Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche is a delightful dish that combines fresh ingredients into a creamy, high-protein breakfast or side. This crustless quiche is perfect for any occasion, from brunch gatherings to light dinners. With its fluffy texture and savory flavor, it stands out as a healthy and satisfying choice that everyone will enjoy!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• High in Protein: Packed with 19 grams of protein per serving, this quiche supports muscle health and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy mornings or impromptu gatherings.
• Versatile Ingredients: Swap out herbs and cheeses to suit your taste preferences or use what you have on hand for a personalized touch.
• No Crust Hassle: Enjoy all the flavor without the fuss of making a crust, making it lighter and gluten-free with the right flour choice.
• Delicious Hot or Cold: This quiche tastes great served warm right out of the oven or chilled as a refreshing snack later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in your preparation process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• 9-inch pie dish
• Large mixing bowl
• Spatula
• Grater (for zucchini)
• Cooking spray

Importance of Each Tool

• 9-inch pie dish: The perfect size for baking your quiche evenly while allowing it to rise beautifully.
• Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients without spilling, ensuring an easy mixing experience.
• Spatula: Helps in folding ingredients together gently while also being useful for serving slices after baking.

Ingredients

Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche is a crustless, high-protein breakfast or side dish that’s creamy, light, and fluffy with 19 grams of protein!

For the Base

• 5 cups shredded zucchini (measured before squeezing)
• 6 large eggs
• 1 1/2 cups cottage cheese

For Flavoring

• 1 cup shredded cheddar, gouda or havarti cheese
• 1/4 cup finely chopped chives, green onions, dill, parsley or basil
• 3/4 cup gluten-free flour (all-purpose or whole wheat flour)

For Seasoning

• 1 tablespoon onion flakes or powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt (plus a bit more)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Cooking

• Cooking spray (I use Misto)

How to Make Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. While it heats up, prepare your pie dish by spraying it well with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Zucchini

In a large bowl, add shredded zucchini and sprinkle with salt. Mix thoroughly and let sit for 5-10 minutes. This step allows the zucchini to release excess water. Afterward:
* Squeeze out the moisture using a linen towel until it’s dry.
* Transfer the squeezed zucchini back into a large bowl.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

To the bowl with squeezed zucchini:
* Add eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheese, herbs, gluten-free flour, onion flakes, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
* Stir everything together gently with a spatula until well combined.

Step 4: Bake the Quiche

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for about 45-50 minutes. The quiche is done when it’s no longer jiggly in the middle and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.

Step 5: Cool and Serve

Once baked:
* Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool on a wire rack for about 2 hours.
* Use a spatula to loosen the edges before cutting into 8 slices. Enjoy warm or cold—it’s delicious either way!

How to Serve Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve it warm or cold, it makes for a delightful breakfast, lunch, or dinner option. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Warm with Fresh Herbs

• Garnish with herbs: Top each slice with freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil for an aromatic touch.

Accompanied by a Salad

• Mixed greens salad: Serve alongside a light mixed greens salad dressed in olive oil and lemon for a refreshing contrast.

As a Breakfast Option

• Pair with fruit: Enjoy your quiche with slices of seasonal fruit, which adds a sweet and juicy element to the meal.

Topped with Salsa or Hot Sauce

• Add a kick: Drizzle some salsa or hot sauce over the quiche for those who enjoy a spicy flavor profile.

As Part of a Brunch Spread

• Serve at brunch: Include this quiche in a brunch buffet alongside muffins and fresh juices for a well-rounded meal.

Leftovers as Snacks

• Enjoy cold or reheated: Save leftovers to eat cold straight from the fridge, or reheat them briefly in the microwave for a quick snack.

How to Perfect Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

To achieve the ideal texture and flavor in your Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche, follow these helpful tips.

• Squeeze zucchini well: Removing excess moisture is crucial to avoid a soggy quiche.

• Use fresh herbs: Fresh herbs elevate the taste significantly compared to dried ones. Choose your favorites for best results.

• Choose quality cheese: Opt for high-quality cheese for richer flavor and creaminess in your quiche.

• Let it cool before cutting: Allowing the quiche to cool helps it set properly, making slicing easier.

• Experiment with spices: Feel free to add spices like paprika or cayenne pepper to personalize the flavor profile.

Best Side Dishes for Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

Pairing side dishes with your Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche can enhance your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Roasted Vegetables: Add variety with seasonal vegetables tossed in olive oil and roasted until caramelized.

2. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad mixed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and lemon dressing provides freshness.

3. Garlic Breadsticks: Serve warm garlic breadsticks alongside for a comforting addition that complements the dish.

4. Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus drizzled with balsamic glaze offers an elegant touch.

5. Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with herbs make for a satisfying crunch against the softness of the quiche.

6. Fruit Salad: A colorful fruit salad adds sweetness and balances out the savory flavors of the quiche.

7. Cucumber Raita: This yogurt-based side dish provides cooling relief that pairs nicely with any savory meal.

8. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings crunch and acidity that brightens up every bite of quiche.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for:

• Not squeezing the zucchini enough: Failing to remove excess water from the zucchini can lead to a soggy quiche. Make sure to squeeze it thoroughly before mixing it with other ingredients.

• Skipping the resting time: Rushing to cut into the quiche immediately after baking can affect its texture. Allow it to cool for at least 2 hours for optimal results.

• Using too much salt: Over-salting can overpower the dish’s flavors. Start with recommended amounts and adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Using older or wilted herbs can diminish the flavor of your quiche. Always opt for fresh herbs when possible for a vibrant taste.

• Overbaking the quiche: Leaving the quiche in the oven too long can result in a dry texture. Keep a close eye on it towards the end of baking and use a toothpick test.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• It will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

• Wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for 1-2 minutes, checking frequently.
• Stovetop: Place in a skillet over low heat, cover, and warm for about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche:

Can I use other vegetables in my Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche?

Yes! Feel free to add bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms based on your taste preferences.

How can I customize my Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche?

You can experiment with different cheeses or herbs. Try using feta cheese or adding Italian seasoning for unique flavors!

Is this recipe gluten-free?

If you substitute gluten-free flour, then yes! Be sure to check labels on your ingredients.

How do I know when my Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche is done?

It should be firm in the center and not jiggle when gently shaken. A toothpick inserted should come out clean.

Final Thoughts

Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche is a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for breakfast or as a side. Its creamy texture and high protein content make it appealing for any meal. Plus, you can easily customize it with various vegetables and herbs. Don’t hesitate—give this recipe a try today!