The Ultimate Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche: Simple, Creamy & Protein-Packed

Imagine a rich, savory quiche that’s light, fluffy, and brimming with flavor, yet requires none of the fuss of a pastry crust. This is exactly what our Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche delivers! It’s a game-changer for anyone who loves the comforting taste of quiche but wants a quicker, healthier, and more convenient option. Whether you’re planning a leisurely Sunday brunch, a quick weekday breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or even an effortless dinner, this versatile dish fits seamlessly into any meal plan. It’s not only incredibly easy to prepare but also a fantastic make-ahead option, making it perfect for entertaining or meal prepping for the week.

The secret to its delightful texture and impressive nutritional profile lies in one key ingredient: cottage cheese. This humble dairy product transforms the quiche into a light, creamy masterpiece while boosting its protein content significantly. Combined with a touch of flour and baking powder, it achieves that sought-after golden-brown edge and sturdy structure without the need for any pastry at all. Prepare to be amazed by how simple and satisfying a quiche can be!

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Why You’ll Love This Crustless Quiche

There are countless reasons why this crustless cottage cheese quiche will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Effortlessly Simple: Forget about struggling with pie crusts. This recipe eliminates that step entirely, saving you time and stress. It’s perfect for beginners or busy home cooks.
• Remarkably Creamy Texture: Thanks to the cottage cheese, this quiche boasts an incredibly moist and creamy interior that melts in your mouth, perfectly balanced with a satisfying golden exterior.
• Protein Powerhouse: Cottage cheese is naturally high in protein, making this quiche a fantastic way to keep you feeling full and energized throughout the day. It’s an excellent choice for a nutritious breakfast or a light yet satisfying meal.
• Incredibly Versatile: Enjoy it hot or cold, for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from fresh fruit to a crisp salad.
• Customization King: This base recipe is a blank canvas for your culinary creativity. Easily add your favorite vegetables, meats, and herbs to tailor it to your taste or what you have on hand.
• Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Prepare it in advance for hassle-free entertaining or freeze portions for quick, healthy meals whenever you need them.
• Healthy Choice: Without a crust, this quiche naturally contains fewer carbohydrates and calories, aligning perfectly with various dietary preferences, including lower-carb lifestyles.

If you’re looking for more delicious and easy quiche ideas, be sure to explore my Crustless Vegetable Quiche for a garden-fresh twist and my classic Zucchini Quiche for a delightful seasonal option!

What You Need: Simple Ingredients for a Delicious Quiche

One of the best aspects of this crustless cottage cheese quiche is its reliance on simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have in your fridge or pantry. Here’s a breakdown of the few items you’ll need to create this culinary delight:

• Eggs: The foundation of any quiche, eggs provide structure and richness. This recipe was perfected using large eggs, so if you use a different size, you may need to adjust the quantity slightly to achieve the ideal consistency.
• Cottage Cheese: This is our “magic ingredient”! It contributes to the quiche’s signature creamy texture, adds a lovely tang, and significantly boosts the protein content, making it extra satisfying.
• Cheddar Cheese: We typically use a medium cheddar for a balanced flavor, but feel free to experiment with mild or sharp cheddar based on your preference. The key is to select a medium-hard cheese (like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend) that grates well and will set properly within the quiche. Avoid very soft cheeses like mozzarella, which might release too much moisture and alter the quiche’s structure.
• All-Purpose Flour & Baking Powder: These work together to provide a little extra binding power and lift, ensuring the quiche sets beautifully and achieves a light, airy texture, mimicking a crust without the actual pastry.
• Melted Butter: A touch of melted butter enriches the flavor profile of the quiche, adding a subtle depth and helping to create that desirable golden-brown exterior.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors. You can adjust the amount to your personal taste.
• Non-Stick Baking Spray: Crucial for ensuring your crustless quiche releases easily from the pie plate without sticking, guaranteeing a perfect slice every time.

For precise measurements, refer to the detailed recipe card below.

