I have always loved recipes that bring together comfort and nutrition in one delicious bite, and this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is exactly that. The first time I made it, it was for a lazy Sunday brunch with friends. I wanted something warm, creamy, and satisfying, but without the heaviness that usually comes with traditional quiche. This crustless version turned out to be a real winner — fluffy, light, and rich in flavor, yet so simple to prepare. It quickly became one of my favorite go-to brunch dishes, and now, I make it regularly whenever I need a wholesome meal that feels indulgent but keeps things healthy.
You will love this recipe because it offers everything you want in a satisfying breakfast or lunch dish — a creamy, protein-packed base of cottage cheese balanced by the earthy taste of fresh spinach and the mild sweetness of sautéed onions. Unlike classic quiches that rely on heavy cream or pastry crusts, this one skips both without losing its richness or depth. The texture is beautifully soft, almost custard-like, and each slice cuts cleanly without falling apart. Best of all, it’s quick to mix, bakes evenly, and reheats perfectly for busy mornings or make-ahead meal plans.
What makes this quiche so versatile is how easily you can adapt it to your preferences. You can mix in diced vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, or add a sprinkle of shredded chicken for extra protein. You could even swap the spinach for kale or Swiss chard if you have those on hand. Whether you serve it warm from the oven or chilled as part of a buffet spread, it fits beautifully into any occasion — from brunch gatherings to weekday lunches or even light dinners with a fresh salad on the side.
Another reason this dish is such a favorite is its affordability. Every ingredient is simple and budget-friendly, yet together they create something that tastes refined and restaurant-quality. Cottage cheese is inexpensive and full of nutrients, while eggs and spinach are pantry staples that stretch a meal beautifully.
Ingredients for Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche:
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1 cup cottage cheese
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
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1 medium onion, finely diced
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5 large eggs
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½ cup milk
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1 teaspoon olive oil
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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¼ teaspoon garlic powder
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Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika for color
How to Prepare Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche
When I first made this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche, I was amazed at how easily it came together. There’s something very comforting about mixing wholesome ingredients, pouring them into a baking dish, and letting the oven do the work. This recipe is ideal for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or even quick dinners when you want something light yet satisfying. Every step is simple, and the result is a golden, fluffy quiche with a creamy texture and savory aroma that fills the kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Preparation
Step 1: Prepare the oven and baking dish
Start by preheating your oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a similar oven-safe pie pan with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray. This will ensure the quiche doesn’t stick and will make it easy to remove once baked.
Step 2: Sauté the onions and spinach
Heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, until it becomes translucent and fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and stir gently until it wilts, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set the mixture aside to cool slightly. This step brings out a deeper flavor and removes excess moisture from the spinach, ensuring the quiche sets perfectly.
Step 3: Whisk the eggs and seasonings
In a large mixing bowl, crack the 5 eggs and whisk them until the yolks and whites are well combined. Add ½ cup of milk, ½ teaspoon of salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon of garlic powder. Whisk again to incorporate all the seasonings evenly. The milk helps keep the texture light, while the seasonings enhance the savory taste of the dish.
Step 4: Add the cottage cheese and mozzarella
Next, add 1 cup of cottage cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella to the egg mixture. Stir well until everything is evenly mixed. The cottage cheese gives the quiche its creamy, custard-like texture, and the mozzarella adds a soft melt that holds the ingredients together.
Step 5: Combine with the spinach and onion mixture
Pour the cooled spinach and onion mixture into the egg and cheese blend. Stir gently but thoroughly to make sure the vegetables are evenly distributed. The mixture will be thick but pourable, with a creamy consistency that promises a rich flavor once baked.
Step 6: Transfer to the baking dish
Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth out the top so it cooks evenly. If you like a bit of color, sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of paprika over the surface for a subtle golden hue once baked.
Step 7: Bake until golden and set
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top turns lightly golden and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The quiche should feel firm but still slightly soft in the middle. If you prefer a crispier edge, you can bake it for an extra 5 minutes.
Step 8: Cool before serving
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This cooling time allows the quiche to firm up and makes cutting cleaner and easier. You can serve it warm for breakfast or let it cool completely for a make-ahead lunch option.
Quick and Easy Preparation
This crustless quiche is designed to be quick and effortless. With no pastry dough to roll out or blind-bake, the entire preparation takes less than 15 minutes before baking. It’s perfect for those mornings when you want something hearty but don’t want to spend too long in the kitchen. The ingredients mix together in one bowl, and the oven takes care of the rest.
Customizable and Flexible
One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is. You can easily adjust it to match your taste or use what you already have. If you enjoy more vegetables, add diced mushrooms, zucchini, or red bell peppers. For a heartier version, include shredded chicken or turkey bacon. You can even experiment with different cheeses such as cheddar, feta, or gouda to vary the flavor.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, replace the milk with oat or almond milk and use a dairy-free cheese substitute. The result remains light, savory, and completely satisfying.
Popular with Many People
Every time I serve this quiche, it becomes a crowd favorite. It’s gluten-free, nutritious, and balanced, which makes it appealing to nearly everyone. Families love it for its simplicity, while brunch guests appreciate its soft, creamy texture and mild flavor. It’s also a great way to sneak in some greens for picky eaters without sacrificing taste.
Whether enjoyed with a side of fresh salad, roasted potatoes, or simply a cup of tea or coffee, this Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche offers warmth, flavor, and comfort in every bite. Its simplicity and versatility make it a dish that always impresses, no matter when or where it’s served.
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Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche for Effortless Brunch
This Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche is a wholesome, protein-rich dish that’s perfect for effortless brunches, light lunches, or even quick dinners. Made without a crust, it’s lower in carbs yet still creamy, filling, and full of flavor. Combining the mild taste of cottage cheese with the freshness of spinach and the subtle sweetness of onions, this recipe delivers a satisfying meal that’s both nourishing and comforting.
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 5 large eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Optional: ¼ teaspoon paprika
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (350°F). Lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or pie pan with olive oil or cooking spray.
- Sauté the onions and spinach: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until soft. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly.
- Whisk the eggs: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well blended. Add milk, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix again until the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Add the cheeses: Stir in cottage cheese and shredded mozzarella until the mixture is smooth and combined.
- Combine with vegetables: Add the cooled spinach and onion mixture to the bowl. Stir gently until evenly mixed.
- Pour into the baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the greased dish and smooth the top with a spatula. Sprinkle paprika if desired.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the top turns golden and a knife inserted in the center comes out clean.
- Cool before serving: Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
For added flavor, mix in chopped herbs such as parsley, thyme, or basil.
You can substitute mozzarella with cheddar or feta cheese for a sharper taste.
Ensure the spinach mixture is well-drained to avoid excess moisture in the quiche.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- Prep Time: 15
- Cook Time: 40
FAQs
1. Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can prepare the mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Alternatively, you can bake the quiche ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to three days. Simply reheat slices in the oven or microwave before serving.
2. Can I freeze Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche?
Yes, this quiche freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before freezing. It can be stored for up to two months. To serve, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven at 160°C (325°F) until warmed through.
3. Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Definitely. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the mixture. This prevents the quiche from becoming watery.
4. How can I make it more flavorful?
You can enhance the flavor by adding herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme. A sprinkle of grated cheddar or feta cheese can also bring a more intense, savory taste while keeping the dish balanced and creamy.