Craving a delightful cheese quiche but dreading the fuss of a pastry crust? This incredibly easy and satisfying **Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche** is your perfect solution. It stands out as a versatile dish, ideal for transforming any meal – be it breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner – into a special occasion with minimal effort. What makes it even better is its make-ahead potential, making it an absolute star for entertaining guests or simply simplifying your week.

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The secret to this quiche’s delightful texture and impressive nutritional profile lies in one key ingredient: **cottage cheese**. Far from being just a simple dairy product, cottage cheese works wonders here, lending the quiche a unique lightness while maintaining a rich, creamy consistency. Beyond its textural contribution, it delivers a substantial protein boost, making this dish a genuinely healthy and filling option. Coupled with just a touch of flour and baking powder for structure, it achieves that coveted golden-brown edge and a perfectly set interior without a pastry crust in sight.

This **crustless cottage cheese quiche recipe** is a straightforward, hearty, and immensely adaptable meal that’s also remarkably freezer-friendly. It’s a game-changer for meal prep and a fantastic way to enjoy a wholesome, protein-packed dish any day of the week. For those who love exploring different quiche variations, don’t miss trying my Crustless Vegetable Quiche and my savory Zucchini Quiche!

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Essential Ingredients for Your Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

Creating this delicious and healthy crustless quiche requires just a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you likely already have in your pantry and refrigerator. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture without the need for a traditional crust.

• Eggs. The foundation of any quiche, eggs provide the primary structure and rich flavor. This recipe was meticulously tested using large eggs, so if your eggs are a different size (e.g., medium or extra-large), you might need to slightly adjust the quantity to maintain the optimal consistency.
• Cottage Cheese. This is truly the star ingredient! It’s responsible for the quiche’s signature creamy yet light texture and also delivers a fantastic boost of protein. Feel free to use full-fat for maximum richness or low-fat for a lighter option.
• Cheddar Cheese. I typically opt for a medium cheddar, as it offers a balanced flavor that complements the cottage cheese beautifully. However, you have the flexibility to use mild for a subtler taste or sharp for a more intense cheesy kick. The most important tip here is to stick with a medium-hard cheese variety (like Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend) rather than soft cheeses such as mozzarella, which can release too much moisture and prevent the quiche from setting properly.
• All-Purpose Flour & Baking Powder. These two ingredients work in tandem to give the crustless quiche its structure, a slight rise, and that appealing golden-brown edge. The flour helps bind everything together, while the baking powder contributes to a lighter, airier texture. For a gluten-free version, simply substitute with a 1-to-1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
• Melted Butter. Butter is added to enhance the overall flavor and introduce a touch of decadent richness to the quiche, contributing to a wonderfully moist and tender crumb.
• Salt. Essential for seasoning and balancing all the flavors. You can always adjust the amount of salt to your personal preference, especially if you’re using particularly salty cheeses or other savory add-ins.

A detailed list of quantities can be found in the recipe card below.

Simple Steps to Your Perfect Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

Making this quiche is incredibly straightforward, perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Follow these simple steps for a consistently delicious result:

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and gathering all your ingredients. This ensures everything is ready when you start mixing. Crack the eggs into a large mixing bowl and melt the butter (refer to image 1 for ingredients). Beat the eggs thoroughly until they are well blended and slightly frothy, which helps create a light texture. Next, incorporate the cottage cheese, mixing it in completely until it’s evenly distributed throughout the egg mixture. Now, add the flour, salt, and baking powder, mixing everything together until no dry streaks remain. Finally, stir in the melted butter and the grated cheddar cheese until the mixture is uniform and creamy (refer to image 2 for the mixed ingredients).

Generously prepare a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of your quiche slices (refer to image 3 for prepared pie plate). Carefully pour the prepared egg mixture into the pie plate, spreading it evenly (refer to image 4 for mixture in pie plate).

Bake the quiche at 400°F (200°C) for the initial 15 minutes. This higher temperature helps the edges set quickly and achieve that beautiful golden hue. After 15 minutes, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes. The quiche is done when the center is set and a knife inserted near the middle comes out clean. The top should be a lovely golden brown.

Customizing Your Crustless Quiche: Easy Substitutions

One of the best aspects of this crustless quiche is its flexibility. You can easily make substitutions to suit your dietary needs or simply to change up the flavor profile:

• Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other medium-hard cheeses like Swiss, Gouda, Colby Jack, or even a Monterey Jack. These cheeses melt beautifully and contribute to a creamy texture. Remember to avoid soft cheeses that tend to release too much moisture or very hard, crumbly cheeses like Parmesan, which might not integrate as smoothly into the quiche batter.
• Gluten-Free Flour: To make this a wonderful gluten-free option, simply substitute the regular all-purpose flour with a high-quality 1-to-1 gluten-free flour blend. Ensure your chosen blend is specifically designed for baking to achieve the best structure and consistency.

Elevate Your Quiche: Creative Add-ins and Variations

This basic crustless cottage cheese quiche recipe serves as an excellent canvas for your culinary creativity. Don’t hesitate to personalize it with your favorite vegetables, meats, or seasonings to create endless variations:

Add Vegetables: Incorporating vegetables is a fantastic way to boost flavor, nutrition, and texture. Popular choices include fresh spinach, grated zucchini, diced bell peppers, sautéed mushrooms, or caramelized onions. The key to preventing a soggy quiche is to remove as much moisture as possible from your vegetables before adding them to the egg mixture. I highly recommend cooking any water-rich vegetables first (e.g., sautéing spinach until wilted, or zucchini until softened), then thoroughly straining them. For maximum moisture removal, I often place cooked veggies in a fine-mesh strainer and gently press down with a paper towel or the back of a spoon.

