Quiche Recipes Easy is exactly what this dish promises: simple, satisfying, and shockingly elegant. This Crustless Quiche starring cottage cheese and spinach delivers bright color, hearty protein, and a creamy texture without the fuss of rolling pastry. Ready to impress at brunch and still keep your life manageable? Let’s go.
Introduction to the recipe
This Crustless Quiche blends creamy cottage cheese, wilted spinach, sharp cheddar, and a few humble seasonings into a beautiful, sliceable dish. It looks fancy enough for guests yet comes together faster than you can order takeout. Think brunch-table showpiece meets weekday dinner MVP. Want something that travels well to potlucks and reheats perfectly for lunches? This is it.
What makes this quiche so irresistible?
First: texture. The cottage cheese melts into the eggs to create a custardy interior that’s both light and substantial. Second: the spinach gives fresh flavor and a vivid green pop—very Instagrammable. Third: versatility. Swap cheeses, toss in herbs, or fold in roasted veggies — it still sings. Bold tip: drain your spinach well after cooking; excess liquid will make the quiche watery.
Ingredients — quick descriptions
- Cottage cheese — the creamy, protein-rich base. Use full-fat for the richest result or low-fat for lighter fare.
- Fresh spinach — gives color, nutrition, and a gentle earthy note. Frozen works in a pinch but squeeze out moisture.
- Eggs — the structure and lift; large eggs at room temperature bake more evenly.
- Cheddar cheese — sharpness and melty texture; Swiss or Gruyère also work for a more gourmet vibe.
- Onion — sweetens and adds depth; sauté until translucent.
- Garlic powder — an easy flavor booster without extra chopping.
- Salt & pepper — small amounts to balance and highlight flavors.
- Optional: milk or cream — a splash (about ¼ cup) makes the custard richer; for lighter plates, skip it.
These are pantry-friendly ingredients, characteristically found in Cottage Cheese Recipes and staples for Breakfast Brunch Recipes.
Simple how-to (step-by-step)
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or a 9×9 baking dish.
- Sauté aromatics. Cook a finely chopped small onion in a splash of oil until soft. Add a handful of spinach and wilt it down, or cook several cups of spinach until tender; drain and squeeze out moisture. Bold tip: squeeze spinach in a clean towel — get it as dry as possible.
- Mix the filling. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, cottage cheese, half the cheddar, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and optional milk/cream. Stir in the drained spinach and sautéed onion.
- Bake. Pour into the prepared dish, sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top, and bake 30–35 minutes until the center sets and the top turns lightly golden.
- Rest & slice. Let the quiche cool 10–15 minutes for cleaner slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.
The story behind the recipe
I created this while balancing a busy week and a stubborn craving for something both healthy and indulgent. I wanted more protein at breakfast without lugging a crust into the equation. Cottage cheese stepped in as an unexpectedly luxurious binder—plus it’s high in protein and keeps the quiche moist. After a few tests with different cheeses and ratios, the spinach-cottage-cheese combo won every taste test. Friends mistook it for a Gourmet Breakfast dish, and I kept it in heavy rotation.
Pro tips for the best outcome
- Drain, drain, drain. Bold tip: moisture is the quiche’s nemesis—squeeze cooked spinach and pat cottage cheese if it seems watery.
- Room-temp eggs perform better. Cold eggs can cause a slightly uneven texture.
- Don’t overbake. Pull the quiche when the center still jiggles a touch; carry-over heat finishes it. Overcooking makes the quiche rubbery.
- Use a sharp knife for slicing and wipe it between cuts for tidy portions.
- Boost the flavor: add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth or a tablespoon of Dijon mustard for a subtle tang.
These tweaks turn a simple recipe into a favorite among Quiche Recipes Crustless lists.
Variations to try
- Mediterranean twist: swap cheddar for feta, add sun-dried tomatoes and olives.
- Herby & light: fold in chives, dill, or basil for a bright herbal kick.
- Kale or Swiss chard: use chopped, sautéed greens in place of spinach for a sturdier leaf.
- Protein pump: fold in cooked, diced ham or smoked salmon for a heartier meal; this positions the dish among Health Dinner Recipes as well as breakfast.
- Crustless breakfast casserole style: double the recipe, bake in a 9×13 pan, and cut into squares—perfect Breakfast Recipes Casserole for a crowd.
These swaps make the recipe flexible for any meal plan or occasion.
Best way to serve
Serve slices with a crisp green salad and a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For brunch, present it alongside fruit salad, toasted sourdough, and a pot of coffee. This quiche pairs beautifully with roasted new potatoes or a grain salad for a light Gourmet Breakfast or a satisfying Health Dinner Recipes option.

Quick tips for storage and leftovers
- Refrigerate: Keep cooled quiche in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm slices in a 350°F oven for 8–10 minutes to preserve texture. Microwave works in a pinch but softens the crustless edge.
- Freeze: Wrap individual slices in foil and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat.
Bold note: add fresh herbs after reheating for brightness. Reheated quiche benefits from a squeeze of lemon or a dusting of fresh pepper.
FAQs — quick answers to common questions
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—thaw fully and squeeze dry. Frozen spinach works great and saves prep time.
Is cottage cheese really necessary?
No, but it adds protein and a silky texture. Ricotta is a good substitute for a slightly different mouthfeel; cream cheese will make it richer.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Use plant-based cottage cheese alternatives and dairy-free cheddar. The texture will change, but the quiche still holds up.
How do I make it extra fluffy?
Separate eggs, whip the whites to soft peaks, fold them into the mixture last to incorporate more air.
Can I prep ahead?
Absolutely. Mix the filling, store it overnight, then bake the next morning. For company, bake the night before and reheat gently before serving.
Final thoughts
This Quiche Recipes Easy approach gives you a reliable, delicious formula for both weekday breakfasts and weekend entertaining. It sits comfortably among Cottage Cheese Recipes, shines as a Crustless Quiche favorite, and scales effortlessly for brunch crowds or family dinners. Whether you label it Breakfast Brunch Recipes, Quiche Recipes, or Breakfast Recipes Casserole, it’s a flexible, forgiving dish that rewards small tweaks and playful substitutions.
So next time you want something cozy and grown-up but not complicated, reach for the cottage cheese and spinach. Whisk, bake, and enjoy a slice of easy, elegant comfort—no pastry skills required.
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Crustless Cottage Cheese & Spinach Quiche — Quiche Recipes Easy
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 Servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
A light, custardy quiche without a crust — creamy cottage cheese folded with tender spinach and melted cheddar. Quick to pull together and lovely served warm or at room temperature.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- 4 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided into two ½-cup portions
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Nonstick spray (or a little oil/butter) for greasing the dish
Instructions
- Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease an ovenproof dish with nonstick spray or a light coating of oil.
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the chopped onion until it softens and becomes translucent, about 4–6 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl whisk the eggs until smooth. Stir in the cottage cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold the cooled onion, chopped spinach, and half of the shredded cheddar into the egg-and-cottage-cheese mixture until evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and the top is lightly golden. A gentle jiggle in the middle is fine — it will finish setting as it cools.
- Let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
Notes
Storage tip: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently in the oven to preserve texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 180mg