This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is a light, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch. With no crust to worry about, it comes together easily and is loaded with tender spinach, creamy cottage cheese, and savory herbs for a satisfying bite every time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how simple and wholesome this crustless quiche is. It skips the traditional crust, making it lighter and lower in carbs without sacrificing flavor. The cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and a great boost of protein, while the spinach gives it that vibrant color and nutritious touch. Whether I’m serving it warm out of the oven or grabbing a slice cold from the fridge, it’s always delicious and fuss-free.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and drained if frozen)
- Onion or green onions
- Garlic
- Shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Milk
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
directions
- I preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a pie dish or baking dish.
- In a skillet, I sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- I stir in the spinach, cooking it for a few minutes until the moisture is mostly gone.
- In a large bowl, I whisk the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper together.
- I fold in the cooked spinach mixture.
- I pour the mixture into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- I let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings and takes approximately 50 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 40 minutes to bake.
Variations
I like to switch things up depending on what I have in my fridge. Sometimes I add chopped mushrooms or bell peppers for extra veggies. For a bit of spice, I mix in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños. If I want more richness, I use whole milk or a splash of cream, and different cheeses like feta or gouda bring a new flavor profile every time.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When I reheat it, I usually use the microwave for about 30-60 seconds per slice, or I warm it in a 300°F oven until heated through. It also freezes well—just wrap slices individually and thaw in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How do I prevent the quiche from being watery?
I always make sure to squeeze out any excess moisture from the spinach, especially if using frozen. Cooking the spinach well before mixing it in helps too.
Can I use ricotta instead of cottage cheese?
Yes, I can substitute ricotta for cottage cheese if I prefer a smoother texture, though it may change the protein content slightly.
Is this quiche keto-friendly?
It can be, especially if I use full-fat dairy and keep an eye on the carbs in the added ingredients. Skipping milk or using a lower-carb alternative helps too.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. I often make it the night before and store it in the fridge. It reheats beautifully in the morning or works great as a cold slice on the go.
Do I need to blind bake anything?
Not at all. Since it’s crustless, I just grease the dish and pour the filling right in—super simple and no extra steps.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche has become one of my go-to meals for busy mornings or light lunches. It’s nutritious, versatile, and incredibly easy to prepare. I enjoy how it packs in flavor without being heavy, and I always feel good about serving it to family or saving it for a few days of meal prep.
Print
Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is a light, protein-rich dish perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick lunch. With no crust and wholesome ingredients like spinach and cottage cheese, it’s flavorful, easy, and nutritious.
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 1/2 cups fresh or frozen spinach (thawed and drained if frozen)
- 1/2 cup chopped onion or green onions
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or blend)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a pie dish or baking dish.
- Sauté the onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant.
- Add the spinach and cook until most of the moisture evaporates.
- In a large bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the spinach mixture into the egg mixture.
- Pour into the prepared dish and bake for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
- Let cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
- Squeeze out all excess moisture from spinach to prevent a watery quiche.
- Ricotta can be used instead of cottage cheese for a smoother texture.
- Can be made ahead and stored in the fridge or freezer.
- Try variations with mushrooms, bell peppers, or spicy additions like jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 190mg