This Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche is a fluffy and tasty dish that’s perfect for breakfast or brunch. With eggs and cottage cheese, it is packed with protein and flavor!
Making this quiche is a breeze. Just mix your ingredients, pour them into a dish, and bake. It’s so easy, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with a crust!
I love adding fresh veggies to mine for extra color and crunch. Enjoy it warm or cold—it’s yummy any time of day! Perfect for those busy mornings! 😊
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is great for a creamy texture. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using silken tofu blended until smooth. This maintains the protein content without the dairy.
Eggs: Use large eggs as they provide the best structure. If you’re allergic to eggs or want a vegan version, you can replace each egg with 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce or a commercial egg replacer.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is delicious, but feel free to mix it up! Monterey Jack, feta, or mozzarella work wonderfully as substitutions. Each brings a different flavor profile.
Fresh Spinach or Herbs: You can use any fresh herbs you have on hand—basil or thyme can brighten the dish up. If fresh isn’t available, dried herbs work too. Just reduce the quantity, as dried herbs are more potent.
Onion or Shallots: If you’re short on either, leeks or scallions are excellent substitutes. Their flavor adds a lovely depth without overpowering the dish.
How Do I Achieve the Perfect Fluffy Texture?
The key to a fluffy quiche lies in how you mix the ingredients. Start by beating the eggs in a mixing bowl until they’re fully combined before adding in the cottage cheese. This ensures a nice, airy texture.
- Combine the cottage cheese and eggs first; whisk until smooth.
- Add the sautéed veggies and gently fold them in—this keeps air in the mixture.
- Make sure to bake it at the correct temperature until it’s just set and golden, as overcooking can lead to a dense result.
Letting it cool for a few minutes allows it to firm up a bit more for easier slicing.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ cups cottage cheese (small curd)
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your choice of cheese)
- 1/2 cup chopped fresh spinach or herbs (such as parsley, chives, or dill)
- 1/4 cup finely chopped onion or shallots
- 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper or tomato (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for sautéing)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 35-45 minutes to bake, plus an additional 10 minutes to cool down before slicing. In total, you’ll spend around 1 hour to enjoy this fluffy and delicious quiche!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a 9-inch round baking dish or a springform pan to prevent the quiche from sticking.
2. Sauté the Vegetables:
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter. Once hot, toss in the chopped onion and diced red bell pepper (or tomato). Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the veggies are soft. Once done, set them aside to cool slightly.
3. Mix the Egg Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, and shredded cheddar cheese. Use a whisk or fork to mix them well until everything is smooth and evenly combined.
4. Combine with Vegetables:
Add the sautéed vegetables, chopped spinach or herbs, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder (if using) to the egg mixture. Stir until all the ingredients are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
5. Pour and Smooth:
Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth the top, making sure it’s evenly spread out.
6. Bake the Quiche:
Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for about 35-45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the quiche is set and lightly golden on top. You can check if it’s ready by inserting a knife into the center; it should come out clean.
7. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes. This makes it easier to slice and also helps it firm up a little. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy your delicious cottage cheese crustless quiche!
Can I Substitute Other Cheeses?
Absolutely! While cheddar cheese is a classic choice, feel free to use different types like mozzarella, feta, or pepper jack for varied flavors. Just keep the quantity around 1 cup.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can reheat slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven until warmed through.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Yes! This quiche is very versatile. You can add in sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. Just be sure to chop them finely and sauté to remove excess moisture before mixing them in.
Is This Quiche Freezer-Friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the quiche! After baking, let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
