As a passionate home cook, I find joy in creating dishes that are both nourishing and delicious. One of my all-time favorites is the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche. This dish is a delightful blend of creamy cottage cheese and vibrant spinach, baked to perfection. The aroma wafting through the kitchen as it bakes is simply irresistible. I remember the first time I made this quiche for my family; their smiles and satisfied sighs told me I had struck gold. It’s a versatile recipe that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, making it a staple in our home.
What is Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche?
The Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a delightful dish that combines the creaminess of cottage cheese with the freshness of spinach, all baked into a fluffy, savory pie. This recipe draws inspiration from traditional quiches, which originated in France, but it offers a healthier twist by omitting the crust. The result is a lighter, protein-packed meal that is perfect for any time of day. With its rich flavors and satisfying texture, this quiche is a wonderful representation of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
- **Convenient**: Quick to prepare and bake, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- **Delicious Taste**: The combination of cottage cheese and spinach creates a creamy, flavorful dish.
- **Health Benefits**: Packed with protein and nutrients, it’s a wholesome choice for any meal.
- **Family Appeal**: A versatile dish that can please even the pickiest eaters.
Who It’s For
This recipe is ideal for busy families looking for nutritious meals, health-conscious cooks wanting to incorporate more vegetables, and food lovers who appreciate a delicious, easy-to-make dish. Whether you’re feeding kids or hosting friends, this quiche is sure to impress!
When to Cook It
Enjoy this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep, making it easy to have a healthy meal ready for busy days. Serve it at family gatherings or potlucks, and watch it disappear!
- 1 cup cottage cheese (can substitute with ricotta for a creamier texture)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (frozen spinach works too; just thaw and drain well)
- 4 large eggs (for a vegan option, use flax eggs or a commercial egg replacer)
- 1 cup milk (almond milk or oat milk can be used for a dairy-free version)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella; feel free to mix cheeses for added flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground for the best flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (adds warmth; can be omitted if preferred)
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking and a nice golden top.
- Mix the base: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, and milk. Stir until well blended, and the spinach is evenly distributed.
- Add flavor: Sprinkle in the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Mix again until everything is combined, and the mixture is creamy.
- Prepare the dish: Pour the mixture into a greased pie dish. Make sure it’s evenly spread for consistent baking.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quiche is set and lightly golden on top.
- Cool and serve: Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing. This helps it hold its shape. Enjoy warm or cold!
- Stevia: A natural sweetener with zero calories, perfect for those watching their sugar intake.
- Monk Fruit: Another great option, it has no calories and doesn’t raise blood sugar levels.
- Allulose: A low-calorie sugar that tastes like sugar but has minimal impact on blood glucose.
Avoid using honey or maple syrup, as they can significantly increase sugar levels.
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Greased pie dish or quiche pan
- Oven mitts
- Knife for slicing
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Chef Julia Child always emphasized the importance of fresh produce. Fresh spinach and high-quality cottage cheese will elevate your quiche’s flavor.
- Experiment with Herbs: Chef Ina Garten suggests adding fresh herbs like dill or basil for an extra layer of flavor. Just a handful can transform your dish!
- Don’t Overmix: According to Chef Gordon Ramsay, overmixing can lead to a dense texture. Stir just until combined for a light and fluffy quiche.
- Let It Rest: Chef Thomas Keller recommends letting your quiche rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps it set and makes slicing easier.
- Pair with a Salad: Chef Alice Waters often serves quiche with a simple green salad. The freshness of the salad complements the richness of the quiche beautifully.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in plastic wrap and then placed in a freezer-safe bag. It can last up to 2 months.
- Thawing: To thaw frozen quiche, place it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
- Reheating in the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
- Microwave Option: For a quick reheat, microwave individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking to ensure it’s heated evenly.
- Using Too Much Liquid: Adding excess milk or eggs can lead to a watery quiche. Stick to the measurements for the best texture.
- Not Draining Spinach: If using frozen spinach, failing to drain it well can make your quiche soggy. Always squeeze out excess moisture before mixing.
- Overbaking: Leaving the quiche in the oven too long can result in a dry texture. Keep an eye on it and remove it once it’s set and lightly golden.
- Skipping the Cooling Time: Cutting into the quiche immediately can cause it to fall apart. Allow it to cool for a few minutes to set properly.
- Ignoring Flavor Enhancements: Not seasoning adequately or skipping herbs can lead to a bland quiche. Don’t be afraid to experiment with spices and fresh herbs!
Yes, you can make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
No, this quiche does not require a crust, making it a healthier option that is still delicious and satisfying.
It depends on your preference; you can use either fresh or frozen spinach in the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche, but make sure to drain frozen spinach well.
Yes, you can customize the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche by adding other vegetables or herbs to enhance the flavor.
No, this quiche is not gluten-free if you use a crust, but since it’s crustless, it is naturally gluten-free and suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
In conclusion, the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a delightful dish that brings together flavor, nutrition, and convenience. Whether you’re enjoying it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. I’d love to hear your thoughts on this recipe! Have you tried making it? Share your experiences or any variations you’ve created in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with fellow food lovers!
Print
Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy crustless quiche made with cottage cheese and spinach.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, chopped spinach, eggs, and milk.
- Add the shredded cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg to the mixture and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased pie dish.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden on top.
- Let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Feel free to add other vegetables or herbs for extra flavor.
- This quiche can be served warm or cold.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche