Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche Recipe for a Healthy, Easy Meal

Have you ever wished for a dish that is not only nourishing but also easy to whip up in no time? The Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is exactly that—a delightful and nutritious meal that can fit seamlessly into your busy lifestyle. Packed with protein and vitamins, this quiche delivers on flavor while being light on your waistline. Let’s dive into this healthy, simple recipe that turns your ordinary breakfast or brunch into something extraordinary.

Ingredients List

To create your Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped (or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat based on your preference)
• 4 large eggs
• 1/2 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
• 1/2 cup shredded cheese (like mozzarella or cheddar for creamy goodness)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust according to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional, but it adds a lovely depth of flavor)
• Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing the baking dish

Feel free to customize your quiche by adding cooked bacon, diced bell peppers, or herbs like parsley or dill for extra flavor.

Timing

This delightful dish comes together in just 45 minutes—that’s about 30% less time than many traditional quiche recipes that require a crust. Here’s the breakdown of the timing:

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 30 minutes
• Total time: 45 minutes

How to Make It

1. Prep Your Ingredients
   Begin by pre-heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven warms up, chop the spinach, onion, and garlic. This is also a good time to prepare your baking dish by greasing it with olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

2. Sauté the Vegetables
   In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of olive oil. Sauté the onion until it becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add in the minced garlic and spinach, and cook until the spinach is wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. This step enhances the flavors and ensures your quiche is packed with nutrient-rich veggies.

3. Combine the Mixture
   In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, and milk until smooth. Add in the sautéed vegetables and season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg if using. Stir in the shredded cheese until everything is well combined.

4. Pour and Bake
   Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until the quiche is set and lightly browned on top. The center should be firm but slightly jiggle when you gently shake the dish.

5. Cool and Serve
   Once done, remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool for about 5-10 minutes. This will help set the quiche and make it easier to slice. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.

Nutritional Information

One serving (1/8 of the quiche) offers a balanced nutritional profile:

• Calories: Approximately 160
• Protein: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 1g
• Vitamin A: 30% DV
• Calcium: 20% DV

With high protein from the cottage cheese and plenty of greens, this is a nutritious option for every meal of the day!

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to customize your Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche even further, consider these alternatives:

• Swap out cottage cheese for ricotta or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
• Replace whole milk with almond or oat milk to reduce calories.
• Add in other veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for extra nutrients without adding many calories.

This recipe is versatile and can easily cater to gluten-free or vegetarian diets by adjusting the components as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche with:

• A light side salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette for brightness.
• Fresh fruit, like slices of juicy watermelon or berries, adding a refreshing contrast to the quiche.
• Whole-grain toast or avocado slices for a heartier meal.

Feel free to experiment with creative toppings like salsa, hot sauce, or a sprinkle of feta cheese to enhance the flavor profile.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks can run into issues when making quiche. Here are some common pitfalls of the Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche, and how to avoid them:

• Overcooking: Keep a close eye on your quiche as it bakes. It’s better to check earlier than to risk it becoming rubbery—an ideal quiche is firm but not dry.
• Soggy Bottom: If using thawed frozen spinach, make sure to squeeze out excess water beforehand to avoid a soggy quiche.
• Not Beating Eggs Thoroughly: Make sure to whisk your eggs until they are completely blended. This ensures a fluffy, airy texture rather than dense curds.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftover Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche can be stored easily:

• Refrigerator: Place leftover slices in an airtight container. It will keep well for 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, wrap individual pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Just reheat in the oven or microwave when ready to enjoy!

If prepping in advance, you can mix the ingredients and store them in the fridge for a day before baking. This can save you time on busy mornings!

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche is not just a delicious meal but also a healthy and effortless option for any time of day. Its protein-rich ingredients and nutrient-packed spinach make it a go-to recipe for those seeking to maintain a balanced diet without sacrificing flavor.

Why not bring this delightful dish into your kitchen today? We’d love to hear your feedback—give this recipe a try and let us know how it turned out! Additionally, be sure to check out our other healthy recipes for more delicious dining options.

FAQs

Q1: Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it the night before and store it covered in the fridge. Just pop it in the oven when you’re ready to serve.

Q2: Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes! The mild flavor and creamy texture make it kid-friendly. You can also involve them in the cooking process for added fun.

Q3: Can I use different types of cheese?
Certainly! Feel free to use any cheese you like, but avoid very strong cheeses like blue cheese unless your palate prefers bold flavors.

Q4: How do I know when the quiche is done?
The quiche is done when the edges are set and the center has a slight jiggle but isn’t liquidy. A toothpick inserted in the middle should come out clean.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, which helps maintain the texture. Alternatively, you can use the microwave for convenience.

Now grab those ingredients and get cooking—your taste buds will thank you!

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