Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche How To Make It

Are you tired of boring breakfast options that leave you hungry an hour later? This Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche is about to transform your morning routine with its creamy texture and protein-packed ingredients. As a culinary artist who’s spent years perfecting breakfast recipes, I’ve developed this quiche to deliver maximum flavor with minimal effort no crust required!

I discovered the secret to this quiche’s exceptional texture while experimenting with ways to boost protein content in traditional breakfast dishes. The combination of eggs and cottage cheese creates a silky, custard-like base that holds up beautifully to the sharp cheddar and tender broccoli florets.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through selecting the perfect ingredients, share my fool-proof preparation method, and offer expert tips to ensure quiche success every time. Whether you’re meal prepping for busy weekdays or hosting a weekend brunch, this versatile dish delivers on both nutrition and taste.

Why This Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe Works

• Uses everyday ingredients that are likely already in your refrigerator
• Packs 20+ grams of protein per serving for lasting energy
• Cooks in just 35 minutes for a quick weekday breakfast option
• Eliminates the fuss of making a crust while maintaining delicious flavor
• Adaptable to various dietary needs (naturally gluten-free and low-carb)
• Perfect for meal prep stays fresh for days and reheats beautifully

Choosing the Right Ingredients for Your Cottage Cheese Quiche

Best Cheese Options for Crustless Quiche

The foundation of this quiche’s flavor comes from its cheese blend. Sharp cheddar provides the classic flavor profile we all love, while cottage cheese creates a creamy, protein-rich base. For best results, use full-fat cottage cheese its higher fat content creates a more luxurious texture. The small curd variety will blend more smoothly into your egg mixture.

Broccoli Selection and Preparation

Fresh broccoli works best in this cottage cheese quiche, but frozen florets can work in a pinch (just be sure to thaw and drain thoroughly). Look for bright green broccoli with tight floret clusters and firm stems. For optimal texture, blanch your florets briefly before adding them to the quiche—this preserves their bright color while ensuring they’ll be perfectly tender when the quiche is done.

Egg Quality Matters

Since eggs are the structural backbone of any quiche, quality matters. Free-range eggs typically have brighter yolks and better flavor. For the silkiest texture, bring your eggs to room temperature before mixing them with other ingredients.

Ingredients & Prep for Perfect Cottage Cheese Quiche

Main Ingredients List:

• 6 large eggs, at room temperature
• 1 cup cottage cheese (4% milkfat recommended)
• 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets, blanched and chopped
• ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced (for color and sweetness)
• 3 tablespoons green onions, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Quiche Prep Essentials

Before assembling your quiche, proper vegetable prep is crucial. Blanch the broccoli florets in boiling water for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer to an ice bath to stop the cooking process. This step ensures your broccoli maintains its vibrant color and achieves the perfect texture in the finished quiche.

For the cottage cheese, you have options: use it as is for a slightly textured quiche, or blend it briefly with the eggs for a smoother consistency. The red bell peppers and green onions require no pre-cooking—they’ll soften perfectly during baking while maintaining their fresh flavor.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions for Cottage Cheese Quiche

Pre-Cooking Quiche Preparation

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and position a rack in the center.
2. Thoroughly grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan with butter or cooking spray.
3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten.
4. Add the cottage cheese to the eggs and mix until combined.
5. Stir in the garlic powder, thyme, black pepper, salt, and cayenne (if using).
6. Gently fold in the blanched broccoli, diced bell pepper, and green onions.
7. Finally, fold in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar, saving ½ cup for topping.

Cottage Cheese Quiche Baking Method

1. Pour the prepared mixture into your greased baking dish, spreading evenly.
2. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
3. Bake uncovered for 35-40 minutes, until the center is set and no longer jiggles.
4. The top should be lightly golden, and a knife inserted near the center should come out clean.

Quiche Doneness Check

The perfect cottage cheese quiche will have a slightly puffed appearance with golden edges. To test doneness, insert a knife about 1 inch from the center it should come out clean without wet egg mixture. The internal temperature should reach 160°F if you’re using a food thermometer.

Resting Your Quiche

Allow your quiche to rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing. This crucial step lets the eggs finish setting and makes for cleaner, more attractive slices. As it cools slightly, the flavors will also continue to develop and meld together.

Pro Tips for Perfect Cottage Cheese Quiche

Avoiding Common Quiche Mistakes

• Preventing a watery quiche: Ensure all vegetables are well-drained. For broccoli, pat dry after blanching.
• Achieving the perfect texture: Don’t overbeat the eggs, which can incorporate too much air and lead to a quiche that falls after baking.
• Preventing overbrowning: If the top is browning too quickly, tent with aluminum foil for the remainder of the baking time.

