Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Introduction

For a wholesome, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, look no further than Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche. This delightful recipe combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese with the freshness of spinach, all baked into a light, fluffy quiche without the need for a crust. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or even dinner, this dish is both satisfying and nourishing. It’s a great choice for those looking for a low-carb, gluten-free meal that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

In this article, we’ll walk you through why this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a must-try, provide you with a detailed recipe, and share some useful tips and variations to make it your own. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this easy-to-follow recipe will leave you with a delicious, guilt-free meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Light and Fluffy: With the cottage cheese providing a creamy texture and eggs giving it a fluffy body, this quiche is light but still satisfying.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with spinach, a great source of iron and fiber, this quiche is as nutritious as it is delicious. Plus, it’s made without a crust, reducing carbs and calories.
• Quick and Easy: This crustless quiche comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy mornings or last-minute meals. No need to fuss with pie dough—just mix the ingredients, pour into a baking dish, and bake.
• Versatile: Customize the filling with your favorite vegetables or protein, making it a versatile dish that you can easily adapt to your taste preferences.
• Halal-Friendly: This recipe is completely halal, using only permissible ingredients—no pork, bacon, or wine. It’s a great option for those who follow halal dietary guidelines.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Total Time: 1 hour (15 minutes for prep, 45 minutes for baking)
• Servings: This recipe makes about 6-8 servings, depending on portion size.
• Nutrition Facts (per serving):
  • Calories: 220
  • Protein: 15g
  • Carbs: 5g
  • Fat: 16g
  • Fiber: 1g

Ingredients

Quiche:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the spinach and onions.
• 1 small onion: Finely chopped, for a savory depth of flavor.
• 2 cups fresh spinach: Chopped; a great source of vitamins A and C, and iron.
• 1 ½ cups cottage cheese: Adds creaminess and protein to the quiche.
• 4 large eggs: Provide structure and richness to the quiche filling.
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Adds flavor and meltiness, but you can substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella, feta, or a mix of your favorites.
• ½ cup milk: To give the quiche a creamy texture; you can use any type of milk, such as whole, low-fat, or even plant-based alternatives like almond or oat milk.
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder: For a subtle garlicky taste.
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: To enhance the Mediterranean flavors.
• Salt and pepper to taste: For seasoning.

Optional Add-ins:

• ¼ cup diced bell pepper: For added crunch and sweetness.
• ¼ cup chopped mushrooms: For an earthy flavor.
• ½ cup cooked chicken or turkey: For a protein-packed option.

Step-by-Step Preparation

FIRST STEP: PREPARE THE SPINACH AND ONIONS

1. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Add the Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Stir occasionally to ensure the spinach cooks evenly. If using other vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, add them at this stage and cook until tender.
3. Season the Vegetables: Sprinkle a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder into the vegetable mixture to enhance the flavor. Once cooked, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside to cool.

SECOND STEP: MAKE THE QUICHE MIXTURE

1. Combine the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cottage cheese. You can use a hand whisk or an electric mixer for smoothness.
2. Add the Dry Ingredients: Stir in the dried oregano, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Incorporate the Cheeses: Add the shredded cheddar cheese to the egg mixture and stir to combine. If you’re using other cheeses, like feta or mozzarella, now is the time to add them.

THIRD STEP: ASSEMBLE THE QUICHE

1. Combine Vegetables and Quiche Mixture: Add the sautéed spinach and onion mixture to the egg and cheese mixture. Stir everything together gently to evenly distribute the vegetables throughout the filling.
2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche dish with cooking spray or a little extra olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Pour the Mixture: Carefully pour the quiche mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

FOURTH STEP: BAKE THE QUICHE

1. Bake the Quiche: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and lightly golden on top. You can test doneness by inserting a toothpick or knife into the center—if it comes out clean, the quiche is ready.
2. Cool and Slice: Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the quiche to firm up slightly, making it easier to slice and serve.

FINAL STEP: SERVE AND ENJOY

1. Serve: Cut the quiche into wedges and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup.

How to Serve Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:

1. As a Brunch Dish

This quiche is a great addition to any brunch spread. Pair it with other brunch staples like fruit salads, yogurt parfaits, or whole-grain toast for a complete meal.

2. With a Side Salad

For a lighter meal, serve the quiche with a simple green salad dressed in olive oil and lemon juice. The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the quiche.

3. As a Quick Lunch or Dinner

This quiche is filling enough to stand alone for lunch or dinner. For a more substantial meal, pair it with some roasted potatoes, sautéed greens, or a side of hummus and pita.

4. For Meal Prep

Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is perfect for meal prep. Make a batch in advance and enjoy it throughout the week. It’s easy to store and reheats well, making it a go-to option for busy days.

Additional Tips

1. Make Ahead

You can prepare the quiche mixture a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. On the day of serving, simply pour it into the baking dish and bake as instructed.

2. Freezing

This quiche freezes well. Once it’s cooled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until fully heated through.

3. Spicy Twist

If you prefer a little heat, consider adding some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the quiche mixture.

4. Vegetarian or Vegan Version

For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based milk, such as almond or soy milk, and a dairy-free cheese alternative. To make it vegan, swap the eggs for a flax egg mixture (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 3 tablespoons water for each egg) and use a plant-based cheese.

Recipe Variations

While this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is delicious on its own, feel free to experiment with the recipe. Here are some fun variations:

1. Add Protein

For a more filling meal, add cooked chicken, turkey, or even halal sausage to the quiche mixture. This will provide extra protein and make the dish heartier.

2. Other Vegetables

You can swap spinach for other vegetables, such as kale, zucchini, or even roasted tomatoes. The possibilities are endless—feel free to use whatever is in season or whatever you prefer.

3. Add Herbs

Fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley can elevate the flavor of the quiche. Try adding them to the vegetable mixture or sprinkling them on top before serving.

4. Cheese Variations

Experiment with different cheeses. Feta cheese works well with spinach and adds a tangy flavor. Or, for a creamier texture, use ricotta cheese instead of cottage cheese.

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerator: Store any leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.

Freezing: After baking and cooling, wrap the quiche tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat directly from the freezer at 350°F (175°C) for 40-45 minutes, or until heated through.

Special Equipment

Although this recipe doesn’t require any special tools, the following kitchen essentials can make the process easier:

• 9-inch pie or quiche dish: Perfect for baking the quiche.
• Large skillet: For sautéing the vegetables.
• Mixing bowls: For combining the ingredients.
• Whisk: To beat the eggs and mix the ingredients.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes! You can use frozen spinach in place of fresh. Be sure to thaw and drain the spinach thoroughly to remove any excess water.

2. Can I make this quiche without cheese?

Yes, you can omit the cheese if you’re looking for a dairy-free version, but keep in mind that the texture will be slightly different. You could also try substituting with vegan cheese.

3. Can I make this quiche ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer. Just bake it when you’re ready to enjoy.

Print

Conclusion

Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a healthy, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for any meal of the day. With its light and fluffy texture, nutritious ingredients, and endless customization options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Whether you enjoy it for brunch, lunch, or dinner, this quiche is guaranteed to impress with its fresh flavors and simple preparation. Give it a try today, and enjoy a satisfying, wholesome meal that’s as good for you as it is delicious.