Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

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Looking for a healthy, no-fuss recipe that feels comforting and satisfying without weighing you down? Let me introduce you to this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche—it’s everything you love about a hearty breakfast or brunch, but without the crust (and without the carbs!). This recipe is rich in protein, incredibly easy to prepare, and super versatile—perfect whether you’re feeding a busy household or just want to meal prep for the week.

Honestly, this recipe became a weekend favorite in our house purely by accident. I had some leftover cottage cheese in the fridge, a handful of cooked spinach I didn’t want to waste, and zero energy to roll out a crust. I threw everything into a bowl, crossed my fingers, and the result? A light, creamy, and flavorful quiche that instantly earned a spot in our breakfast rotation.

What I love most is how approachable it is. No crust means no rolling pins, no blind baking, and no extra dishes. Just mix, pour, and bake—and you’ve got a wholesome meal that reheats like a dream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Low-Carb & Gluten-Free – Perfect if you’re watching your carbs or avoiding gluten.

  • Packed with Protein – Thanks to the cottage cheese, eggs, and cheddar.

  • Easy Meal Prep – Keeps well in the fridge and is great for grab-and-go breakfasts.

  • Customizable – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or fresh herbs based on what’s in your fridge.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this crustless quiche:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup milk

  • 4 large eggs

  • 1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Simple, right? Just a handful of ingredients, most of which you probably already have at home. Now let’s dive into how to pull this quiche together.

STEPS: How to Make Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or round baking dish. I usually use nonstick spray or a little olive oil brushed around the edges.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs until fully beaten. Then stir in the milk and cottage cheese. Make sure it’s all smooth and nicely blended. Don’t worry if the cottage cheese still has small curds—they’ll melt beautifully into the quiche as it bakes.

Step 3: Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now add the shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until everything is evenly combined. It’ll look a little loose and lumpy, but that’s exactly what you want. The mixture will set beautifully in the oven.

Step 4: Pour and Spread
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out and spread everything evenly.

How to Bake the Perfect Crustless Quiche (Plus Tips & Variations)

Now that your Cottage Cheese and Spinach Quiche is all prepped and ready to go, it’s time to bake it up into golden, savory perfection. This part is honestly the easiest—just pop it in the oven and let the magic happen. While it bakes, your kitchen will fill with the coziest, cheesiest aroma. That’s your cue to grab a cup of coffee, kick back, and get ready for a satisfying meal that feels way fancier than it actually is.

I’ve also included a few tips below to help you get the best texture and flavor, along with some variation ideas if you’re feeling creative (or just working with what’s in the fridge). Let’s finish up this easy, wholesome recipe.

STEPS: Baking and Serving Your Quiche

Step 5: Bake Until Set and Golden
Place the dish on the center rack of your preheated oven. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. You can give the pan a gentle shake—if the middle jiggles just slightly but the edges are firm, it’s done.

To test for doneness, insert a toothpick or thin knife into the center. If it comes out clean (or with just a little melted cheese), you’re good to go. Don’t worry if the top browns a bit—that adds extra flavor and texture.

Step 6: Let It Cool Before Serving
This step is important: once you pull it out of the oven, let it cool for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps everything settle and makes slicing much easier. The texture firms up a bit as it cools, and the flavors meld beautifully.

Now just slice, serve, and enjoy! I love pairing it with a simple green salad or a slice of toasted sourdough for a complete meal.

Tips for the Best Crustless Quiche

  • Squeeze That Spinach
    Whether you’re using fresh or frozen spinach, be sure to drain and squeeze it really well before adding it in. Too much moisture will make the quiche watery. I usually press it between paper towels or use a clean kitchen cloth.

  • Use Full-Fat Cottage Cheese for Creaminess
    Low-fat works too, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the quiche a richer, creamier texture without needing any heavy cream.

  • Grate Your Own Cheese
    Pre-shredded cheese often has added starches to keep it from clumping, which can affect the texture when baking. For the smoothest, meltiest result, grate your own cheddar if you can.

