can I use other vegetables in my Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche?
Absolutely! Feel free to swap out spinach for other leafy greens like kale or add bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just make sure to sauté any vegetables first to remove excess moisture.
How can I ensure my Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is fluffy?
Whisking your eggs thoroughly before combining them with other ingredients helps incorporate air, leading to a fluffier texture. Additionally, using cottage cheese adds a wonderful creaminess!
Is this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes! Since this recipe doesn’t include any crusts made from flour, it’s naturally gluten-free. Just be sure that all your ingredients are certified gluten-free if you have severe sensitivities.
Can I make this quiche dairy-free?
Yes! You can substitute dairy products with alternatives such as almond milk or cashew cheese for a dairy-free version. Just keep in mind that these substitutions may alter the flavor slightly.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find joy in making this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche! It’s not only easy to prepare but also packed with nutrients and flavor. Perfect for breakfast or brunch gatherings, each bite is comforting and satisfying. Enjoy creating this recipe in your kitchen; I can’t wait for you to savor its deliciousness!
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves approximately 6
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a delightful, nutritious dish perfect for any meal of the day. This quiche is bursting with protein from cottage cheese and nutrients from fresh spinach, making it a wholesome choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The absence of a crust keeps it light yet satisfying, allowing you to enjoy all the flavors without the heaviness. With its cheesy goodness and easy preparation, this quiche can be whipped up in no time, making it ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely brunches with friends. Plus, it’s a fantastic option for meal prep—make it ahead and savor the leftovers!
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or half cheddar, half mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft (3–4 minutes).
- Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cottage cheese. Stir in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper.
- Fold in sautéed vegetables and shredded cheese until combined.
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish and pour the mixture into it evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes or until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 16g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
