Sunshine Zucchini Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche ProteinPacked Perfectly Light

Zucchini Cottage Cheese Quiche

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:45 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 3 medium Zucchini (grated and squeezed dry)
• 1/2 tsp Salt (for drawing out zucchini moisture)
• 1 cup Cottage Cheese (2% or full fat)
• 4 large Eggs
• 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded, plus extra for topping)
• 1 Tbsp All-Purpose Flour (or Almond Flour)
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Dried Dill
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives (chopped)
• 1 tsp Olive Oil or Butter (for greasing)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9-inch pie dish or 8x8 baking dish thoroughly with oil or butter.
• Grate the zucchini. Toss immediately with 1/2 tsp salt and let sit for 10 minutes. Firmly squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or sieve.
• In a blender, combine the cottage cheese, eggs, Parmesan cheese, flour, garlic powder, dill, and black pepper. Blend until completely smooth and creamy.
• Pour the smooth base into a large bowl. Fold in the squeezed zucchini and most of the cheddar cheese (reserve 2 tablespoons for the top). Stir gently until just combined.
• Pour the mixture into the prepared pie dish, spreading evenly. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top.
• Bake for 40–45 minutes. The quiche is done when the centre is set and the edges are golden brown.
• Let the quiche rest on a cooling rack for at least 10–15 minutes before slicing to allow the structure to fully firm up.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:1558 kcal

Protein:19.4 g

Fat:25.6 g

Carbs:60.5 g

Fiber:9.3 g

Sugar:0.0 g

Sodium:559 mg

Recipe Info

Category:Breakfast, Brunch, Light Meal

Cuisine:American

The Magic Behind the Crustless Wonder: Why This Quiche Redefines Breakfast

When we think of quiche, we often picture flaky pastry—a glorious but sometimes cumbersome addition. But what if I told you we could achieve all the creamy satisfaction, savoury depth, and golden-baked perfection without touching a speck of flour or butter for a crust? Enter the Zucchini Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche . This recipe isn't just a lighter alternative; it's a structural revolution in vegetarian baking. It strips away the heavy, fat-laden element and replaces it with a protein-rich powerhouse that holds its shape beautifully. It’s quick enough for a midweek meal yet elegant enough for a special Sunday brunch, making it one of the most versatile Breakfast Quiche Recipes in your rotation.

A Protein-Packed Powerhouse: Understanding the Cottage Cheese Structure

The brilliance of this dish lies entirely in its base. We are leveraging the natural binding and creamy texture of cottage cheese to mimic the richness typically provided by heavy cream and eggs alone, resulting in an incredibly satisfying and nutrient-dense meal. This approach positions the Crustless Cottage Cheese Zucchini Quiche Recipe firmly in the realm of health-conscious cooking.

Ditching the Dough: Introducing the Lighter Alternative

The quest for lighter fare often leads us down the path of eliminating carbohydrates, and for many, that means saying goodbye to pastry. By employing cottage cheese, we naturally create a gluten-free, low-carb foundation that is remarkably stable. When blended with eggs, the cottage cheese melts into a smooth, velvety matrix during baking, providing an internal structure that keeps the shredded zucchini perfectly suspended. This is the fundamental secret that makes this a top-tier option among Crustless Quiche Recipes With Cottage Cheese .

Perfect Timing: Ideal Scenarios for Serving Your Sunshine Quiche

Because it sets so well and travels easily, this quiche is incredibly adaptable. It shines as a quick, protein-heavy solo lunch, making it perfect for meal-preppers looking for ready-to-go weekday sustenance. On top of that,, it transforms effortlessly into a fantastic feature for a relaxed weekend brunch spread. Its simplicity also means you can whip up a batch of Zucchini crustless quiche muffins for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week, offering a savoury alternative to sweet muffins.

What Makes This Zucchini Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche Truly Exceptional

The combination of zucchini and cottage cheese offers a beautiful textural contrast. The zucchini, once properly managed (more on that vital step later!), provides moisture and slight substance, while the finely blended base delivers a smooth mouthfeel reminiscent of a classic quiche custard, only much higher in protein. It’s a truly Healthy crustless quiche recipe with cottage cheese , maximizing satiety without weighing you down.

Assembling Your Building Blocks: Essential Components for Success

To achieve the optimal texture and flavour profile for this Simple crustless cottage cheese zucchini quiche , attention must be paid to the quality and preparation of your core components. We are aiming for concentrated flavour and minimal excess water.

Selecting the Freshest Produce: Choosing the Best Zucchini

Start with three medium zucchini. Look for firm, bright green specimens without soft spots or blemishes. The slightly smaller size ensures a better ratio of flesh to seed core. Once you have your zucchini, the next step is critical: grating them and drawing out the excess moisture. This process prevents a watery final product, ensuring your quiche sets up firmly rather than slumping into a puddle.

