Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

Easy Brunch Bliss | High-Protein | Low-Carb | Crustless
Recipe Information

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35–45 minutes
• Total Time: 50–60 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Course: Breakfast, Brunch, or Light Lunch
• Difficulty: Easy
  Ingredients
• 1 cup (225 g) cottage cheese
• 6 large eggs
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ small onion, finely diced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• Cooking spray or butter for greasing the baking dish
  Instructions
  Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
  Step 2: Cook the Spinach
  Heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and chopped spinach. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from the heat and drain any excess liquid.
  Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
  In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and milk until combined. Add the mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika. Mix well.
  Step 4: Combine the Ingredients
  Fold the cooked spinach and onion mixture into the egg mixture. Stir gently to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish
  Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly and sprinkle a little extra cheese on top if desired.
  Step 6: Bake the Quiche
  Bake for 35–45 minutes, or until the top is lightly golden and the center is set. The center should reach 160°F (71°C) for food safety.
  Step 7: Rest and Serve
  Remove the quiche from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm.
  Nutrition Information
  Estimated per serving, based on 6 servings.
• Calories: 230–280 kcal
• Protein: 18–22 g
• Total Carbohydrates: 4–7 g
• Dietary Fiber: 1–2 g
• Net Carbohydrates: 3–6 g
• Total Fat: 15–19 g
• Saturated Fat: 6–9 g
• Sugar: 2–4 g
• Sodium: 400–650 mg
  Nutrition values are estimates and vary depending on ingredient brands, cheese types, and portion sizes.
  Nut Information and Dietary Notes
• Tree Nuts: None included in the standard recipe.
• Peanuts: None included.
• Protein: Eggs, cottage cheese, and other cheeses provide protein.
• Gluten-Free: Yes, when all ingredients are verified gluten-free.
• Vegetarian: Yes.
• Low-Carb: Suitable for many low-carb meal plans.
• Keto-Friendly: May fit a ketogenic diet depending on portion size and individual carbohydrate limits.
• Dairy-Free: No. Dairy products are essential ingredients in this version.
• Allergens: Contains eggs and milk products.
• Nut Allergy Note: Although this recipe contains no nuts as ingredients, check product labels for possible cross-contact warnings if preparing it for someone with a nut allergy.
  Helpful Tips

1. Drain the spinach well: Excess water can make the quiche soggy.
2. Blend for a smooth texture: Blend the cottage cheese before mixing if you prefer a creamy filling.
3. Avoid overbaking: Remove the quiche when the center is set to help keep it tender.
4. Customize the vegetables: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini after cooking off excess moisture.
5. Add extra flavor: Feta cheese, fresh basil, or a pinch of red pepper flakes works well.
6. Make it ahead: Bake the quiche a day in advance and refrigerate until needed.
   Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual slices for up to 2 months for best quality.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 325°F (165°C) until heated through, or microwave individual slices.
• Food Safety: Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of cooking.
  Q&A — Frequently Asked Questions
  Q1: Can I make this cottage cheese and spinach quiche ahead of time?
  Yes! Bake it the day before, refrigerate it, and reheat it before serving.
  Q2: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
  Yes. Thaw the spinach completely and squeeze out as much water as possible before adding it to the mixture.
  Q3: Can I make this recipe without milk?
  Yes. You can omit the milk for a slightly firmer texture or replace it with an unsweetened milk alternative.
  Q4: Is this quiche high in protein?
  Yes. Eggs and cottage cheese are good protein sources. Each serving provides approximately 18–22 grams of protein, depending on the ingredients used.
  Q5: Is this recipe keto-friendly?
  It can fit many low-carb or ketogenic eating plans. Check the actual carbohydrate content of your ingredients and serving size.
  Q6: Why did my quiche turn watery?
  The most common reason is excess moisture from spinach or other vegetables. Drain cooked vegetables thoroughly before mixing them with the eggs.
  Q7: Can I use a different cheese?
  Yes! Cheddar, feta, Swiss, or Monterey Jack can replace some or all of the mozzarella. The flavor and nutrition will vary.
  Q8: Can I make mini crustless quiches?
  Yes. Divide the mixture among greased muffin cups and bake at 375°F (190°C) for approximately 18–22 minutes, or until the centers are set.
  Q9: Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
  Yes, but you will need dairy-free cottage cheese and cheese alternatives. The texture and nutritional values may change.
  Q10: How do I know when the quiche is fully cooked?
  The center should be set without liquid egg mixture. For food safety, check that the center reaches 160°F (71°C).
  Q11: What can I serve with this quiche?
  Serve it with a fresh cucumber and tomato salad, avocado slices, roasted vegetables, or fresh fruit.
  Q12: Can I freeze leftover quiche?
  Yes. Cool it completely, wrap individual slices securely, and freeze. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  Serving Suggestion
  Serve warm slices with fresh tomatoes, chopped parsley, and a crisp Mediterranean salad for an easy, satisfying brunch.
  Enjoy your Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche!