Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

Featured in Tasty Morning Favorites.

This healthy crustless quiche combines egg whites, cottage cheese, and spinach for a protein-packed, low-carb meal. Easy to prep ahead and customize.

Ranah
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 12:28:07 GMT
A baked spinach and cheese frittata in a white pie dish, showcasing a golden crust and green spinach leaves interspersed with dollops of cheese. Pin it
A baked spinach and cheese frittata in a white pie dish, showcasing a golden crust and green spinach leaves interspersed with dollops of cheese. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Let me share my absolute favorite healthy breakfast discovery that's become a total game-changer in my kitchen! This Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche with Spinach started as an experiment when I was looking for high-protein breakfast options that actually taste amazing. The way the cottage cheese melts into this creamy dreamy texture while keeping things light and healthy is pure magic. Even my husband who usually turns his nose up at "healthy food" asks for seconds!

Why You'll Love This

You know what makes this quiche so special? It's that perfect balance of healthy and satisfying! The cottage cheese gives it this incredible creamy texture while keeping it protein-packed. Plus it's naturally gluten-free and low-carb but trust me you won't miss the crust at all. I love making it for weekend brunch but it's simple enough for busy weekday mornings too. My kids don't even realize they're eating something good for them!

Everything You Need

  • Good Olive Oil: I use extra virgin for the best flavor.
  • Sweet Onions: They get so tender and add amazing flavor.
  • Fresh Spinach: I sometimes use my garden spinach but frozen works great too!
  • Real Cheddar: Always grate your own it melts so much better.
  • Egg Whites: I separate them myself but carton ones work in a pinch.
  • Cottage Cheese: The secret to that creamy texture.
  • My Spice Blend: A pinch of cayenne gives it the perfect kick.

Let's Start Cooking

This quiche starts with a little veggie magic. I sauté those onions until they're golden and sweet - the smell alone gets everyone asking what's for breakfast! Then comes my secret for perfect spinach: I cook it until every bit of water is gone. Trust me this step is crucial for a non-watery quiche. The egg mixture comes together so easily in my blender and when you pour it over those veggies and cheese it already looks amazing. My daughter loves helping sprinkle the cheese on top she says it's like making edible art!

A close-up of a baked spinach quiche in a white dish, featuring a golden crust and a filling of eggs, cheese, and spinach. Pin it
A close-up of a baked spinach quiche in a white dish, featuring a golden crust and a filling of eggs, cheese, and spinach. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

My Best Tips

After making this quiche countless times I've learned some game-changing tricks. Really squeeze out that spinach like you mean it - I wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and twist! Let your cottage cheese come to room temperature it blends so much better that way. And here's my favorite tip: let the quiche rest for a few minutes after baking it'll be easier to slice and serve. Sometimes I make two at once and freeze one for busy mornings.

Mix It Up Your Way

That's what I love about this recipe you can really make it your own! Sometimes I throw in leftover roasted veggies or some crispy bacon bits. My son loves it with diced bell peppers and my husband adds extra hot sauce to his portion. Once I made it with feta instead of cheddar for my book club and everyone went crazy for it. Don't be afraid to experiment that's how the best recipes happen!

Perfect Pairings

While this quiche is definitely filling on its own I love serving it with some fresh fruit on the side. On weekends I'll add some whole grain toast and a big pot of coffee for a proper brunch spread. During the week I pack slices in lunch boxes with a handful of cherry tomatoes. It's perfect for any time of day!

Keeping It Fresh

If you're lucky enough to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house!) they keep beautifully in the fridge. I like cutting the quiche into slices before storing makes it super easy to grab and go. For reheating just pop a slice in the microwave for about 30 seconds or warm it in the oven if you have time. Some mornings I even enjoy it cold straight from the fridge with a cup of coffee. It's that good!

A freshly baked spinach quiche with a golden crust and a creamy filling, topped with visible leafy spinach. Pin it
A freshly baked spinach quiche with a golden crust and a creamy filling, topped with visible leafy spinach. | yummyflavorsrecipes.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use whole eggs instead of egg whites?

Yes, you can substitute 6 whole eggs for the egg white and whole egg combination. This will increase the fat content but still taste delicious.

→ Can I use fresh spinach?

Yes, use one pound of fresh spinach in place of the 10 oz frozen. Sauté until wilted and drain well before adding to the quiche.

→ How do I know when it's done?

Make a 1-inch cut from center to edge - if the knife comes out clean, it's done. If there's egg on the blade, bake a few minutes longer.

→ Can I make this ahead?

Yes, prep vegetables and egg mixture the night before, store separately in the fridge. Assemble and bake the next day.

→ How do I prevent the quiche from being watery?

Squeeze as much moisture as possible from the thawed spinach before adding it to the quiche. This is crucial for the right texture.

Cottage Cheese and Spinach Crustless Quiche

A protein-rich crustless quiche made with cottage cheese, egg whites, spinach, and light cheddar. Perfect for a healthy breakfast or light meal.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes
By: Ranah


Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 2 teaspoons olive oil.
02 1 medium yellow onion, chopped.
03 10 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained.
04 12 ounces light cheddar cheese, grated.
05 8 large egg whites.
06 1 whole egg.
07 ⅓ cup low-fat cottage cheese.
08 ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
09 ⅛ teaspoon sea salt.
10 ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg.
11 ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
12 Cooking spray.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 375°F. Cook onion in oil until translucent, about 5 minutes.

Step 02

Add spinach to onions, cook 3 minutes until dry. Set aside.

Step 03

Spray 9-inch pie pan. Add grated cheese, then spinach mixture.

Step 04

Whisk egg whites, whole egg, cottage cheese, and seasonings. Pour over spinach.

Step 05

Bake 40-45 minutes until set. Rest 5 minutes before slicing.

Notes

  1. Can use 6 whole eggs instead of whites.
  2. Fresh spinach can replace frozen.
  3. Can prep components night before.

Tools You'll Need

  • 9-inch pie pan.
  • Nonstick skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (cheese).
  • Eggs.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 262
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 9 g
  • Protein: 34 g