Are you looking for a tasty and healthy meal? This Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche is your answer! It's quick to make and full of flavor. You can enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Plus, it's easy to customize with your favorite veggies. Get ready to whip up a dish that’s not just nutritious but also delicious! Let's dive into this simple recipe that will set you up for a culinary win.
Why I Love This Recipe
- Healthy and Nutritious: This quiche is packed with protein from the cottage cheese and eggs, along with vitamins and minerals from the fresh spinach and tomatoes.
- Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy mornings or a quick lunch.
- Customizable: You can easily add or substitute other vegetables or cheeses to suit your taste preferences.
- Deliciously Satisfying: The combination of flavors and textures makes this crustless quiche a delightful meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
List of Required Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 3 large eggs
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Nutritional Information per Serving
Each serving of this quiche has about:
- Calories: 150
- Protein: 12 grams
- Carbohydrates: 5 grams
- Fat: 9 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
This dish is low in carbs and high in protein. It's a great choice for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
You can customize your quiche with:
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for added warmth.
- Fresh herbs like basil or chives for garnish.
- Other veggies such as bell peppers or mushrooms.
Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! This makes the recipe fun and personal. Enjoy creating your own flavors!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepping the Oven and Pie Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is key for even baking. While the oven warms up, take a 9-inch pie dish and grease it with olive oil. This helps the quiche slide right out later. Make sure to cover the base and sides well to avoid sticking.
Mixing the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine one cup of cottage cheese and three large eggs. Add one teaspoon of garlic powder, half a teaspoon of black pepper, and half a teaspoon of salt. If you like, add a quarter teaspoon of nutmeg for a warm flavor. Whisk the mixture until it's smooth and well blended.
Next, stir in two cups of chopped spinach and a quarter cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Make sure they mix evenly. This adds great taste and color. Finally, fold in half a cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Be gentle to keep the tomatoes from breaking apart.
Baking to Perfection
Now, pour the mixture into your prepared pie dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes well. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the center is set and the top is slightly golden.
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This helps it firm up a bit. After that, slice it up and serve. Enjoy your delicious cottage cheese spinach crustless quiche warm or at room temperature!
Tips & Tricks
How to Achieve the Best Texture
To get a nice texture, use fresh spinach. Fresh spinach gives a better taste than frozen. Ensure you chop it well. This helps it mix better with the cottage cheese. Mix the cottage cheese and eggs until smooth. This is key for a soft quiche. If you want a fluffier quiche, beat the eggs well. Adding a bit of nutmeg can enhance the flavor too.
Substitutions for Cottage Cheese
If you do not have cottage cheese, you can use ricotta. Ricotta has a nice creamy texture. You can also try Greek yogurt for a tangy twist. Just keep in mind, different cheeses may change the taste. For a dairy-free option, use silken tofu blended until smooth. This keeps the quiche moist and adds protein.
Cooking Time Adjustments
Cooking time can vary based on your oven. Always check the quiche at 25 minutes. If it is not set in the middle, continue baking. It can take up to 30 minutes. If the top is browning too fast, cover it with foil. This helps cook the inside without burning the top. Let the quiche cool before slicing. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach provides the best flavor and texture. If using frozen spinach, make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to avoid excess moisture.
- Add Extra Veggies: Feel free to customize your quiche by adding other vegetables like bell peppers, onions, or mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as feta, goat cheese, or cheddar to create new flavor profiles in your quiche.
- Make Ahead: This quiche can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It can be reheated in the oven or microwave for a quick meal.
Variations
Adding Different Vegetables
You can change up the flavor by adding other veggies. Try bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini. Just chop them finely. This makes the quiche colorful and tasty. You can also use leftover cooked vegetables from your fridge. Just make sure to drain any extra water. This keeps your quiche from getting soggy.
Protein Add-Ins (e.g., ham, bacon)
Want more protein? Add some cooked ham or crispy bacon. Chop them into small pieces and mix them in. This will give your quiche a hearty touch. You can also use cooked sausage or turkey for a different flavor. Just remember to keep the meat pieces small so they mix well.
Cheese Variations for Flavor
Cheese can change the taste of your quiche. Besides Parmesan, try cheddar or feta. Each cheese gives a unique flavor. You can mix two or more cheeses for a richer taste. Just keep the total amount the same as the Parmesan in the recipe. This keeps the texture perfect while adding rich flavor.
Storage Info
How to Store Leftovers
To store your leftover quiche, let it cool to room temp. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat the quiche, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes. This keeps it moist and warm. You can also use a microwave for quick reheating. Just heat it in 30-second bursts until warm.
Freezing Options and Tips
You can freeze the quiche for up to two months. To freeze, slice the quiche first. Wrap each slice tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. Label the bag with the date and type. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. This way, you enjoy fresh flavors any time!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Just thaw it first and drain excess water. This helps keep the quiche from becoming soggy. Frozen spinach is a great time-saver too.
How long will the quiche last in the fridge?
The quiche lasts about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Make sure to store it in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal.
Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Yes, you can make this quiche ahead of time. Bake it, let it cool, and store it in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. Just reheat when you're ready to eat.
This blog post covered all you need to make a delicious quiche. We discussed required ingredients, their nutrition, and optional add-ins to fit your taste. Then, I walked you through easy steps to prep, mix, and bake your quiche just right. Plus, you learned tips for great texture and smart substitutions.
In my final thoughts, quiche is a simple dish you can adapt. Enjoy the process and get creative with flavors and ingredients. Your kitchen adventures can lead to a meal everyone loves.
