Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche
Light, low carb, and creamy
This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is the kind of recipe that quietly becomes a staple. It’s light yet filling, creamy without being heavy, and naturally low in carbs since there’s no crust involved. Cottage cheese does the heavy lifting here, blending into the eggs as it bakes and creating a smooth, tender texture that surprises people who think they don’t like cottage cheese.
It’s a great option for breakfast, brunch, or even a simple lunch paired with a salad. The flavors are clean and balanced, with spinach adding freshness and color while the eggs keep everything comforting and familiar. It’s also very forgiving, which makes it ideal for meal prep or last-minute cooking. Slice it warm, eat it cold, reheat it later. It holds up beautifully.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Bake Time: 35–40 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 to 6
Ingredients
Eggs
Cottage cheese (2% or full-fat)
Fresh spinach, roughly chopped
Onion, finely diced
Olive oil or butter (for greasing)
Garlic powder
Salt
Black pepper
Optional cheese (Parmesan, mozzarella, or cheddar)
Simple ingredients, but they come together in a surprisingly rich and satisfying way.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
Heat a small pan over medium heat and lightly sauté the diced onion until soft. Let cool slightly.
If the spinach is very moist, squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery quiche.
In a large bowl, crack the eggs and whisk until fully blended.
Add the cottage cheese and whisk gently until evenly distributed.
Stir in garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Fold in the sautéed onions and chopped spinach.
Add optional shredded cheese if using and mix gently.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
Bake uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until the center is set and the top is lightly golden. Rest for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Tips for Best Results
Full-fat cottage cheese gives the creamiest texture, but 2% works well too.
Small-curd cottage cheese blends more smoothly into the eggs.
Always remove excess moisture from spinach to prevent sogginess.
Let the onion cool slightly so it doesn’t partially cook the eggs.
Whisk just until combined to keep the quiche tender.
A glass or ceramic dish bakes more evenly than metal.
Resting time helps the quiche firm up and slice cleanly.
Season carefully since cheese adds natural saltiness.
If the top browns too quickly, loosely cover with foil.
For extra smooth texture, blend the egg mixture briefly before adding vegetables.
Variations
Add mushrooms, sautéed until golden, for an earthy flavor.
Use feta instead of cottage cheese for a sharper profile.
Add sun-dried tomatoes for sweetness and depth.
Stir in fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or basil.
Use kale instead of spinach, finely chopped and softened.
Add cooked chicken or turkey for extra protein.
Sprinkle red pepper flakes for gentle heat.
Mix in zucchini, grated and squeezed dry.
Use smoked paprika for a warmer flavor note.
Bake in muffin tins for individual, grab-and-go portions.
Q & A
Does cottage cheese melt in a quiche?
It softens and blends into the eggs, creating a creamy texture rather than melting like shredded cheese.
Is this recipe low carb?
Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs since there’s no crust.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. It stores well and reheats nicely.
Can I freeze crustless quiche?
Yes. Slice and freeze for up to 2 months.
Does it taste like cottage cheese?
No, the flavor becomes mild and neutral after baking.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw and squeeze it very dry.
How do I know when it’s done?
The center should be set and no longer jiggly.
Is it good cold?
Yes, it tastes great chilled or at room temperature.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can use dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives, though texture may vary.
What should I serve with it?
Fresh fruit, a green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Nutrition
(Approximate per Serving)
Calories: 180–200
Protein: 18–22g
Fat: 11g
Carbohydrates: 3–5g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: Moderate
Nutrition will vary based on cheese choice and portion size.
Conclusion
This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche proves that light, low-carb food doesn’t have to feel boring or restrictive. It’s creamy, comforting, and satisfying, all while staying simple and wholesome. Whether you’re making it for busy mornings, relaxed brunches, or meal prep for the week, it’s a recipe you can rely on. Easy to customize, easy to store, and easy to love, this quiche earns its place as a go-to favorite you’ll keep coming back to.