
Discover the perfect harmony of creamy cottage cheese and vibrant spinach in this incredibly satisfying Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche that’s about to become your new favorite healthy breakfast or brunch dish. This protein-packed quiche delivers all the rich, custardy goodness of traditional quiche without the heavy crust, making it naturally lighter and gluten-free friendly. The cottage cheese creates an unexpectedly creamy, fluffy texture while adding serious nutritional value, and the fresh spinach brings color, vitamins, and that perfect earthy flavor balance. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekday mornings, hosting a leisurely weekend brunch, or simply looking for a wholesome dish that feels indulgent but keeps you energized, this versatile quiche checks all the boxes with its comforting flavors and satisfying protein content.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
For the Quiche:
- 1 cup (225g) cottage cheese (full-fat preferred)
- 6 large eggs
- 1/4 cup (60ml) milk or heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheese (Gruyère, cheddar, or Swiss)
- 3 cups (90g) fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup (40g) yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 tablespoons fresh chives, chopped
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
For Preparation:
- Butter or cooking spray for greasing
- 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs (optional, for extra texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pan and Oven Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Generously grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan with butter or cooking spray. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly across the bottom for added texture.
Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted and most liquid has evaporated. Set aside to cool slightly.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture In a large mixing bowl, whisk together eggs, cottage cheese, and milk until well combined. The mixture should be relatively smooth with some small cottage cheese curds remaining. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients Fold the cooled spinach mixture into the egg and cottage cheese base. Add the shredded cheese and fresh chives, mixing gently until evenly distributed throughout.
Step 5: Bake the Quiche Pour the mixture into your prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 35-40 minutes until the center is set and the top is golden brown. A knife inserted in the center should come out clean.
Step 6: Cool and Serve Let the quiche cool for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps it set properly and makes for cleaner cuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Cooking Notes
The key to a perfect crustless quiche is not overbaking—it should be just set in the center with a slight jiggle when you shake the pan. Cottage cheese can vary in texture, so if yours is very chunky, you can pulse it briefly in a food processor for a smoother result. For extra richness, substitute heavy cream for the milk. Fresh spinach works best here, but you can use 1 cup of frozen spinach—just make sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess water first. This quiche is excellent for meal prep and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual slices in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or warm the whole quiche in a 300°F oven.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this quiche ahead of time? A: Yes! This quiche is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it the night before and bake it in the morning, or bake it completely and reheat portions throughout the week. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Q: What other vegetables can I add? A: This recipe is very adaptable! Try adding diced bell peppers, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli. Just make sure to sauté any vegetables with high water content first to prevent a soggy quiche.
Q: Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? A: You can, but full-fat cottage cheese gives the best creamy texture and richness. If using low-fat, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of cream or milk to maintain moisture.
Keto/Low-Carb Version
This quiche is already naturally low in carbs! To make it even more keto-friendly, skip the optional breadcrumbs and use heavy cream instead of milk. The cottage cheese, eggs, and cheese provide plenty of protein and healthy fats. You can add extra cheese or some cooked bacon for additional fat content. Each serving contains approximately 4-5 grams of net carbs, making it perfect for ketogenic meal plans.
Final Thoughts
This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is proof that healthy eating doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or satisfaction. The cottage cheese creates an incredibly creamy, protein-rich base that’s both nutritious and delicious, while the spinach adds that perfect pop of color and nutrients. It’s the kind of versatile recipe that works beautifully for breakfast, lunch, or even a light dinner, and it’s fancy enough for entertaining yet simple enough for everyday meals. Once you discover how easy and satisfying crustless quiches can be, you’ll find yourself making them regularly!
Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche – Healthy Breakfast Recipe
6
servings15
minutes40
minutes250
kcalIngredients
1 cup cottage cheese
6 eggs
1/4 cup milk or cream
1 cup shredded cheese
3 cups chopped spinach
1/4 cup chopped onion
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt & pepper
Pinch of nutmeg
Optional: chives & Parmesan
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a pie dish.
- Cook onion, garlic, and spinach in olive oil until soft.
- Whisk eggs, cottage cheese, and milk in a bowl. Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Mix in cooked veggies and shredded cheese.
- Pour into dish, sprinkle Parmesan on top (optional).
- Bake 35–40 minutes until set and golden.
- Cool for 10 minutes, then slice and serve.
Notes
- Tastes great warm or cold. Perfect for breakfast or meal prep!