Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

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This wholesome crustless quiche is creamy, savory, and satisfying without feeling heavy. Thanks to protein-rich cottage cheese and nutrient-dense spinach, it’s perfect for breakfast meal prep, weekend brunch, or even a light dinner. Without a crust, it’s naturally lower in carbs and gluten-free, while still delivering that classic custardy quiche texture.

Below you’ll find everything you need: ingredient breakdowns, step-by-step instructions, expert tips, variations, storage advice, and serving ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Quiche

  • High in protein from eggs and cottage cheese

  • Low in carbs and naturally gluten-free

  • Creamy texture without heavy cream

  • Easy to customize with add-ins

  • Perfect for meal prep

  • Freezer-friendly

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 6 large eggs

  • 1 cup (240g) full-fat cottage cheese

  • ½ cup (120ml) milk (whole or 2%)

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese

  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped

  • ½ small onion, finely diced

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper

  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

  • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional but recommended)

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Cottage Cheese

The star ingredient. It creates a creamy, fluffy interior without needing heavy cream.

  • Use full-fat for the richest texture.

  • Low-fat works too, but the quiche will be slightly less creamy.

  • For ultra-smooth texture, blend the cottage cheese before mixing.

Spinach

Fresh spinach works best, but frozen can be used.

  • If using frozen, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery quiche.

Cheese

Mozzarella gives a mild, stretchy texture. Swiss adds nuttiness.
Other great options:

  • Cheddar

  • Gruyère

  • Feta (for a Mediterranean twist)

Milk

You can substitute:

  • Half-and-half (richer)

  • Almond milk (lighter)

  • Oat milk (neutral flavor)

Equipment Needed

  • 9-inch pie dish or 8×8-inch baking dish

  • Mixing bowls

  • Whisk

  • Skillet

  • Spatula

  • Oven

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Lightly grease your baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent.

Add chopped spinach and cook for 2–3 minutes until wilted. If using fresh spinach, it will reduce significantly in volume.

Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.

Important: If there’s excess moisture in the pan, drain it. Too much liquid can affect texture.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture

In a large mixing bowl:

  1. Crack the eggs.

  2. Add cottage cheese.

  3. Pour in milk.

  4. Add salt, pepper, garlic powder, and nutmeg.

Whisk thoroughly until well combined.

For a smoother consistency, you can blend the cottage cheese before adding, or use an immersion blender to mix everything until silky.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Fold the sautéed spinach and onion mixture into the egg mixture.

Stir in shredded cheese.

Mix gently but thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Step 5: Bake

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Place in the preheated oven and bake for 35–45 minutes, or until:

  • The center is set

  • The top is lightly golden

  • A knife inserted in the center comes out clean

If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.

Step 6: Rest Before Slicing

Remove from oven and let rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

This allows the custard to fully set and makes cleaner slices.

Texture Guide: How to Know It’s Perfect

  • Slight jiggle in the very center is okay (it will firm up while resting).

  • Puffy edges that settle slightly after baking are normal.

  • Overbaking can make it rubbery, so check around 35 minutes.

Nutritional Highlights

While exact values depend on brands used, one slice (1/6 of the quiche) typically contains:

  • High protein (10–14g per slice)

  • Moderate healthy fats

  • Low carbohydrates

  • Good calcium content

  • Iron from spinach

This makes it ideal for:

  • High-protein diets

  • Low-carb lifestyles

  • Gluten-free eating

  • Balanced meal prep

Delicious Variations

1. Mediterranean Version

Add:

  • Feta cheese instead of mozzarella

  • Sun-dried tomatoes

  • Kalamata olives

  • Fresh oregano

2. Mushroom & Spinach

Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for a deeper earthy flavor.

3. Bacon & Spinach

Add ½ cup cooked, crumbled bacon for extra savory richness.

4. Crust Option

If you prefer a crust:

  • Pour into a pre-baked pie crust

  • Reduce baking time slightly and monitor closely

Make-Ahead & Storage

Refrigerator

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat:

  • Microwave for 30–60 seconds

  • Or warm in oven at 325°F for 10 minutes

Freezer

  • Cool completely.

  • Wrap slices individually.

  • Freeze up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in fridge before reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This quiche pairs beautifully with:

  • Fresh fruit salad

  • Mixed greens with vinaigrette

  • Roasted potatoes

  • Whole-grain toast

  • Avocado slices

For brunch, serve with:

  • Fresh-squeezed orange juice

  • Coffee or herbal tea

For dinner, add:

  • A hearty side salad

  • Roasted vegetables

Expert Tips for the Best Quiche

1. Avoid Watery Quiche

Always remove excess moisture from vegetables.

2. Don’t Skip Resting Time

This ensures clean slices and proper texture.

3. Season Properly

Egg dishes need enough salt. Taste your sautéed vegetables before mixing.

4. Blend for Extra Fluffiness

Blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother custard-like finish.

5. Use Room Temperature Eggs

They blend better and bake more evenly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Overbaking (leads to rubbery texture)

  • Using watery spinach

  • Skipping seasoning

  • Cutting immediately after baking

  • Using too much milk

Why Crustless Quiche Is a Great Choice

Traditional quiche uses a buttery pastry crust, which adds flavor but also extra calories and carbs. A crustless version:

  • Cuts prep time in half

  • Lowers calorie density

  • Makes it gluten-free

  • Highlights the filling

You still get that satisfying egg custard texture — just lighter and more protein-focused.

Perfect for Meal Prep

This recipe is ideal for:

  • Weekly breakfast prep

  • Quick work lunches

  • Post-workout meals

  • Family brunch gatherings

Make it Sunday night and enjoy slices all week.

Final Thoughts

Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but is secretly wholesome. It’s creamy without cream, rich without heaviness, and satisfying without excess carbs.

The combination of fluffy eggs, creamy cottage cheese, savory cheese, and earthy spinach creates a beautifully balanced dish that works any time of day.

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