This Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche is a tasty and healthy dish, packed with eggs, veggies, and a creamy cottage cheese filling. It’s super easy to whip up and perfect for breakfast or brunch!
Who knew a quiche could be so light and fluffy? I love how fast this comes together—just mix everything in a bowl, pour it in a pan, and bake! Enjoy with a salad for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Full-fat cottage cheese gives a creamy texture, but you can use low-fat if you prefer. Greek yogurt is a good alternative for a tangy flavor.
Eggs: Large eggs are essential for structure. If you need an egg substitute, consider using flax eggs (1 tbsp ground flaxseed with 2.5 tbsp water = 1 egg), but the texture will differ slightly.
Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nice salty flavor. You can swap it for pecorino or omit it for a dairy-free option. Nutritional yeast can add cheesy flavor for a vegan alternative.
Greens: Spinach is a great choice, but feel free to use kale, Swiss chard, or even broccoli. Frozen vegetables work too; just remember to thaw and squeeze out excess water first.
Onion/Chives: If you don’t have fresh chives, green onions or shallots make great substitutes. Leeks also add a lovely flavor, but be sure to cook them thoroughly before adding.
How Can I Make Sure My Quiche Sets Perfectly?
Getting the quiche to set just right takes a little attention. Your goal is a firm center without overcooking the edges. Here are my tips:
- Mix ingredients gently to keep some air in the eggs, which helps with fluffiness.
- Bake in a preheated oven to ensure even cooking. An even heat will help the quiche rise nicely.
- Check the quiche at the 40-minute mark. It’s done when it’s set, and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Let it rest after baking. This helps it firm up and makes slicing easier.
Keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have a quiche that not only looks great but tastes delicious!
Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (preferably full-fat)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup chopped fresh spinach or other leafy greens (optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives or green onions
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
Seasonings:
- 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder (optional)
For Sautéing:
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 40-45 minutes to bake. Plus, you’ll want to let it cool for around 10 minutes before slicing. So, in total, set aside about 1 hour for a delicious quiche that can be served warm or at room temperature!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepping the Oven and Pan:
First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9-inch round pie dish or springform pan with butter or cooking spray. This will help keep your quiche from sticking!
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion or shallots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they’re soft and translucent. If you decided to include spinach (or any leafy greens), add them in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, and let them wilt. Then, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Egg Base:
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until they’re well combined. Add in the cottage cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped chives, and your sautéed onion and spinach mixture. Give it a good stir to combine everything together.
4. Season the Mixture:
Add salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to your mixture. Mix well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly seasoned.
5. Pour into the Pan:
Take the mixture and pour it into your greased pan. Smooth the top with a spatula to ensure an even bake.
6. Baking Time:
Place the quiche in your preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the center is set and the top is golden brown. It should have a lovely puffiness!
7. Cooling Period:
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This helps it to firm up and makes slicing easier.
8. Serving:
Slice and serve your wonderful quiche warm or at room temperature. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or some fresh fruit for a complete meal!
Enjoy this rich, creamy, and protein-packed quiche that’s perfect for a low-carb or gluten-free meal!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Yes, you can use low-fat cottage cheese if you prefer! It will still work well in the recipe, though the texture might be slightly less creamy compared to full-fat cottage cheese.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the quiche with your favorite veggies. Bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini would be great additions. Just sauté them before mixing to ensure they’re cooked through.
Is It Possible to Make This Quiche Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the quiche a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it in the oven before serving. This can save you time for breakfast or brunch!