Incorporate Meats: While this vegetarian quiche is wonderfully hearty on its own, adding cooked meats can transform it into an even more substantial meal. Consider crispy crumbled bacon, diced ham, cooked turkey sausage, or shredded leftover chicken. Ensure any meat additions are fully cooked and, if particularly fatty, drained of excess grease before mixing into the egg base.

Herbs & Spices: Fresh herbs add a burst of vibrant flavor. Finely chopped fresh parsley, chives, dill, or a mix of Italian herbs can be folded into the egg mixture before baking. For a deeper, more aromatic profile, you can also include a pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, a dash of smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of freshly ground black pepper.

Other Flavor Boosters: Think outside the box! Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped and drained of oil), roasted red peppers (diced), or even a tablespoon of pesto swirled into the mixture can add exciting new dimensions to your quiche.

Recommended Equipment for Quiche Perfection

While you don’t need a lot of specialized equipment for this crustless quiche, a few tools can make the process smoother and ensure perfect results every time:

• 9-inch Pie Plate: A standard ceramic or glass pie plate is ideal for this recipe, ensuring even baking and a good presentation.
• Large Mixing Bowl & Whisk: For combining all your ingredients thoroughly.
• Non-Stick Cooking Spray: Absolutely essential for preparing your pie plate to prevent sticking and ensure your crustless quiche slides out easily.
• Thermopop Instant Read Thermometer: This is a highly recommended tool for precision. Its accuracy and narrow probe diameter are invaluable for checking the internal temperature of your quiche (aim for 160ºF / 71°C for safe consumption and optimal set) without leaving a noticeable hole in your beautifully baked dish. It’s also great for general cooking and baking tasks.

Storage and Freezing Instructions

This **Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche** is an excellent candidate for meal prepping or making ahead, thanks to its fantastic storage and freezing capabilities:

Refrigeration. Leftovers of baked quiche can be stored 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 Baked Quiche. Crustless quiche freezes exceptionally well. You have the option to freeze the entire baked quiche or individual slices, which is ideal for single servings.

• To Freeze Whole or Sliced: Allow the baked quiche to cool completely to room temperature. For a whole quiche, wrap it tightly in several layers of plastic wrap, followed by a layer of aluminum foil. For individual slices, wrap each slice securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This method helps prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
• Thawing & Reheating: To reheat, thaw the frozen quiche (whole or slices) in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, you can warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until heated through. For a whole quiche or to achieve a crispier texture, reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until thoroughly heated. Always use a meat thermometer (like the Thermopop Instant Read thermometer) to ensure the internal temperature reaches 160ºF (71°C) for food safety.

Freezing Unbaked Quiche Mixture. This is a brilliant trick for future quick meals!

• To Freeze Mixture: Prepare the quiche mixture as directed in the recipe. Pour the uncooked mixture into a heavy-duty freezer bag, remove as much air as possible, and seal tightly. Lay flat in the freezer. It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• To Use from Frozen: To prepare, transfer the freezer bag to a leak-proof container and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, stir the egg mixture very well (or squish it thoroughly in the bag if it’s still sealed) to re-combine any separated ingredients. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch pie plate that has been generously prepared with non-stick baking spray. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden brown.

Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Quiche

This versatile **Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche** pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it suitable for any meal of the day:

For Breakfast or Brunch, enhance your quiche experience with fresh fruit or a vibrant fruit salad. Consider options like a bright Apple Raisin Salad or a sweet and crunchy Carrot Raisin Salad. Fluffy slices of sweet zucchini bread, served warm with a dollop of whipped butter, make for another irresistible companion. A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette also offers a refreshing contrast.

For Lunch or Dinner, elevate your quiche with more substantial sides. A fresh Caprese Salad with Balsamic Vinegar adds a touch of Italian elegance. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside creamy chipped beef gravy over toasted bread, or a bowl of comforting soup. Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad with mixed greens would also be excellent choices.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche

Recipe Card: 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.

AuthorAuthor: Mary Ann

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Resting Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Course Breakfast, Main Dish

Cuisine French

Servings 6 slicees

Calories 328

Ingredients

  

• 5 large eggs
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
• 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese (medium-hard variety)
• non-stick baking spray

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Melt ¼ cup unsalted butter and set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large bowl, beat 5 large eggs until they are well blended and slightly frothy.
• Add 1 cup cottage cheese to the beaten eggs and mix thoroughly until evenly combined.
• Stir in ¼ cup all-purpose flour, ½ teaspoon salt, and ½ teaspoon baking powder. Mix well until no dry pockets remain.
• Fold in the cooled melted butter and 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are uniformly distributed throughout the batter.
• Generously prepare a 9-inch pie plate with non-stick baking spray, ensuring all surfaces are coated.
• Pour the egg mixture carefully into the prepared pie plate, spreading it evenly.
• Bake in the preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 15 minutes. Then, reduce the oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and continue baking for an additional 30 minutes, or until the quiche is golden brown and set in the center (internal temperature should reach 160°F / 71°C).
• Remove from the oven and let the quiche rest for 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows it to fully set for clean cuts.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 328 calCarbohydrates: 7 gProtein: 18 gFat: 26 gSodium: 665 mgFiber: 0.1 gSugar: 1 gNet Carbohydrates: 6 g

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