Description: A light, healthy, and incredibly easy-to-make crustless quiche, packed with protein from cottage cheese and nutrients from spinach. This quiche is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or a light dinner. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and a delicious way to sneak in extra veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat, your preference)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped (about 5 ounces raw spinach)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (whole, 2%, or skim milk all work well; almond milk or oat milk can be substituted)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 tablespoon olive oil for sautéing spinach
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the quiche cooks evenly. Place the oven rack in the center position. Grease a 9-inch pie dish thoroughly with butter, cooking spray, or olive oil. This prevents the quiche from sticking and ensures easy removal.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach (Optional Sauté). While you can use the spinach raw, a quick sauté enhances the flavor and texture. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until wilted and slightly reduced in volume. Remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly. Sautéing also helps remove excess moisture from the spinach, preventing a soggy quiche.
Step 3: Whisk the Eggs and Milk. In a large bowl, whisk together the 4 large eggs, ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Ensure the mixture is well combined and slightly frothy. The eggs provide structure and richness, while the milk adds moisture and helps create a creamy texture. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your liking – a pinch more or less can make a big difference.
Step 4: Combine the Ingredients. To the egg mixture, add the cottage cheese, cooked (or raw) spinach, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. Make sure the cottage cheese is broken up a bit to prevent large clumps in the finished quiche. The mozzarella cheese adds a delightful melty texture, while the Parmesan cheese provides a salty, umami flavor boost.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9-inch pie dish. Spread the mixture evenly to ensure even baking. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown on top. The quiche is done when the center is no longer jiggly and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the pie dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a winner for so many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly simple to make. The straightforward preparation requires minimal effort and time, making it perfect for busy weeknights or weekend brunches. Secondly, it’s a healthy and nutritious option. The abundance of cottage cheese provides a great source of protein, while the spinach is packed with vitamins and minerals. The absence of a crust significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making it a fantastic choice for those watching their carb intake or following a gluten-free diet.
Beyond its simplicity and health benefits, the taste is truly exceptional. The creamy cottage cheese blends seamlessly with the earthy spinach, while the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add a delicious cheesy flavor that everyone will love. The garlic powder provides a subtle savory note that enhances the overall taste profile.
This quiche is also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and herbs. Add chopped mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients. Swap out the mozzarella for cheddar, Gruyere, or feta cheese. Experiment with different herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme. The possibilities are endless!
Finally, it’s a great make-ahead dish. You can prepare the quiche a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Simply reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving. This makes it perfect for meal prepping or entertaining guests.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
- Pair with a side salad for a light and satisfying meal. A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a great complement.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or toast for dipping into the quiche.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or dill.
- Serve with a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
- Enjoy as part of a brunch spread with other breakfast favorites like fruit salad, muffins, and coffee.
- Cut into squares and serve as appetizers.
Tips:
- To prevent a soggy quiche, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach after sautéing (if you choose to sauté).
- Use a good quality cottage cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don’t overbake the quiche, or it will become dry and rubbery.
- If you don’t have a 9-inch pie dish, you can use an 8-inch dish, but the baking time may need to be adjusted.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese and whole milk.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- If you are using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before adding it to the quiche.
Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 30-35 minutes Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Nutritional Information: (Approximate, per serving – assuming 6 servings)
- Calories: 210
- Protein: 20g
- Sodium: 400mg
Conclusion:
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a delightful and versatile dish that is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Its simplicity, health benefits, and delicious flavor make it a winner for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy breakfast, a light lunch, or a healthy dinner, this quiche is the perfect choice. Its adaptability allows you to customize it with your favorite ingredients and experiment with different flavor combinations. So, grab your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a slice of this amazing quiche!
Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
- Absolutely! If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw it completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. This is crucial to prevent the quiche from becoming watery and soggy. Thawing and squeezing the spinach ensures that the texture and consistency of the quiche remain optimal. Generally, about 10 ounces of frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry, will equate to roughly 1 cup of chopped fresh spinach.
- Can I add other vegetables to this quiche?
- Yes, you definitely can! This recipe is very adaptable, and you can add almost any vegetable you like. Some great additions would be sautéed mushrooms, chopped bell peppers, onions, or sun-dried tomatoes. Just make sure to cook any raw vegetables before adding them to the quiche mixture to ensure they are properly cooked through during baking. Also, remember to adjust the baking time if you add a significant amount of vegetables, as they might increase the moisture content and require a longer baking time.
- What kind of milk works best in this quiche?
- You can use almost any kind of milk you prefer. Whole milk will give the quiche a richer and creamier texture, while 2% or skim milk will make it lighter. Almond milk or oat milk can also be used as a dairy-free alternative, though they might slightly alter the flavor and texture. The key is to choose a milk that you enjoy and that complements the other ingredients in the quiche.
- Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
- Yes, this quiche is an excellent make-ahead dish! You can prepare it a day or two in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual slices in the microwave. This is a great option for meal prepping or when you need to prepare food in advance for a party or gathering.
- What if my quiche is browning too quickly on top?
- If you notice the top of the quiche is browning too quickly before the center is fully set, you can loosely cover the pie dish with aluminum foil for the last 10-15 minutes of baking. This will help to prevent the top from burning while allowing the center to continue cooking through. Just be sure to remove the foil during the last few minutes of baking if you want the top to be a nice golden brown.
