Preparing Grandma’s Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche is straightforward and simple, making it an ideal recipe for both beginners and seasoned cooks alike. Follow these steps to create a delicious, satisfying quiche:
- Preheat your oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the quiche will bake evenly and achieve the perfect texture.
- Sauté the spinach: Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until they become soft and fragrant (about 3-5 minutes). Add the spinach and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until it wilts down. If using frozen spinach, make sure it’s fully thawed and drained to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare the egg mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, salt, pepper, thyme, and basil (if using). Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. This will create a smooth and creamy base for your quiche.
- Combine spinach and egg mixture: Add the sautéed spinach and onions to the egg mixture and stir well to combine. Make sure the spinach is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
- Pour into a baking dish: Grease a 9-inch pie dish or similar-sized baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Pour the egg and spinach mixture into the prepared dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake the quiche: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set in the center and lightly golden around the edges. You can check the quiche by inserting a knife into the center; if it comes out clean, it’s ready to be removed from the oven.
- Cool and serve: Allow the quiche to cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving. This gives the quiche time to firm up and makes slicing easier.
Now you have a delicious, crustless quiche that’s ready to enjoy! Whether served warm or at room temperature, it’s a versatile dish that works perfectly as a light meal, snack, or party dish.
Serving and Storage
Grandma’s Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preferences and meal plans:
- As a main dish: Pair it with a fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or a slice of whole-grain bread for a complete, satisfying meal.
- For breakfast or brunch: Serve slices of quiche with a side of fruit or your favorite breakfast potatoes for a hearty start to your day.
- As a light snack: Enjoy a small slice with a refreshing drink, like iced tea or lemonade, for a mid-day treat.
When it comes to storing leftovers, simply cover the quiche with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place slices in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-15 minutes. You can also freeze the quiche for longer storage—wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
Tips
Here are a few helpful tips to ensure your Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche turns out perfectly every time:
- Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach is a convenient option, fresh spinach provides the best texture and flavor. Make sure to remove excess moisture from the spinach to prevent the quiche from becoming watery.
- Experiment with other cheeses: Feel free to swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for your favorite cheeses like cheddar, goat cheese, or feta. Each variety will lend a unique flavor to the quiche.
- Make it dairy-free: To make the quiche dairy-free, substitute the cottage cheese with a plant-based option, such as vegan ricotta, and choose a dairy-free cheese alternative.
- Customize with add-ins: You can add other vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, or even cooked bacon or ham for additional protein. Just be sure to cook any add-ins thoroughly before mixing them with the egg mixture.
- Don’t overbake: Overbaking can result in a dry quiche. Keep an eye on it towards the end of the baking time to ensure it’s set but still moist and creamy.
Conclusion
Grandma’s Cottage Cheese Spinach Crustless Quiche is a wonderfully easy and healthy dish that combines comfort with nutrition. By eliminating the crust, this quiche offers a lighter, gluten-free alternative without compromising on flavor or texture. Whether you’re cooking for a family brunch or need a nutritious meal to prepare in advance, this recipe ticks all the boxes. The combination of cottage cheese, spinach, and eggs makes it both creamy and savory, perfect for a variety of occasions.
With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you can whip up this dish in no time and enjoy a satisfying, delicious meal. Give it a try, and you’ll see why it’s a classic family favorite!
FAQ
- Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh spinach?
- Yes, frozen spinach works well in this recipe. Just make sure to thaw and drain it thoroughly to remove excess moisture before adding it to the egg mixture. Fresh spinach, however, provides a fresher taste and texture, so it’s often the preferred option if available.
- Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
- Absolutely! This quiche is perfect for meal prep. You can make it the day before and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors often improve as it sits. Simply reheat individual slices in the microwave or oven before serving.
- Can I use a different type of cheese in this quiche?
- Yes, you can customize the cheese to suit your taste. If you prefer a stronger flavor, try using sharp cheddar, feta, or goat cheese. For a more subtle flavor, mozzarella is a great option. You can mix and match to create a cheese blend that works for you!
- Is this quiche gluten-free?
- Yes! This crustless quiche is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour or crust. It’s a great option for those following a gluten-free diet.
- How long can I store leftovers?
- You can store leftover quiche in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. For longer storage, you can freeze individual slices for up to 2 months. Simply thaw and reheat before eating.
- Can I add meat to this quiche?
- Yes! Feel free to add cooked bacon, sausage, ham, or even cooked chicken to the quiche. Just be sure to cook the meat beforehand and chop it into small pieces before adding it to the egg mixture. It’s a great way to add extra protein to the dish.
- Can I make this quiche dairy-free?
- Yes, you can substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative, such as vegan ricotta or cashew cream, and use dairy-free cheese options like vegan mozzarella. Additionally, swap the milk for a plant-based milk, such as almond milk or oat milk.