The Cheese Quotient: Ensuring Optimal Cottage Cheese Blend Consistency

For the base, you will need one cup of cottage cheese. Opt for either 2% or full-fat, depending on your preference for richness—the higher fat content yields a slightly more decadent mouthfeel, though both work perfectly. Crucially, this cheese must be blended until completely smooth with the eggs and seasonings. Any remaining curds will prevent the uniform, silken texture we seek in this Crustless Vegetable Quiche With Cottage Cheese . You’ll also incorporate sharp cheddar for flavour and Parmesan for that salty, nutty depth.

Optional Flavor Boosters: Elevating the Standard Ingredient List

While the core flavour profile relies on the subtle earthiness of the zucchini paired with sharp cheddar, a few additions really elevate the experience. We use a whisper of garlic powder and dried dill—dill pairs magically with zucchini and cheese. For a finishing touch, freshly chopped chives add a beautiful visual pop and a gentle oniony freshness right before baking. These herbs make the dish sing, especially when combined with the savory backbone of good Cottage Cheese Recipes Healthy additions like these.

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Step-by-Step Guide: Mastering the Preparation Phase

The total active time for this recipe is remarkably short, clocking in around 20 minutes, which is a huge selling point. We divide this time between prepping the vegetable component and constructing the creamy, egg-based binding agent.

Prepping the Veggies: The Crucial Step of Squeezing Excess Moisture

After grating your zucchini, immediately toss it with half a teaspoon of salt. Let this mixture sit for about ten minutes. The salt chemically draws out the water trapped within the vegetable cells. Once the time is up, transfer the salted zucchini to a clean, fine-mesh sieve or a thin, lint-free kitchen towel. Now, apply significant pressure—squeeze, wring, and press until you cannot extract any more liquid. This expelled moisture is the number one cause of runny quiches, so be tenacious here!

Creating the Velvety Base: Blending Ingredients to Smooth Perfection

Move over to your blender. Into this container go the cottage cheese, four large eggs, the measured flour (which acts as a minor stabilizing agent), Parmesan, garlic powder, dill, and black pepper. Blend this mixture on high speed until it is absolutely homogenous and creamy, akin to a thick, pale batter. This smooth consistency is essential for the successful structure of your Zucchini Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche .

Oven Dynamics: Determining the Ideal Baking Temperature and Time

Once the smooth base is combined in a bowl with your squeezed zucchini and the majority of the shredded cheddar, transfer it to your prepared 9-inch pie dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar on top. The ideal temperature for setting this type of egg-and-cheese bake is a moderate 375° F ( 190° C). Bake for 40 to 45 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the edges are beautifully golden brown and the centre has just a slight, gentle wobble—it should not look liquid.

Cooling Down: Why Resting is Non-Negotiable for Firm Slices

This is perhaps the most tempting step to skip, but it is vital. Immediately removing the quiche from the oven and slicing it will result in a softer set, as the residual heat continues to cook and solidify the proteins. Allow your finished quiche to rest on a wire cooling rack for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes. This resting period allows the structure to fully firm up, ensuring clean, gorgeous slices every single time you serve this dish.

Troubleshooting & Flavor Variations for Your Zucchini Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche

Even with clear instructions, sometimes little issues arise, or perhaps you simply crave a change of pace. This recipe is inherently flexible.

Pro Tips for Preventing a Watery Quiche (The Ultimate Fix)

If you’ve followed the squeezing instructions but are still worried, here’s a fail-safe approach: lightly sauté the squeezed zucchini in a teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat for about 3– 4 minutes before folding it into the cottage cheese base. This mild cooking slightly evaporates any remaining surface moisture without browning the vegetable, guaranteeing a firmer texture when baked.

Customizing Your Creation: Keto, Veggie-Heavy, or Herb-Forward Twists

For those following a Ketogenic lifestyle, simply ensure you are using almond flour instead of all-purpose flour, or omit the flour entirely—the cottage cheese base is strong enough to manage without it. If you prefer a heartier meal, this is an excellent base for adding pre-cooked meats like crumbled turkey bacon or finely diced prosciutto. Alternatively, swap the dill for fresh basil and add sundried tomatoes for a lovely Mediterranean flair.

Freezing and Reheating: Best Practices for Meal Preppers

This quiche freezes exceptionally well, making it a staple for busy individuals. Bake completely, let it cool fully, slice it, and wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to three months. To reheat, unwrap the slice and bake it directly on a baking sheet at 350° F ( 175° C) for about 15– 20 minutes until heated through and the edges are crisp again.

Nutritional Highlights of This Guilt-Free Baked Treat

Beyond the convenience, the nutritional profile is commendable. This Zucchini Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche packs a significant protein punch—easily over 20 grams per serving—thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs, while remaining relatively low in net carbohydrates. It’s satisfying, nourishing fuel that perfectly complements a busy schedule.

Storage Secrets: Keeping Your Leftovers Fresh and Delicious

Once cooled completely, any remaining quiche should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It maintains excellent quality for up to four days. The flavour often deepens slightly overnight, making it an even more appealing next-day lunch option.