Divine Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche with Sausage: A Gluten-Free & Keto-Friendly Delight
Prepare to be utterly captivated by a crustless cottage cheese quiche so exquisitely divine, you won’t even spare a thought for a crust! This easy, savory bake combines the creamy richness of cottage cheese, fluffy eggs, perfectly crumbled sausage, and an abundance of gooey cheddar, all dispersed in every delightful bite. While we adore enhancing ours with a medley of mushrooms, colorful bell peppers, and fresh green onions, this recipe is incredibly versatile, welcoming a wide array of your favorite mix-ins. Naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable for a keto lifestyle, this hearty quiche has won the hearts of our entire family, whether they follow a GF diet or not. It’s the ultimate solution for a stress-free breakfast, brunch, or even a light, satisfying dinner.
Effortlessly Delicious: Your Go-To Crustless Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe
Imagine a dish that consistently impresses your guests yet requires minimal effort to prepare. Our crustless quiche recipe does exactly that! When special occasions like Easter, Mother’s Day brunch, or even just a festive Christmas morning roll around, having an easy “mix, dump, and bake” quiche on your menu significantly cuts down on stress, allowing you to savor those precious moments with loved ones. Its simplicity and robust flavor make it an instant crowd-pleaser for any gathering or a wonderfully comforting weeknight meal.
Similar to a beloved egg green chile casserole, this crustless quiche features the unique addition of cottage cheese, which elevates the texture and creaminess in the absence of a traditional pastry crust. This not only makes it one of our favorite family-friendly gluten-free breakfast ideas, but its inherent low-carb nature also makes it an excellent choice for those seeking keto-friendly meals. Regardless of dietary needs, everyone at the table will find themselves reaching for a second slice of this hearty and satisfying brunch sensation.
Boasting a delectable blend of savory sausage, earthy mushrooms, tender eggs, and rich cheddar cheese, this quiche guarantees enthusiastic appetites from kids to adults. Serve it alongside light and airy gluten-free English muffins for a complete breakfast, or pair it with a crisp side salad and tender roasted zucchini for a simple yet elegant dinner option. The possibilities are endless for enjoying this versatile dish!
I have made this the last 7 weekends. My boyfriend and I have changed our diet and looking for healthy quick high protein meals and this one is so delicious. Super quick, budget friendly and keeps us on track for the week. I’m sure anyone who has made this quiche will agree that this is a family favorite. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
—July
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Quiche
Crafting the perfect crustless quiche begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in creating the rich flavors and inviting textures that make this dish so special. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and how you can customize it.
- