If you’re craving a savory, nutrient-packed dish that is both easy to prepare and full of flavor, a Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche might be just what you need. This deliciously versatile dish is perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even dinner, offering a light yet satisfying option without the carbs and calories of a traditional quiche crust. Packed with protein, fiber, and essential vitamins, this quiche delivers all the savory goodness you expect from a quiche with a healthier twist.
Why Choose a Crustless Quiche?
The traditional quiche recipe typically features a buttery, flaky crust that adds extra calories and carbs. By removing the crust, this crustless quiche becomes a great choice for those looking to reduce their carbohydrate intake or maintain a gluten-free diet. The creamy texture of the cottage cheese fills in the gap that the crust would have provided, ensuring that every bite remains satisfying.
Moreover, a crustless quiche is incredibly easy to make, requiring fewer steps and less time. Without the need to pre-bake a crust, you can focus on the fresh ingredients that will create a flavorful and nutritious dish.
Ingredients for Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, as well as its ability to incorporate healthy ingredients that complement one another perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need to make the crustless cottage cheese zucchini quiche:
- 2 medium zucchinis – Zucchini adds moisture and a subtle flavor while being low in calories and high in vitamins.
- 1 cup cottage cheese – Cottage cheese adds richness, creaminess, and protein, making it the perfect base for the quiche. It also helps bind all the ingredients together.
- 3 large eggs – Eggs provide structure to the quiche and add extra protein to keep you full for longer.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional) – Adds extra flavor and a bit of melty goodness.
- 1/2 cup milk (or non-dairy milk for a dairy-free version) – Adds creaminess and helps with the consistency of the quiche.
- 1 small onion (optional) – A mild, aromatic addition to enhance flavor.
- 1 clove garlic – For a subtle garlic undertone that elevates the taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper – To taste.
- Fresh herbs – Such as basil, thyme, or parsley, to add flavor and brightness.
- Olive oil or cooking spray – To grease the baking dish.
Instructions for Making Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche
- Prepare the Zucchini: Start by grating the zucchini using a box grater or food processor. Once grated, place the zucchini into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out the excess moisture. This step is crucial to prevent the quiche from becoming watery during baking.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a small pan, heat a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can skip this step and add the raw garlic and onion to the mixture instead.
- Mix the Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the grated zucchini, sautéed onion, garlic, and fresh herbs (if using) into the egg mixture. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese if you’re using it. Mix everything thoroughly.
- Pour into a Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or a similar-sized baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. Pour the zucchini mixture into the dish, spreading it evenly.
- Bake the Quiche: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is golden brown on top and set in the center. You can check the doneness by inserting a knife or toothpick into the center of the quiche—if it comes out clean, it’s ready.
- Cool and Serve: Once baked, allow the quiche to cool for about 5 minutes before slicing. This will help the quiche firm up and make it easier to serve.
Variations and Tips for the Perfect Quiche
- Add Protein: If you’re looking to add more protein to the dish, you can mix in cooked bacon, turkey, or sausage, or even diced chicken. Just be sure to add it after sautéing the onions and garlic.
- Go Dairy-Free: To make this quiche dairy-free, simply swap the cottage cheese and milk for non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Vary the Vegetables: While zucchini is the star of this dish, feel free to incorporate other vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or tomatoes. Just be sure to cook them before adding to the quiche to prevent excess moisture.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs such as basil, dill, or parsley bring out the freshness in the quiche. You can also experiment with dried herbs like thyme or oregano for a slightly different flavor.
Health Benefits of Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche
This crustless quiche is a health-conscious choice, especially when you consider the combination of protein-rich cottage cheese and fiber-packed zucchini. It’s an excellent source of vitamins A and C, as well as calcium and potassium. Thanks to the eggs, it’s also a good source of high-quality protein, making it perfect for keeping you full and satisfied throughout the day.
Additionally, zucchini is low in calories and carbohydrates, making this quiche suitable for low-carb or keto diets. The absence of the crust also reduces the overall calorie count compared to traditional quiches, making it a light yet filling dish.
Conclusion
Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche is a tasty, healthy alternative to traditional quiche, offering a delicious way to enjoy a nutrient-rich meal. Whether you’re looking to prepare a quick weeknight dinner or a dish to serve at a brunch gathering, this quiche checks all the boxes. With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and versatility, it’s sure to become a go-to recipe in your kitchen. Enjoy it hot, warm, or even cold the next day—it’s the perfect meal for any time of day.
