Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

Hey there, fellow food lovers! Are you craving a light, healthy, and utterly delicious meal that’s also incredibly quick to make? Then look no further! This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is your answer. Imagine a creamy, dreamy texture, bursting with the fresh flavors of spinach and a subtle hint of nutmeg, all wrapped up in a protein-packed, low-carb package. This isn’t your grandma’s quiche (though she’d probably love it too!). It’s a modern twist on a classic, perfect for a weeknight dinner, a weekend brunch, or even a light lunch.

You’ll be amazed by how satisfying this surprisingly simple recipe is. You get all the cheesy, eggy goodness without the heaviness of a traditional pastry crust. Trust me, the taste is incredible, and the texture is perfectly fluffy and moist. You’ll be surprised how quickly this comes together – perfect for busy weeknights! Plus, the vibrant green spinach makes it visually appealing, adding a touch of elegance to your table. Prepare to be delighted by this healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying quiche!

What You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients for this culinary masterpiece! Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1½ cups cottage cheese: The star of the show! Look for a low-fat or full-fat variety, depending on your preference. The cottage cheese provides the creamy base and a delightful texture.
• 4 large eggs: These bind the quiche together and add richness. Make sure your eggs are fresh for the best result.
• 1 cup sautéed spinach + chopped onion: The vibrant green spinach adds a nutritional boost and a fresh, earthy flavor. Sautéing the spinach with onion mellows the spinach flavor and adds sweetness.
• A pinch of nutmeg: This warm spice complements the spinach beautifully and adds a touch of sophistication.
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds a salty, stretchy element and melts beautifully, creating a delightful cheese pull.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing the flavors.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the spinach and onion

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ready to create some culinary magic? Let’s get started!

1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a small oven-safe skillet or baking dish (approximately 8-inch diameter). This will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
2. Sauté the Spinach: Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 3 minutes. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside to cool slightly.
3. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the cottage cheese, eggs, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until well combined and smooth. This step is crucial for a light and fluffy texture; don’t overmix.
4. Add the Spinach Mixture: Gently fold the cooled spinach and onion mixture into the cottage cheese and egg mixture. Try not to overmix, as this can make the quiche tough.
5. Cheese it Up: Stir in half of the shredded mozzarella cheese. Reserve the other half for topping.
6. Bake the Quiche: Pour the quiche mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
7. Oven Time: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden brown on top. The center should be just set – it will continue to firm up as it cools.
8. Cooling Down: Remove from the oven and let the quiche cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the quiche to set properly and prevents it from being too runny.

Tips for Success

Here are a few helpful hints to ensure your cottage cheese and spinach quiche turns out perfectly:

* Don’t overmix the batter! Overmixing can lead to a tough quiche. Gently fold the ingredients together until just combined.
* Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
* If you prefer a firmer quiche, you can increase the baking time slightly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-baking.
* Let the quiche cool completely before slicing. This prevents it from falling apart.
* For a richer flavor, use full-fat cottage cheese.

Variations to Try

Feeling adventurous? Here are a few delicious variations to try:

Add some spice:** Incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
Mushroom magic:** Sauté some sliced mushrooms with the spinach and onion for an earthy twist.
Sun-dried tomatoes:** Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and tang.
Herby delight:** Experiment with different herbs like fresh basil, oregano, or thyme.

Storing and Reheating

Leftover quiche can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave individual slices for 30-60 seconds, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Freezing this quiche is also an option! Allow it to cool completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: Can I substitute the cottage cheese?
• A: While cottage cheese provides the unique creamy texture, you could try Greek yogurt as a substitute, though the texture might be slightly different. Ricotta cheese could also work, but it might be a bit heavier.
• Q: How long does the quiche last?
• A: Stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this quiche will last for up to 3 days.
• Q: Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
• A: Yes, you can assemble the quiche ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add about 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
• A: Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten-free as it doesn’t contain any flour or gluten-containing ingredients.
• Q: Can I use different types of cheese?
• A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses such as feta, parmesan, or a blend of your favorites.

The Final Word

This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is a winner for its ease of preparation, light and creamy texture, and delightful flavor combination. It’s a healthy and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. The beautiful green color makes it a feast for the eyes, as well as the stomach! Give this recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to rate the recipe and share your culinary creations with me! Happy cooking!

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