Made with creamy cottage cheese, fresh spinach, eggs, and melted cheese, this crustless quiche has a soft, fluffy center and plenty of savory flavor. Since there’s no pastry crust, it’s also an easy option when you want a comforting egg dish without making a pie crust.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30–40 minutes
Resting Time: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: About 50–60 minutes
Servings: 6
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup milk
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or cooking spray
Optional Additions
You can customize the quiche with:
- ½ cup diced onion
- ½ cup sliced mushrooms
- ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Chopped fresh parsley
- A little crumbled feta cheese
Directions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray.
Set it aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Spinach
Heat a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the olive oil and chopped spinach.
Cook for approximately 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach wilts.
Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Remove the skillet from the heat.
Allow the spinach to cool slightly.
If there is excess liquid in the skillet, drain it. Removing excess moisture helps prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl.
Add the cottage cheese, milk, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Whisk until the ingredients are well combined.
The cottage cheese can remain slightly chunky, or you can blend the mixture for a smoother texture.
Step 4: Add the Spinach
Add the cooked spinach and garlic to the egg mixture.
Stir gently until everything is evenly distributed.
If you’re adding mushrooms, onions, peppers, or other vegetables, make sure they are cooked and drained before adding them.
Step 5: Pour Into the Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Spread the spinach evenly throughout the dish.
If desired, sprinkle a little additional mozzarella or Parmesan over the top.
Step 6: Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven.
Bake for approximately 30–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
The exact baking time can vary depending on the size and depth of your baking dish.
Avoid overbaking, as the eggs can become rubbery.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Remove the quiche from the oven and allow it to rest for approximately 5–10 minutes.
This gives the eggs time to finish setting and makes the quiche easier to slice.
Step 8: Slice and Serve
Cut the quiche into wedges.
Serve warm or at room temperature.
It can be enjoyed on its own or alongside fresh fruit, a green salad, roasted vegetables, or whole-grain toast.
Tips for the Best Cottage Cheese & Spinach Quiche
Drain the spinach well
Spinach releases a considerable amount of water as it cooks.
Removing excess moisture helps produce a firmer, more flavorful quiche.
Don’t overbake
The quiche should be just set in the center.
Overbaking can make the eggs dry and firm.
Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer texture
Low-fat cottage cheese can also be used, but full-fat cottage cheese generally produces a creamier result.
Blend the cottage cheese if you prefer a smooth filling
If you don’t enjoy the texture of cottage cheese curds, blend the cottage cheese with the eggs and milk before adding the remaining ingredients.
Let it rest before slicing
Allowing the quiche to cool for several minutes helps it hold its shape.
Variations
Mushroom and Spinach Quiche
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach and garlic before adding them to the egg mixture.
Feta and Spinach Quiche
Replace some of the mozzarella with crumbled feta for a tangier flavor.
Tomato and Spinach Quiche
Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes or small amounts of fresh tomato. Drain fresh tomatoes well to prevent excess moisture.
Spicy Spinach Quiche
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a small amount of chopped jalapeño.
Cheddar Spinach Quiche
Replace the mozzarella with shredded cheddar cheese for a stronger, richer cheese flavor.
Make-Ahead Instructions
This crustless quiche is convenient for meal preparation.
Bake it according to the recipe, allow it to cool, and refrigerate it in a covered container.
When you’re ready to eat, warm individual slices in the microwave or reheat the entire quiche gently in the oven.
How to Store Leftovers
Allow leftovers to cool and refrigerate them promptly in an airtight container.
For best quality, enjoy refrigerated leftovers within several days.
Reheat until thoroughly warmed before serving.
Can You Freeze This Quiche?
Yes, the quiche can be frozen.
Allow it to cool completely before wrapping individual slices or placing the entire quiche in a freezer-safe container.
Thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.
The texture may be slightly different after freezing, but it can still make a convenient make-ahead meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes. Thaw the frozen spinach completely and squeeze out as much excess water as possible before adding it to the recipe.
Can I make this without milk?
Yes. The milk can be replaced with additional cottage cheese or omitted, although the final texture may be slightly different.
Why is my crustless quiche watery?
Excess moisture from spinach or other vegetables is one of the most common causes. Make sure cooked vegetables are thoroughly drained before adding them to the egg mixture.
Can I eat this quiche cold?
Yes. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Final Thoughts
Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is an easy, flavorful recipe that requires simple ingredients and no pastry crust.
Creamy cottage cheese, nutritious spinach, eggs, garlic, and melted cheese come together to create a satisfying dish that’s suitable for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner.
It’s also easy to customize with your favorite vegetables and cheeses, making it a versatile recipe you’ll want to prepare again and again.