How to Make Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious crustless cottage cheese quiche is incredibly straightforward. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to enjoy. Follow these instructions for perfect results every time:

1. Prepare Your Pan: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Then, generously spray a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray. This crucial step ensures your crustless quiche will slide out easily after baking, leaving you with clean, intact slices.
2. Melt the Butter: In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt ¼ cup of butter. Once melted, set it aside to cool slightly.
3. Whisk the Eggs: Crack 5 large eggs into a large mixing bowl. Beat them thoroughly with a whisk or fork until the yolks and whites are completely blended and slightly frothy. This aeration helps create a lighter quiche.
4. Incorporate Cottage Cheese: Add 1 cup of cottage cheese to the beaten eggs. Mix well, ensuring the cottage cheese is evenly distributed. Don’t worry if there are still small curds; they will add to the creamy texture.
5. Add Dry Ingredients: Sprinkle in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ½ teaspoon of baking powder. Mix vigorously until all dry ingredients are fully incorporated and no lumps remain. The baking powder will help give the quiche a subtle lift and airy quality.
6. Finish the Batter: Pour in the slightly cooled melted butter and add 8 ounces of grated cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is uniform and the cheese is well distributed throughout the egg batter.
7. Pour and Bake: Carefully pour the egg mixture into your prepared 9-inch pie plate. Transfer the pie plate to the preheated oven.
8. Two-Stage Baking: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for the initial 15 minutes. This higher temperature helps the quiche set quickly and develop a golden crust on the top and edges. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and golden brown. A knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Customize Your Quiche: Easy Substitutions

One of the beauties of this crustless cottage cheese quiche recipe is its flexibility. Feel free to make simple substitutions to fit your dietary needs or flavor preferences:

• Cheese: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can easily substitute other medium-hard cheeses such as Swiss, Gouda, Colby, or even a Monterey Jack. Each will impart a slightly different flavor profile. Remember, stick to cheeses that grate well and melt smoothly. Avoid very soft cheeses like fresh mozzarella, which can release too much water, and extremely hard, dry cheeses like Parmesan, which won’t melt as effectively for the main body of the quiche.
• Flour: For a gluten-free version, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a 1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour blend. Ensure the blend you choose contains xanthan gum for best results.
• Cottage Cheese: If you’re watching your fat intake, low-fat or even fat-free cottage cheese can be used. While it might slightly alter the creaminess (full-fat offers the richest texture), the quiche will still be delicious and hold its structure well.

Elevate Your Quiche: Creative Add-ins and Variations

This crustless cottage cheese quiche is a fantastic base, inviting endless possibilities for customization. Don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients to create a truly unique dish:

• Add Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value and flavor with your favorite veggies! Spinach, sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, chopped onions, asparagus, or zucchini are excellent choices.
  
  Pro-Tip for Veggies: Vegetables, especially those with high water content like spinach or zucchini, can make your quiche watery if not properly prepared. Always cook vegetables before adding them to the egg mixture. After cooking, it’s crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. I recommend placing cooked veggies in a fine-mesh strainer and gently pressing down with a paper towel or the back of a spoon to squeeze out excess liquid. This prevents a soggy quiche.
• Incorporate Meats: While this vegetarian quiche is hearty on its own, adding cooked meats can transform it into an even more substantial meal. Consider adding crumbled cooked bacon, diced ham, cooked turkey sausage, or shredded leftover chicken. Make sure any meat additions are fully cooked and excess grease is drained before mixing them in.
• Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs add a burst of freshness. Finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill, or thyme can be stirred into the egg mixture before baking. For a subtle warmth, a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of black pepper can also be wonderful additions.
• Spicy Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce in the egg mixture can add an exciting kick.

