Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

If you’re looking for a dish that’s both wholesome and delicious, let me introduce you to my Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche! This recipe is a true gem in our household. It’s light yet filling, packed with protein and flavor, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or lovely family gatherings. You can serve it warm for brunch or enjoy it cold as a quick snack – it’s that versatile!

What I adore most about this quiche is how simple it is to prepare. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a colorful, nutritious meal that everyone will love. Plus, it’s an excellent way to sneak in some greens without anyone noticing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to prepare: This quiche comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for those hectic days.
• Family-friendly: With its cheesy goodness and mild flavors, even the pickiest eaters will ask for seconds!
• Make-ahead option: Bake it ahead of time and store it in the fridge; it tastes great reheated or even chilled.
• Versatile ingredient options: Customize with your favorite veggies or cheeses to suit your taste.
• Healthy eating made easy: Packed with protein from cottage cheese and eggs, this dish fits nicely into a balanced diet.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is a breeze! You’ll find that they are simple and wholesome, making this quiche not only easy to make but also good for you. Here’s what you’ll need:

• • 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

This recipe is quite flexible! Feel free to mix things up depending on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Add extra veggies: Toss in chopped tomatoes, mushrooms, or zucchini for more flavor and nutrition.
• Change the cheese: Use feta for a tangy twist or go all out with mozzarella for extra creaminess.
• Spice it up: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños if you want some heat in your quiche.
• Incorporate herbs: Fresh basil or dill can add an aromatic touch that brightens up the flavor profile.

How to Make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step ensures that your quiche bakes evenly and gets that lovely golden color on top.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté until they’re soft—this usually takes about 3–4 minutes. Sautéing these vegetables brings out their natural sweetness and adds depth to your quiche.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Next, toss in the chopped spinach. Cook until just wilted—about 2–3 minutes should do the trick. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper before removing from heat. Allow the mixture to cool slightly; this helps prevent curdling when mixed with eggs.

Step 4: Mix the Egg Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cottage cheese until smooth. Stir in Italian seasoning along with some salt and pepper. This creamy base is what holds everything together while adding protein-rich goodness.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Fold in both the shredded cheese and your sautéed vegetable mixture into the egg base until well combined. The combination of flavors here is going to be heavenly!

Step 6: Prepare for Baking

Grease a 9-inch pie dish before pouring in your mixture evenly. This prevents sticking and ensures every slice comes out perfectly.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Bake your quiche for 40–45 minutes or until the top turns golden brown and the center sets firmly. Let it cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing—this resting period makes serving easier.

Step 8: Serve & Enjoy!

You can serve this delicious Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche warm or at room temperature. It’s delightful either way! Enjoy every flavorful bite!

Pro Tips for Making Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Creating the perfect Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a delightful experience, and these tips will help you nail it every time!

• Use fresh spinach: Fresh baby spinach not only adds vibrant color but also enhances the flavor and nutritional value of your quiche. If you can, avoid frozen spinach as it can introduce excess moisture.

• Whisk thoroughly: Make sure to whisk the eggs, milk, and cottage cheese until smooth. This ensures that your quiche has a fluffy texture rather than a dense one. A well-blended mixture helps all the flavors meld beautifully.

• Customize the cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese! Using half cheddar and half mozzarella gives a creamy texture while still keeping that classic cheesy flavor. Experiment with other cheeses like feta or gouda for a unique twist!

• Add spices to taste: While garlic powder and Italian seasoning provide a great base flavor, don’t hesitate to add your favorite herbs or spices. A pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like basil or parsley can elevate your dish even further.

• Let it rest: Allowing the quiche to cool for about 5–10 minutes before slicing helps it set up properly. This way, you’ll achieve cleaner slices without any mushiness!

How to Serve Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Serving your Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche can be just as delightful as making it! Here are some ideas to present this dish beautifully.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: Sprinkling some chopped parsley or chives on top adds not just visual appeal but also a burst of freshness that complements the quiche.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt on each slice brings a creamy richness that balances the flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

• Mixed green salad: A light salad with arugula, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the rich quiche.
• Roasted vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make for a colorful and nutritious side that pairs wonderfully with the quiche.
• Fruit platter: Serving fresh fruits such as berries or melon on the side adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors of your quiche.
• Whole grain toast: A slice of whole grain toast can be an excellent accompaniment, providing extra fiber and crunch that complements your meal beautifully.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, you’re ready to enjoy this deliciously wholesome dish! Whether it’s breakfast, brunch, or dinner, this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche will surely satisfy everyone at your table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a fantastic option for meal prep! It keeps well in the fridge, making it easy to enjoy throughout the week. Here’s how to store and preserve your quiche:

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the quiche to cool completely before storing.
• Place leftovers in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing

• Let the quiche cool completely before freezing.
• Cut it into individual portions for easy thawing.
• Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating

• For best results, reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can use the microwave: heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions regarding the Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche:

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! You can substitute frozen spinach for fresh. Just be sure to thaw and drain excess moisture before adding it to the mixture.

How do I make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche gluten-free?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free since there’s no crust involved. Simply ensure all ingredients, like cheese and seasonings, are labelled gluten-free.

Is Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche suitable for breakfast?

Absolutely! This dish makes a nutritious breakfast option packed with protein and flavor, perfect for starting your day right.

Can I add other vegetables to my crustless quiche?

Of course! Feel free to add vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or tomatoes according to your preference. Just sauté them as you would with the onion and bell pepper.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche! It’s not just simple; it’s also versatile and perfect for any meal of the day. Whether you’re serving it warm from the oven or enjoying leftovers throughout the week, I truly believe this dish will bring a smile to your face. Happy cooking!