Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a delightful dish that offers a nutritious, flavorful option for breakfast or brunch. This quiche is packed with protein from the cottage cheese and eggs while the spinach adds a burst of freshness. It’s perfect for family gatherings, meal prep, or simply enjoying a light meal any time of the day.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with protein and vitamins, this dish is a great way to start your day.
- Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, you can whip this up quickly.
- Versatile Meal: Enjoy it warm or at room temperature, making it suitable for various occasions.
- No Crust Needed: This quiche is naturally gluten-free and lighter without the crust.
- Delicious Flavors: The combination of cottage cheese, spinach, and cheddar creates a savory taste that everyone will love.
Tools and Preparation
To make your Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche, having the right tools will streamline your cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need:
Essential Tools and Equipment
- A skillet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk or fork
- 9-inch pie dish
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for sautéing vegetables to enhance their flavors before combining them into the quiche.
- Mixing Bowls: Allows you to combine all ingredients thoroughly for an even texture in your quiche.
- Whisk: Helps achieve a smooth mixture of eggs and cottage cheese for a fluffy final product.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1/2 bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
For the Filling
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or half cheddar, half mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
* Sauté onion and bell pepper until soft, about 3–4 minutes.
Step 3: Add Spinach
Add spinach to the skillet.
* Cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
* Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix Egg Base
In a large bowl, whisk together:
1. Eggs
2. Milk
3. Cottage cheese
Stir in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Fold in shredded cheese along with the cooked vegetable mixture until everything is well combined.
Step 6: Prepare Baking Dish
Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Pour in the mixture, spreading it evenly across the dish.
Step 7: Bake the Quiche
Bake for 40–45 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the center is set.
Step 8: Serve Your Quiche
Let cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing.
Serve warm or at room temperature for an enjoyable meal!
How to Serve Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re serving it for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your dining experience.
For Breakfast
- Fresh Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits adds a refreshing touch and balances the quiche’s richness.
- Herbed Yogurt: Serve with a dollop of herbed yogurt for a creamy and tangy contrast.
As a Brunch Dish
- Mixed Greens Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette pairs well and adds a crunchy texture to the meal.
- Savory Scones: Offer warm scones with cheese or herbs for a delightful addition that complements the quiche.
For Dinner
- Roasted Vegetables: A side of roasted vegetables provides color and nutrition, enhancing the overall meal.
- Quinoa Pilaf: Lightly seasoned quinoa makes for a hearty yet healthy side dish that rounds out the dinner plate.
How to Perfect Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
To ensure your Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality cheese enhance flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overmix: Gently fold ingredients together to maintain a light texture.
- Check for Doneness: The quiche should be golden on top and firm in the center before removing it from the oven.
- Let It Cool Slightly: Allowing it to cool for 5–10 minutes helps set the filling and makes slicing easier.
Best Side Dishes for Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
Pairing side dishes with your Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche can enhance its flavors. Here are some delicious options to consider.
- Simple Green Salad: A mix of greens dressed lightly with olive oil brings freshness to your plate.
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta: Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes and fresh basil creates a flavorful bite.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: Crispy roasted sweet potato wedges add sweetness and texture contrast.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter complement the quiche’s flavors beautifully.
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus offers a crunchy yet tender side packed with nutrients.
- Fruit Smoothie: Blend your favorite fruits for a refreshing drink that pairs well at breakfast or brunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche can be easy, but there are some typical mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some common pitfalls and how to steer clear of them.
Bold phrase: Skipping the Cooling Step – Failing to let your sautéed vegetables cool can cause the mixture to cook the eggs prematurely, leading to a rubbery texture. Always cool slightly before combining with the egg mixture.
Bold phrase: Overmixing Ingredients – Overmixing can make your quiche dense and heavy. Mix just until combined for a light and fluffy texture.
Bold phrase: Not Greasing the Dish Properly – If you forget to grease your pie dish, your quiche may stick and break apart when serving. Use a generous amount of olive oil or cooking spray.
Bold phrase: Ignoring Baking Time – Baking time can vary based on ovens. Keep an eye on your quiche as it cooks; it should be golden on top and set in the center.
Bold phrase: Using Old Ingredients – Fresh ingredients yield better flavor and texture. Always check the freshness of your spinach and dairy products before starting.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3–4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
- You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers.
- It will keep well for up to 2 months.
Reheating Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and cover with foil. Bake for about 15–20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat slices on medium power for 1–2 minutes, checking frequently.
- Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm through for about 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche.
Can I use different cheeses in this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche?
Yes! Feel free to mix your favorite cheeses such as feta or Swiss to customize the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This quiche is perfect for meal prep as it stores well and can be enjoyed throughout the week.
How do I know when my crustless quiche is done?
Your quiche is done when it’s golden brown on top and no longer jiggly in the center. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.
Can I add more vegetables to my Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche?
Certainly! You can add mushrooms, zucchini, or any other veggies you enjoy. Just sauté them first to reduce moisture.
Final Thoughts
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is not only delicious but also versatile. You can customize it based on what you have at home or your personal taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for breakfast, lunch, or even dinner!
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a light and nutritious dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner. This protein-packed meal combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with fresh spinach and a blend of cheeses, creating a savory delight that’s both satisfying and healthy. With no crust required, it’s naturally gluten-free, making it suitable for various dietary preferences. Easy to prepare and versatile in serving options, this quiche is ideal for family gatherings or meal prep. Enjoy it warm or at room temperature alongside your favorite sides for a delightful dining experience.
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Serves 6
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. Sauté diced onion and bell pepper until soft (about 3–4 minutes). Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted (2–3 minutes). Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper; set aside to cool.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, and cottage cheese. Stir in Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper.
- Fold in shredded cheese and cooled vegetable mixture until combined.
- Grease a pie dish and pour the mixture inside, spreading evenly.
- Bake for 40–45 minutes until golden brown on top and set in the center.
- Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (100g)
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg