Looking for a wholesome breakfast that feels indulgent but fits your healthy lifestyle? This cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche delivers the creamy comfort of a traditional quiche without the heaviness of a pastry crust. High in protein, low in carbs, and packed with vibrant greens, it’s a perfect morning meal or light dinner. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting brunch, this dish brings nourishment and flavor in every bite. Let’s explore what makes this quiche a go-to favorite for home cooks who want both convenience and nutrition without sacrificing taste.
The Story Behind My Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche
How this crustless quiche came to life in my golden kitchen
When I first started experimenting with crustless quiches, I wasn’t trying to be trendy I was simply out of pie crust. It was a chilly Sunday morning, and I had spinach wilting in the fridge and a half-used tub of cottage cheese. I remembered how my mom used to stir cottage cheese into scrambled eggs for extra creaminess. So I figured, why not whisk it into eggs for a quiche-like bake?
The result? A fluffy, cheesy, veggie-filled delight that my family devoured straight from the pan. That morning became the beginning of a delicious ritual. What I love about this cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche is how incredibly forgiving it is. You can swap spinach for kale or toss in sun-dried tomatoes for extra tang. But at its core, the cottage cheese adds that rich texture without needing heavy cream or extra cheese.
As someone who believes that food connects generations, this recipe is now one of my favorites to share especially with readers looking for nourishing meals that are quick, easy, and full of heart. And the best part? It reheats beautifully, making it ideal for busy mornings when you need something fast and satisfying.
A comforting favorite that’s good for you, too
Unlike traditional quiche, which can be loaded with butter and flour, this crustless version keeps things light. Cottage cheese brings a boost of protein and creaminess while fresh spinach adds fiber, iron, and flavor. This dish fits into a high-protein, low-carb lifestyle — but it’s so comforting, you’ll never feel like you’re missing out. I love serving it with a fresh side like this strawberry spinach salad or even pairing it with cottage cheese flatbread for extra staying power.
Why Cottage Cheese & Spinach Make the Perfect Pair
The nutritional powerhouse behind this crustless quiche
Let’s talk about what makes this cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche so incredibly nourishing. Cottage cheese is often overlooked, but it’s one of the best ingredients you can keep in your fridge. With around 25 grams of protein per cup and minimal fat, it brings satisfying creaminess without the heaviness of traditional quiche ingredients like heavy cream or full-fat cheeses.
Spinach, on the other hand, is nature’s green multivitamin. It’s packed with vitamin K, iron, folate, and fiber all essential for energy, bone health, and digestion. When baked together with eggs and cottage cheese, it creates a fluffy, savory bite that satisfies your taste buds and your body’s needs.
Together, these ingredients offer a balance of macronutrients that make this dish ideal for anyone following a high-protein, low-carb, or even Mediterranean-style diet. Whether you’re prepping meals for a busy week or trying to eat more mindfully, this recipe hits that sweet spot of comfort food with purpose.
Simple ingredients, big flavor
The beauty of this quiche lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of fresh, accessible ingredients to bring it to life:
- Fresh spinach (or frozen, well-drained)
- Eggs
- Cottage cheese
- Onion or shallots
- Garlic
- Seasonings like thyme or nutmeg
- Optional add-ins: mushrooms, roasted peppers, feta
I often pair it with a quick high protein low calorie side like a vanilla chia seed pudding for breakfast or lunch — it rounds out the meal beautifully.
You can layer everything in one bowl, pour it into a baking dish, and pop it in the oven. It’s as easy as a frittata but with the texture and depth of a traditional quiche minus the crust, the hassle, and the extra calories.
How to Make Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche
Step-by-step guide to baking the perfect quiche without the crust
This cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche is as easy to make as it is nourishing. No crust means no rolling, no chilling, and no fuss just wholesome ingredients baked until golden and set. Here’s how I prepare it in my kitchen:
1. Prep your oven and dish:
Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or ceramic baking dish with olive oil or butter. This ensures your quiche lifts easily without sticking.
2. Sauté your veggies:
In a pan, cook chopped onion (or shallots) and garlic until soft and fragrant. Toss in fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. If using frozen spinach, be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture.
3. Mix the filling:
In a large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs and 1 cup of cottage cheese until smooth. Stir in sautéed spinach mixture and any extras like chopped mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or shredded cheese. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg or thyme.
4. Bake until set:
Pour the mixture into your prepared dish and bake for 35–40 minutes or until the top is lightly golden and the center is just set. Let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
Serving tips and delicious pairings
This crustless quiche is incredibly versatile. I love it warm for breakfast with a bagel breakfast sandwich on the side, or chilled for lunch with a refreshing avocado toast with egg. It also travels well, making it a smart option for packed lunches or a quick protein-rich snack after a workout.
You can even cut it into squares and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days — a true meal prep hero. If you want to reheat, just pop it in the microwave or toaster oven for a few minutes and enjoy.
Storage, Make-Ahead Tips & Variations
Make it ahead, store it well, and enjoy all week
One of the best things about this cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche is how well it keeps. After cooling, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave or oven, making it perfect for quick weekday breakfasts or lunchbox additions.
Want to freeze it? You can! Slice it into individual servings, wrap each tightly in parchment and foil, and store in a freezer bag. To reheat, pop a slice into the oven or air fryer — no need to thaw first. It’s a great way to batch-cook and have something wholesome always ready to go.
Dietary swaps and easy customizations
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or adjusting for dietary needs, this quiche is easy to modify:
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based cottage cheese and almond milk instead of regular eggs and cheese.
- Gluten-free? It already is!
- Higher fat or keto? Add shredded cheddar or goat cheese for extra richness.
For variety, try stirring in cooked mushrooms, roasted red peppers, or a handful of chopped cherry tomatoes. A bit of crumbled feta works great too, as do fresh herbs like dill or basil.
This dish is a star at brunch tables but just as welcome in solo lunches with a high-protein dip and sliced veggies or alongside scrambled eggs with spinach.
Whatever you choose, the result is always the same: a savory, fluffy, protein-packed slice of comfort.
FAQs About Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche
1. Can I freeze a crustless spinach quiche with cottage cheese?
Yes, you can freeze it! Let the quiche cool completely, then cut it into individual slices. Wrap each one tightly in parchment and foil or use freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Reheat from frozen in the oven or air fryer for best texture.
2. Is cottage cheese healthy in a crustless quiche?
Absolutely. Cottage cheese is high in protein, low in fat, and adds creaminess without the need for heavy cream. It’s a great choice for anyone watching carbs or calories while still wanting a filling, nourishing meal.
3. How do I keep my crustless quiche from getting watery?
To avoid excess moisture, sauté your spinach and vegetables first and be sure to drain them well, especially if you’re using frozen spinach. Using full-fat cottage cheese also helps improve the consistency and reduces water release during baking.
4. Can I make this crustless quiche ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. It reheats well in the microwave or toaster oven, making it perfect for quick, protein-rich meals during the week.
Conclusion
This cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche is everything I love about home cooking: simple ingredients, nourishing comfort, and a little creative freedom. Whether you’re feeding a family or just yourself, this dish proves that wholesome food doesn’t have to be complicated — or boring. Make it once, and you’ll come back to it again and again.
Print
Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This cottage cheese & spinach crustless quiche is fluffy, protein-packed, and perfect for low-carb meal prep. Great for breakfast or a light lunch.
Ingredients
6 large eggs
1 cup cottage cheese
2 cups fresh spinach (or 1 cup frozen, thawed and drained)
1/4 cup diced onion or shallots
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/8 tsp nutmeg (optional)
1/2 tsp dried thyme or Italian seasoning
1/4 cup shredded cheese (optional)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9-inch pie dish.
Sauté onion and garlic until fragrant, add spinach, cook until wilted.
Whisk eggs and cottage cheese in a large bowl until smooth.
Stir in cooked spinach mixture and seasonings.
Pour into prepared dish, top with shredded cheese if using.
Bake for 35–40 minutes until set and lightly golden.
Cool for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Use full-fat cottage cheese for creamier texture.
To freeze, slice and wrap individually. Reheat from frozen.
Pairs well with light salads or whole grain toast.
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 40min
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Americain
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 340 mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 190mg