Irresistible Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Looking for a healthy, protein-packed brunch option? This Irresistible Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is your new go-to recipe. Light, fluffy, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. Unlike traditional quiches, this crustless version is low in carbs but high in taste, making it a crowd favorite. With cottage cheese as the base, every bite is creamy and satisfying, while fresh spinach adds vibrant color and nutrients.

Ingredients

• Cottage Cheese Base
  • 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ¼ cup milk (any variety)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, adds warmth)
• Vegetable & Cheese Add-ins
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
• Optional Garnishes
  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Paprika for sprinkling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan with butter or cooking spray.
2. Prepare the spinach and onion: In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add garlic and spinach, sauté until spinach wilts, about 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. Blend the base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine ingredients: Stir in the sautéed spinach and onions, shredded cheddar, and Parmesan until evenly mixed.
5. Pour into pan: Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.
6. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 35–40 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
7. Cool slightly: Let the quiche cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows it to set perfectly and makes slicing easier.
8. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of paprika. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips for the Perfect Crustless Quiche

• Use well-drained cottage cheese: If your cottage cheese is too wet, drain it through a fine sieve or cheesecloth to prevent a watery quiche.
• Don’t overbake: The quiche continues to cook slightly after being removed from the oven. Overbaking can make it rubbery.
• Room temperature ingredients: Eggs and dairy at room temperature help the quiche cook evenly and produce a fluffier texture.
• Customize your veggies: Mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini all work beautifully in this quiche.

Irresistible Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

A healthy, protein-packed crustless quiche with creamy cottage cheese and fresh spinach.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 40 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Servings: 6 slices

Course: Breakfast, Brunch

Cuisine: American, Healthy

Calories: 210

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Cottage Cheese Base

• 1.5 cups cottage cheese
• 4 eggs large
• 0.25 cup milk
• 0.5 tsp salt
• 0.25 tsp black pepper
• 0.25 tsp nutmeg optional

Vegetable & Cheese Add-ins

• 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
• 0.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.5 onion finely chopped
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• Skillet
• Pie dish
• Spatula

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
2. In a skillet, sauté onions in olive oil until translucent. Add garlic and spinach; cook until spinach wilts. Cool slightly.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cottage cheese, eggs, milk, salt, pepper, and nutmeg until smooth.
4. Stir in sautéed spinach and onions, cheddar, and Parmesan until evenly combined.
5. Pour mixture into prepared pie dish, spreading evenly.
6. Bake 35–40 minutes until golden and set. Let cool 5–10 minutes.
7. Garnish with parsley, cherry tomatoes, and paprika. Slice and serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

Drain cottage cheese well to avoid a watery quiche. Can be made ahead and reheated.

Variations

• Mediterranean Twist: Add sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, and Kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired flavor.
• Protein Boost: Mix in cooked bacon or diced ham for an extra savory punch.
• Vegan-Friendly: Substitute cottage cheese with silken tofu and eggs with a flaxseed mixture for a plant-based version.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a crisp green salad for a light lunch.
• Serve with a side of roasted potatoes for a hearty brunch.
• Cut into small squares for a party appetizer or brunch buffet.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Crustless quiches are a modern twist on the traditional French quiche Lorraine. By removing the crust, they become lower in carbs and calories while still delivering rich flavor and creamy texture. Cottage cheese adds protein, making it a breakfast favorite in health-conscious households. Spinach not only adds color but also infuses the quiche with iron, calcium, and vitamin K, making it a nutrient-dense meal.

This recipe is versatile and has been embraced worldwide as a brunch staple, especially in countries like the United States and the UK where quick, protein-rich breakfasts are popular. Perfect for meal prep, it can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Why This Quiche Is Irresistible

• Creamy, cheesy texture without the heavy crust.
• Quick and simple to make with minimal prep.
• Packed with nutrients from spinach and cottage cheese.
• Easy to customize with different veggies, cheeses, or proteins.
• Perfect for brunch, breakfast, or even light dinners.

With these qualities, it’s no wonder this quiche has become a beloved recipe in kitchens everywhere.