Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

This Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche looks like a fantastic addition to your family’s rotation! Since it’s packed with protein and doesn’t require a crust, it’s a great “no-fuss” meal for a busy mom.

As per your request for full recipes, here are the complete details:


Cottage Cheese & Spinach Crustless Quiche

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 35–40 mins | Servings: 6–8

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups: Cottage cheese

  • 6: Large eggs

  • 2 cups: Fresh spinach, roughly chopped

  • 1 cup: Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

  • ¼ cup: Grated Parmesan cheese

  • 1 tsp: Garlic powder

  • ½ tsp: Onion powder

  • To taste: Salt and black pepper

  • Optional: Pinch of nutmeg or crushed red pepper flakes


Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Thoroughly grease a 9-inch pie dish or springform pan with butter or non-stick cooking spray.

  2. Blend the Base: In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth. Stir in the cottage cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. For a smoother, more “custardy” texture, you can blend the eggs and cottage cheese together in a blender before adding the other ingredients.

  3. Fold in Greens and Cheese: Stir in the chopped fresh spinach and the shredded mozzarella or cheddar.

  4. Bake: Pour the mixture into your prepared dish. Sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top for a golden crust.

  5. Cook: Bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden brown.

  6. Cool and Serve: Let the quiche rest for at least 5–10 minutes before slicing. This allows the internal structure to firm up so you get clean slices.


Why This Recipe Works

  • High Protein: The combination of eggs and cottage cheese makes this incredibly satiating.

  • Versatile: You can easily swap the spinach for sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even leftover ham.

  • Meal Prep Friendly: This quiche reheats beautifully, making it perfect for quick breakfasts during the school week.

Nutritional Profile
Nutritional values can vary slightly by recipe, but a typical serving (approx. 1/4 of a 9-inch quiche) contains:
  • Calories: ~180 – 210 kcal.
  • Protein: 18g – 22g (significantly higher than traditional quiche).
  • Carbohydrates: 3g – 6g net carbs.
  • Fats: 10g – 13g (with about 4–5g of saturated fat) Vitamins & Minerals: Rich in Vitamin A (over 9,000 IU), Calcium (approx. 482mg), Iron, and Vitamin K.

  • Health Benefits

  • High Protein & Satiety: Cottage cheese nearly doubles the protein content compared to eggs alone, which helps stabilize blood sugar and keeps you feeling full longer.
  • Low Glycemic Index: The high-protein, low-carb nature prevents the blood sugar spikes common with flour-based crusts, making it ideal for the American Diabetes Association guidelines.
  • Bone Health: The combination of cottage cheese and other dairy (like mozzarella or feta) provides a substantial dose of calcium for bone density.
  • Antioxidant Rich: Spinach provides essential folate and antioxidants that support eye health and immune function.
  • Muscle Recovery: The 3:1 protein-to-carb ratio makes it an excellent post-workout meal.
Why It Works (Culinary Science)
  • Texture: Cottage cheese acts as a “moisture balancer.” Its high protein-to-fat ratio (3% fat vs. 36% in cream) allows the quiche to set firmly without collapsing, creating a creamy, custardy texture without heavy fats.
  • Convenience: It is highly meal-prep friendly; it can be made ahead and reheats well in the microwave without losing its texture

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