Recommended Equipment for Quiche Perfection

While this recipe is quite forgiving and doesn’t require specialized tools, a few items can ensure the best results:

• 9-inch Pie Plate: A standard glass or ceramic pie plate works perfectly. Make sure it’s deep enough to hold the quiche mixture.
• Large Mixing Bowl & Whisk: Essential for combining your ingredients smoothly.
• Instant-Read Thermometer: To confidently check for doneness, especially with egg-based dishes, an instant-read thermometer is invaluable. I highly recommend the Thermopop Instant Read thermometer. Its accuracy and narrow probe diameter mean you can check the internal temperature (aim for 160ºF / 71ºC) without leaving a noticeable hole in your beautifully finished quiche.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This crustless cottage cheese quiche is an excellent candidate for meal prep and freezing, making it even more convenient for busy households.

Refrigeration

Store any leftover baked quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This makes it perfect for quick breakfasts or lunches throughout the week.

Freezing

Crustless quiche freezes exceptionally well, whether baked or unbaked, offering maximum flexibility.

To freeze the baked quiche:

Allow the baked quiche to cool completely to room temperature. You can freeze the entire quiche or individual slices. Wrap it tightly in freezer wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. Individual slices can also be quickly reheated in the microwave for 30-45 seconds. Always ensure the internal temperature reaches 160ºF (71ºC) for food safety. The Thermopop Instant Read thermometer is perfect for this, as its narrow probe won’t mar your dish.

To freeze the unbaked mixture:

Prepare the quiche mixture as directed in the recipe. Pour the mixture into a freezer-safe bag, pressing out all excess air before sealing. Freeze flat for up to 3 months. To use, transfer the freezer bag to a leak-proof container and thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Before baking, give the egg mixture a good stir (or squish it in the bag until well mixed) to re-combine any separated ingredients. Pour the thawed mixture into a 9-inch pie plate prepared with non-stick baking spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the heat to 350°F (175°C) and bake for an additional 30 minutes, or until set and golden.

What to Serve with Your Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

This versatile crustless cottage cheese quiche pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, depending on the meal and occasion:

For Breakfast or Brunch:

• Fresh Fruit: A simple bowl of fresh berries, sliced melon, or citrus segments provides a refreshing contrast.
• Fruit Salad: Elevate your meal with a vibrant fruit salad like Apple Raisin Salad or Carrot Raisin Salad.
• Sweet Breads: Slices of warm sweet zucchini bread with a dollop of whipped butter make for a delightful and comforting pairing.
• Simple Green Salad: A light, vinaigrette-dressed green salad can brighten up the meal.

For Lunch or Dinner:

• Side Salad: A crisp side salad like a Caprese Salad with Balsamic Vinegar adds a touch of elegance and freshness.
• Heartier Sides: For a more substantial dinner, consider serving it alongside a classic like chipped beef gravy over toast or a simple bowl of creamy tomato soup.
• Roasted Vegetables: A medley of roasted asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes complements the savory flavors of the quiche wonderfully.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

Full Recipe: Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

★★★★★ (5 from 1 vote)

When cheese quiche sounds perfect but you don’t feel like dealing with a pastry crust, this crustless quiche with cottage cheese is the answer. It can be the star of breakfast, brunch, lunch or dinner with almost no effort, and since it can be prepared in advance, it’s perfect for entertaining.

Author: Mary Ann

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Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 45 mins

Resting Time: 10 mins

Total Time: 1 hr 5 mins

Course: Breakfast, Main Dish

Cuisine: French

Servings: 6 slices

Calories: 328

Ingredients

• 5 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup butter, melted
• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese
• Non-stick baking spray (for pie plate)

Instructions

1. Melt ¼ cup butter. Set aside to cool slightly.
2. Beat 5 large eggs until well blended.
3. Add 1 cup cottage cheese to the eggs & mix well until evenly distributed.
4. Add ¼ cup flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder; mix well until smooth.
5. Stir in the melted butter and 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese until uniform.
6. Prepare a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick baking spray.
7. Pour egg mixture into the prepared pie plate.
8. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350°F (175°C); cook for an additional 30 minutes, or until set and golden brown.
9. Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 328 cal
Carbohydrates: 7 g
Protein: 18 g
Fat: 26 g
Sodium: 665 mg
Fiber: 0.1 g
Sugar: 1 g
Net Carbohydrates: 6 g

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