  • Bake on a Sheet Pan for Easy Cleanup
    To avoid any accidental spills in the oven (especially if your pie dish is filled to the top), place the baking dish on a rimmed sheet pan before popping it in the oven.

Variations You Can Try

This quiche is incredibly flexible. Here are a few simple swaps and add-ins to keep it interesting:

  • Veggie Add-Ins: Try sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or chopped zucchini. Just make sure to cook and drain them first to avoid excess moisture.

  • Protein Boost: Crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, or turkey sausage all work great. Add about 1/2 cup for a meaty twist.

  • Cheese Swap: Not a cheddar fan? Use feta for a tangy kick, Swiss for a nutty touch, or mozzarella for a mild, melty option.

  • Herbs & Seasonings: Add chopped fresh parsley, basil, or a pinch of nutmeg for an extra layer of flavor. A sprinkle of paprika on top before baking also adds a nice touch of color and warmth.

Serving Suggestions

This crustless quiche is super versatile. Serve it warm, at room temperature, or even cold (yes, it tastes great straight from the fridge!). Here are a few easy ways to serve it:

  • With a light salad for brunch or lunch.

  • As part of a breakfast spread with fruit, toast, and yogurt.

  • Cut into small squares and served as a high-protein snack or appetizer.

Cottage Cheese and Spinach Quiche: Your Questions Answered

This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche really is the ultimate fuss-free dish, and it tends to raise a few common questions—especially if you’re new to crustless baking or using cottage cheese in savory recipes. Whether you’re making it ahead of time, looking for swaps, or wondering how best to store leftovers, I’ve got you covered.

Below are the most frequently asked questions I’ve received about this recipe. Hopefully, they’ll clear up any last-minute hesitations so you can dive right in and make it your own.

FAQ: Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just make sure to cook it first and squeeze out as much moisture as possible. Frozen spinach is actually a great time-saver for this recipe.

How long will this quiche keep in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. It reheats well in the microwave or oven, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Can I freeze this quiche?
Yes, you can! Let it cool completely, then wrap slices individually or as a whole in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving.

What can I substitute for cottage cheese?
If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, ricotta is a great substitute and gives a similar creamy texture. Just note that it’s slightly thicker, so you might need to add a splash more milk.

Is this quiche keto-friendly?
Yes! With no crust and a focus on protein and healthy fats, this recipe fits well into a low-carb or keto lifestyle. Just be mindful of your milk choice—using unsweetened almond milk or heavy cream will keep carbs even lower.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. You can make the quiche the night before and refrigerate it. The next morning, just reheat slices or warm the whole dish in the oven at 325°F for about 10-15 minutes.

Why is my quiche watery?
The most common culprit is excess moisture from the spinach or veggies. Always cook and drain your vegetables well before adding them. Using full-fat dairy also helps with structure.

Final Thoughts: A No-Fuss, All-Flavor Favorite

This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is one of those recipes that proves simple really can be spectacular. It’s comforting without being heavy, loaded with flavor, and endlessly customizable based on what you have in your fridge. I love how it fits so many lifestyles—whether you’re eating low-carb, vegetarian, or just trying to add more protein to your meals.

It also makes weekday mornings so much easier. I usually make it on Sunday and enjoy it for a few days—just heat a slice, pair it with some fruit or toast, and breakfast is done. And let’s not forget how pretty it looks on a brunch table!

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Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche


  • Author: Andrew Recipes

Description

This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a wholesome, protein-rich dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light lunch. With no crust to worry about, it’s low in carbs and high in flavor, combining the creamy texture of cottage cheese with the earthy notes of spinach and a touch of cheddar for extra richness.


Ingredients

Scale

1 cup cottage cheese

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup milk

4 large eggs

1 cup cooked spinach, squeezed dry and chopped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon onion powder


Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or round baking dish.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs, then stir in the milk and cottage cheese until well combined.

Add the shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until fully incorporated.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.

Let cool for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Notes

Be sure to drain the spinach well to avoid excess moisture in the quiche. You can use fresh or frozen spinach, just cook and squeeze out the liquid. This quiche keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated for quick weekday meals. Feel free to customize with other vegetables or herbs based on what you have on hand.

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