Tool Recommendations

• A glass or ceramic pie dish conducts heat more evenly than metal for quiches
• A balloon whisk helps incorporate air into eggs without overbeating
• A food processor makes quick work of blending cottage cheese for a smoother texture
• A good-quality chef’s knife makes chopping vegetables more efficient and precise

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Store leftover quiche in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For reheating, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 15 minutes, or microwave individual slices for 1 minute. For longer storage, freeze individual portions wrapped in plastic wrap and foil for up to 2 months.

Flavor Variations for Your Cottage Cheese Quiche

Mediterranean Twist

Swap the broccoli for spinach, add halved cherry tomatoes, chopped olives, and crumbled feta instead of cheddar. Add a teaspoon of dried oregano to the egg mixture.

Low-Carb/Keto Version

Increase the cheese content to 2 cups total, add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the egg mixture, and incorporate 1/4 cup of chopped cooked bacon for additional fat and flavor.

Seasonal Veggie Options

• Spring: Asparagus tips and fresh herbs like dill and chives
• Summer: Zucchini, yellow squash, and fresh basil
• Fall: Butternut squash cubes, sage, and caramelized onions
• Winter: Kale, roasted red peppers, and rosemary

Nutrition Profile of Cottage Cheese Quiche

Values based on 1/6 of quiche. Daily values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions for Cottage Cheese Quiche

This crustless quiche pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement its rich, savory profile. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a fresh fruit salad drizzled with honey and mint. A lightly dressed arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette makes a perfect lunch companion.

For beverages, consider serving with freshly squeezed orange juice, a green smoothie, or hot tea. Coffee lovers will appreciate how the bitter notes contrast with the creamy quiche.

For a more substantial meal, roasted sweet potato wedges or a simple tomato soup make excellent accompaniments.

FAQs About Cottage Cheese Quiche

Can I make this quiche ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the entire quiche up to two days ahead and refrigerate it. Alternatively, prep all ingredients the night before and store separately, then quickly assemble and bake in the morning.

Why is my quiche watery?
This typically happens when vegetables release excess moisture during baking. Make sure to thoroughly drain blanched broccoli and blot dry with paper towels before adding to your mixture.

Can I freeze this crustless quiche?
Yes! Cool completely, then wrap individual slices tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Is this cottage cheese quiche good for weight loss?
With high protein content and moderate calories, this crustless quiche can be part of a weight management plan. The protein helps maintain satiety, potentially reducing overall calorie intake throughout the day.

Can I use low-fat cottage cheese?
While possible, full-fat cottage cheese produces a creamier, more flavorful result. If using low-fat, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to compensate for the reduced fat content.

Conclusion

This Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche brings together simplicity and nutrition in one delicious package. The protein-rich profile makes it perfect for active lifestyles, while its versatility allows for endless customization based on what’s in season or your personal preferences.

I developed this recipe after years of experimenting with ways to make breakfast both satisfying and nutritious, and it’s become a staple in my meal prep routine. The combination of creamy eggs, tangy cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and fresh vegetables creates a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that never disappoints.

Give this recipe a try I’m confident it will earn a permanent spot in your breakfast rotation! If you loved this quiche, don’t forget to share it with your friends or save it to try later! I’d be thrilled to see your personal touch share your photos on Pinterest.

For more breakfast inspiration, check out our related recipes

Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche How To Make It

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• Author: Michael
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

This Broccoli Cheddar Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche is a protein-packed, low-carb twist on a classic favorite. With creamy cottage cheese, sharp cheddar, and tender broccoli baked into a golden, fluffy egg base, it’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a light dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

6 large eggs

1 cup low-fat cottage cheese

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/2 cup milk (or half-and-half)

1 1/2 cups chopped fresh broccoli florets (lightly steamed)

1/4 cup finely diced onion

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon garlic powder

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives or parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-inch pie dish or quiche pan.

2. Heat olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.

3. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

4. Add the cooked onion and steamed broccoli to the egg mixture and stir to combine.

5. Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top evenly.

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

7. Allow to cool for 5–10 minutes before slicing.

8. Sprinkle with fresh chives or parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

You can substitute frozen broccoli (thawed and drained) if fresh isn’t available.

Add cooked bacon or ham for extra flavor and protein.

This quiche reheats well in the microwave or oven and can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 slice (about 1/6 of quiche)
• Calories: 190
• Sugar: 3
• Sodium: 430
• Fat: 11
• Saturated Fat: 5
• Unsaturated Fat: 5
• Trans Fat: 0
• Carbohydrates: 5
• Fiber: 1
• Protein: 18
• Cholesterol: 205

Keywords: broccoli cheddar quiche, crustless quiche, cottage cheese quiche, low carb breakfast, high protein brunch