This Cottage Cheese Spinach Quiche is light yet satisfying, naturally high in protein, and perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a quick dinner. It can be made with or without a crust, and I’ve included full nutrition notes, nut information, and a detailed Q&A at the end.
Recipe Overview
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 35–40 minutes
- Total time: ~50 minutes
- Servings: 6 slices
- Difficulty: Easy
- Diet: Vegetarian | Gluten-free option | Nut-free (see notes)
Ingredients
Base Quiche Filling
- 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
- 3 large eggs
- 1½ cups fresh spinach, finely chopped
(or 1 cup frozen spinach, thawed & squeezed dry) - ½ cup shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, or Swiss)
- ¼ cup onion, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional but recommended)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Add-Ins
- Mushrooms (sautéed)
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Feta cheese
Optional Crust (Skip for Low-Carb)
- 1 ready-made pie crust OR
- Homemade crust of your choice
Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Prepare the Spinach
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
Sauté onion for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and spinach, cook until wilted.
Remove from heat and cool slightly.
2️⃣ Blend the Base
In a blender or bowl:
- Cottage cheese
- Eggs
- Salt, pepper, nutmeg
Blend until smooth (or whisk well for a textured quiche).
3️⃣ Assemble
- Preheat oven to 180°C / 350°F
- Grease a 9-inch pie dish
- If using crust, pre-bake for 8 minutes
- Spread spinach mixture evenly
- Pour cottage cheese mixture over it
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top
4️⃣ Bake
Bake uncovered for 35–40 minutes
Until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
5️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let rest 10 minutes before slicing.
Nutrition (Approx. per slice – crustless)
- Calories: 150–170
- Protein: 12–14 g
- Carbs: 4–6 g
- Fat: 8–10 g
- Fiber: 1–2 g
Nut Information (Important)
✅ Naturally Nut-Free Recipe
This quiche contains NO nuts by default.
⚠️ Check Labels Carefully
- Some cheeses may be processed in facilities that handle nuts
- Ready-made crusts may contain nut traces
🥜 If You Want to Add Nuts (Optional)
- Chopped walnuts or almonds (1–2 tbsp) can be added for crunch
- Not recommended for allergy-safe kitchens
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make this crustless?
Yes! Just grease the dish well. Perfect for low-carb and keto-style meals.
Q2: Can I replace cottage cheese?
Yes. You can use:
- Ricotta (creamier)
- Greek yogurt (slightly tangy)
- Cream cheese (richer, higher fat)
Q3: Is this freezer-friendly?
✔️ Absolutely.
Freeze slices individually for up to 2 months. Reheat in oven or air fryer.
Q4: Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes—must squeeze out all water to avoid sogginess.
Q5: Is this good for weight loss?
✔️ Yes. High protein, low carb, very filling.
Q6: Can I make it dairy-free?
Use:
- Dairy-free cottage cheese alternative
- Vegan shredded cheese
Texture will be slightly different.
Q7: Why is my quiche watery?
Most common reasons:
- Spinach not drained
- Overbaking then cutting too soon
- Low-fat cheese releasing water
Pro Tips
- Blend cottage cheese for ultra-smooth texture
- Nutmeg enhances spinach flavor beautifully
- Serve with a fresh salad or roasted veggies