Here is a comprehensive guide to a delicious and versatile Crustless Cottage Cheese and Spinach Quiche, structured according to your request.
The Ultimate Crustless Cottage Cheese and Spinach Quiche
This crustless quiche is a cornerstone of effortless, healthy cooking in our home. It’s the perfect solution for busy mornings, offering a protein-packed, veggie-loaded breakfast that can be prepped in advance and enjoyed all week. What I love most is its simplicity: no fiddling with pastry, just mix, pour, and bake. The combination of creamy cottage cheese and sharp cheddar creates a rich, satisfying texture, while the spinach and bell peppers add color, flavor, and nutrients. It’s a dish that pleases everyone at the table, from the kids who love the cheesy goodness to the adults who appreciate a wholesome, make-ahead meal.
Ingredients
· 1 tbsp oil (olive or avocado oil)
· 1 small onion, diced
· 1/2 bell pepper, diced (any color)
· 2 cups fresh baby spinach, chopped
· 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
· 4 large eggs
· 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
· 1/2 cup milk (dairy or unsweetened plant-based)
· 1/2 tsp garlic powder
· 1 tsp Italian seasoning
· Salt and pepper to taste
Methods / Instructions
1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized shallow baking dish with a little oil or non-stick spray.
2. Sauté the Vegetables: Heat the 1 tbsp of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the chopped spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes, just until it wilts. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
3. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, milk, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until everything is well combined and smooth.
4. Combine: Stir the shredded cheddar cheese into the egg mixture. Then, add the slightly cooled sautéed vegetables and mix until they are evenly distributed.
5. Bake: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared pie dish. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 35-45 minutes. The quiche is done when the center is set (it should no longer jiggle) and the top is lightly golden brown. A knife inserted into the center should come out clean.
7. Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to firm up and makes for cleaner slices.
A Brief History of the Quiche
While the quiche is now considered a classic of French cuisine, its origins are actually German. The word “quiche” comes from the German word “Kuchen,” meaning cake. The original quiche, Quiche Lorraine, originated in the medieval kingdom of Lothringen, which under French rule became known as Lorraine. The first quiches were a simple, rustic dish of bread dough filled with a custard of eggs and cream, and sometimes smoked bacon. It wasn’t until the 20th century that quiche became popular throughout France and, later, the rest of the world. The crustless version is a modern, convenient adaptation that focuses on the filling’s flavor and texture while reducing carbohydrates and preparation time.
Health Benefits
This crustless quiche isn’t just delicious; it’s a nutritional powerhouse.
· High in Protein: Thanks to the cottage cheese, eggs, and cheddar, this quiche is packed with protein, which helps keep you feeling full and satisfied for hours, stabilizes blood sugar, and supports muscle health.
· Rich in Calcium: Dairy products are excellent sources of calcium, essential for strong bones and teeth.
· Packed with Vitamins: The vegetables add a wealth of nutrients.
· Spinach is loaded with iron, vitamin K, and vitamin A.
· Bell Peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant.
· Low in Carbohydrates: By skipping the crust, this quiche is naturally low in carbs and gluten-free, making it suitable for many different dietary preferences.
· Customizable for More Nutrients: It’s a perfect “clean-out-the-fridge” meal, allowing you to add any leftover vegetables for an even wider array of vitamins and minerals.
Formation and Texture
The magic of this dish lies in its formation. As it bakes, the egg and milk mixture forms a tender, savory custard. The cottage cheese plays a dual role: some of it melts into the custard, adding creaminess, while small curds remain intact, creating delightful little pockets of soft, milky texture. The shredded cheddar melts and forms a flavorful, slightly golden top layer. The sautéed vegetables provide a tender bite and bursts of flavor throughout, preventing the custard from being one-note. The final structure is firm enough to hold a wedge shape but remains wonderfully moist and tender on the fork.
What Lovers of This Quiche Say
· “This is my new favorite meal prep! I make it on Sunday and have a perfect, healthy breakfast every morning.”
· “My kids are picky eaters, but they devour this. I love that I can sneak in some spinach without a fight.”
· “I love how versatile it is. I’ve used mushrooms, broccoli, and different cheeses, and it always turns out great.”
· “Finally, a quiche recipe that doesn’t require the hassle of a crust. It’s so easy and unbelievably creamy.”
Additional Methods for Success
· Don’t Skip Sautéing: Sautéing the vegetables first, especially spinach and bell peppers, removes excess water. If you add them raw, they can release water during baking and make the quiche watery.
· Cooling is Crucial: Letting the quiche rest after baking is not optional. It allows the custard to finish setting and makes it much easier to slice and serve.
· Check for Doneness: Ovens vary. Start checking your quiche at the 35-minute mark. The center should be just set and not jiggle when you gently shake the dish.
· Room Temperature Ingredients: For the most even baking, try to have your eggs and milk at room temperature before mixing. This helps them emulsify better into a smooth custard.
Nutrition Information (Approximate, per serving, based on 6 servings)
· Calories: 220-250
· Protein: 18-20g
· Fat: 14-16g
· Carbohydrates: 6-8g
· Fiber: 1-2g
Conclusion
This crustless cottage cheese and spinach quiche is more than just a recipe; it’s a solution. It’s the answer to hectic mornings, the vehicle for using up leftover vegetables, and a reliable, healthy dish that the whole family can agree on. Its creamy, savory, and customizable nature makes it a timeless addition to any meal rotation. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, a light lunch with a side salad, or even a simple dinner, this quiche delivers comfort, nutrition, and incredible flavor in every single bite. It truly is a go-to for a reason.
