The beauty of this Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche lies in its simplicity and nutritional value. Packed with protein from eggs and cottage cheese, and vibrant with spinach and herbs, this dish is a wholesome way to start your day. With no crust to weigh it down, it’s naturally low in carbs but still rich in flavor, making it suitable for a variety of diets including low-carb, keto, and gluten-free.
This quiche is light yet satisfying and incredibly versatile, you can enjoy it hot or cold, as a breakfast main, light lunch, or savory dinner side. It’s also perfect for make-ahead meal prep and reheats beautifully. Whether you’re hosting a brunch or simply looking for a new healthy staple to rotate into your weekly meals, this crustless quiche will not disappoint.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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1 cup cottage cheese
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4 large eggs
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1/4 cup milk
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/4 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Olive oil or butter for greasing
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with olive oil or butter.
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In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, and milk until smooth.
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Stir in the chopped spinach, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Pour the mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it evenly.
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Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is golden brown.
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Let it cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 40 minutes | Total Time: 50 minutes
Kcal: 210 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche
If you’re searching for a healthy, high-protein dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner, look no further than this Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and most importantly, delicious! This savory bake brings together creamy cottage cheese, fresh spinach, and wholesome eggs into a no-crust, gluten-free masterpiece. Whether you’re feeding your family on a busy weekday morning or hosting a laid-back weekend brunch, this recipe checks all the boxes for convenience, nutrition, and flavor.
This crustless quiche is ideal for anyone following a low-carb, keto, or gluten-free diet. Without the traditional pastry crust, it’s significantly lower in calories and carbohydrates while still offering that soft, custard-like texture and cheesy flavor that makes quiche so irresistible. Even if you’re not on a special diet, this is a great way to incorporate more vegetables and protein into your meals.
Health Benefits of the Main Ingredients
Cottage Cheese
Cottage cheese is a powerhouse of protein. With approximately 13 grams of protein per ½ cup, it’s a favorite among fitness enthusiasts and health-conscious eaters. It also contains calcium for strong bones and teeth, and its mild flavor makes it incredibly versatile in both savory and sweet recipes. In this quiche, cottage cheese adds a creamy texture without the heaviness of cream.
Eggs
Eggs are the backbone of any good quiche, and for good reason. They’re rich in high-quality protein, essential amino acids, and nutrients like vitamin D, choline, and B12. In this recipe, the eggs bind everything together while adding structure and that classic quiche flavor.
Spinach
Fresh spinach is a nutritional powerhouse loaded with iron, calcium, vitamin A, and fiber. It’s low in calories but packed with antioxidants and minerals that support immune function and bone health. When baked into a quiche, spinach adds a lovely green color and earthy flavor that balances out the richness of the cheeses.
Cheese
A combination of cheddar and Parmesan brings a depth of flavor, saltiness, and that gooey, melty goodness everyone loves. While cheddar gives the quiche a hearty, familiar taste, the Parmesan provides a touch of umami that enhances every bite.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
One of the best things about a crustless quiche is how easy it is to customize. Once you have the base of eggs and cottage cheese, the mix-ins are endlessly flexible.
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Vegetables: Try swapping spinach for kale, arugula, sautéed mushrooms, or chopped zucchini. You can also add roasted bell peppers, caramelized onions, or cherry tomatoes.
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Cheeses: Not a fan of cheddar? Swap it for mozzarella, gouda, feta, Swiss, or goat cheese for different flavor profiles.
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Herbs and Spices: Add fresh herbs like dill, thyme, parsley, or basil for a flavor boost. A pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce can add some heat.
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Protein: If you’re not vegetarian, add crumbled bacon, diced ham, or cooked sausage for extra protein and heartiness.
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Dairy-Free: Substitute cottage cheese with a dairy-free version or silken tofu for a vegan-friendly adaptation and use plant-based cheese.
Kitchen Tips for the Perfect Crustless Quiche
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Drain Excess Moisture: Spinach can release water as it cooks. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and squeeze it dry. Even with fresh spinach, it helps to sauté briefly to remove excess moisture.
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Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure your eggs and cottage cheese mixture is smooth and well combined for the most uniform texture.
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Don’t Overbake: Like any egg dish, overbaking can cause the quiche to become rubbery. You want the center to be just set with a slight jiggle when you take it out of the oven.
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Let It Cool: Allow the quiche to rest for at least 5-10 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes for cleaner slices.
Meal Prep and Storage
This dish is a meal prep superstar. You can bake it in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and enjoy it throughout the week.
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Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Freezing: Slice the quiche and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap or foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave for a quick, nutritious meal.
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Serving: Warm it up in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes for a freshly baked feel.
How to Serve Crustless Quiche
This crustless quiche is wonderfully versatile and pairs well with many side dishes.
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Breakfast/Brunch: Serve with avocado toast, roasted potatoes, or a fruit salad.
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Lunch: Add a side of soup or a small green salad with vinaigrette.
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Dinner: Make it a light evening meal by serving it with grilled veggies or steamed broccoli.
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On the Go: Cut into squares and pack it in lunchboxes, it travels well and tastes great at room temperature.
Who This Dish is Perfect For
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Busy Professionals: Quick prep and easy leftovers make this ideal for weekday breakfasts or lunches.
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Moms and Dads: It’s family-friendly, nutrient-dense, and a great way to sneak greens into your kids’ meals.
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Fitness Enthusiasts: High in protein and low in carbs, it supports your goals without sacrificing flavor.
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Vegetarians: A satisfying, meat-free option full of texture and taste.
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Gluten-Free Eaters: No crust, no problem! All the flavor without the flour.
Make It a Crowd-Pleaser
Hosting brunch or a holiday breakfast? This crustless quiche can be doubled and baked in a larger dish or even a muffin tin for individual portions. Sprinkle extra cheese on top for a golden finish and garnish with fresh herbs just before serving for that wow factor.
You can also pair this dish with a breakfast bar offering other options like fruit parfaits, yogurt, muffins, or mimosas, your guests will love the thoughtful variety and comforting flavors.
Conclusion
The Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche is proof that simple ingredients can come together to create something nourishing, satisfying, and crave-worthy. It’s more than just a healthy recipe, it’s a flexible, family-approved staple that fits into almost any lifestyle.
Whether you’re looking to eat cleaner, add more vegetables to your diet, or prep something tasty ahead of time, this quiche delivers. With endless variations and a foolproof cooking method, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to again and again.
So next time you’re in the mood for a fuss-free, wholesome meal that tastes like comfort food, try this crustless quiche. Your body, and your taste buds, will thank you.