Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche

If you’re looking for a protein-rich, creamy, and satisfying dish that works for breakfast, brunch, or even dinner, this Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche is a perfect choice. It’s lighter than traditional quiche but still delivers a smooth, custard-like texture and rich flavor in every bite.

Made with fresh spinach, creamy cottage cheese, eggs, and melty cheese baked inside a flaky crust (or crustless for a low-carb option), this quiche is wholesome, versatile, and easy to prepare.

---

Why You’ll Love This Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche

• High in protein
• Creamy without heavy cream
• Perfect for meal prep
• Naturally vegetarian
• Customizable and freezer-friendly

This recipe swaps heavy cream for cottage cheese, creating a lighter texture while keeping the classic quiche richness intact.

---

Why Cottage Cheese Works So Well

Cottage cheese adds moisture, protein, and structure to the custard filling. When blended, it becomes silky smooth and mimics the richness of cream without the extra fat.

Benefits include:

• High-quality protein
• Lower fat than heavy cream
• Creamy texture
• Mild flavor that pairs beautifully with spinach

Blending the cottage cheese ensures a smooth, cohesive filling.

---

The Role of Spinach

Spinach adds freshness, nutrients, and beautiful green color to the quiche.

It’s:

• Rich in iron
• High in vitamins A and C
• Naturally low in calories
• Mild and slightly earthy in flavor

Always sauté spinach first to remove excess moisture before adding it to the egg mixture.

---

Ingredients

For the Filling:

• 1 cup cottage cheese
• 4 large eggs
• 1 cup fresh spinach (packed)
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or Swiss cheese
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

For the Crust:

• 1 pre-made pie crust (optional)

For a crustless version, simply grease the pie dish and skip the crust.

---

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Sauté the Vegetables

In a skillet over medium heat, sauté onion in a little olive oil until soft. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.

3. Blend the Cottage Cheese

For a smoother texture, blend cottage cheese until creamy.

4. Prepare the Filling

In a large bowl, whisk eggs. Stir in blended cottage cheese, shredded cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Fold in the spinach mixture.

5. Assemble

Pour filling into the pie crust or directly into a greased pie dish for crustless.

6. Bake

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

7. Rest Before Slicing

Allow the quiche to cool for 10–15 minutes before slicing.

---

Texture & Flavor Profile

This Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche has:

• A creamy, custard-like interior
• Tender sautéed spinach
• Lightly golden cheesy top
• Savory onion and garlic depth

It’s lighter than traditional quiche made with heavy cream but still rich and satisfying.

---

Crust vs. Crustless Option

Traditional Crust:

• Flaky texture
• More filling and hearty
• Great for brunch gatherings

Crustless:

• Lower carb
• Higher protein ratio
• Slightly firmer texture

Both versions are delicious — choose based on your dietary preference.

---

Flavor Variations

Add Protein

• Cooked bacon
• Diced ham
• Shredded chicken

Mediterranean Twist

• Add feta cheese
• Stir in sun-dried tomatoes
• Sprinkle fresh herbs on top

Spicy Version

• Add red pepper flakes
• Use pepper jack cheese

---

What to Serve with Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche

This quiche pairs well with:

• Fresh fruit salad
• Mixed green salad
• Roasted potatoes
• Whole grain toast

It works beautifully for brunch spreads, light dinners, or meal prep lunches.

---

Storage & Freezing

Refrigeration

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

Reheat slices in the oven at 325°F or microwave gently.

---

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not draining spinach properly – Leads to watery quiche.
2. Overbaking – Causes dryness.
3. Skipping seasoning – Eggs require adequate seasoning.
4. Cutting too soon – Let it set before slicing.

---

Nutritional Benefits

This quiche is:

• High in protein
• Rich in calcium
• Lower in fat than cream-based quiche
• Naturally vegetarian
• Customizable for low-carb diets

It’s a balanced meal combining protein, healthy fats, and greens.

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen spinach?

Yes, but thaw and squeeze out excess moisture completely.

Can I make it dairy-free?

You can try dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives, though texture may vary.

Why is my quiche watery?

Most likely from excess moisture in the spinach or underbaking.

---

Why This Recipe Works

The combination of eggs and cottage cheese creates a protein-rich custard that binds everything together. Pre-cooking the spinach ensures proper texture, and baking at moderate heat allows the center to set without drying out.

The result is a creamy, savory quiche that feels indulgent while staying nutritious.

---

Final Thoughts

Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche is a wholesome twist on a classic comfort dish. It’s creamy, flavorful, and protein-packed, making it ideal for breakfast, brunch, or even a light dinner.

Whether you serve it crusted or crustless, this versatile quiche is easy to customize and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe collection.

Print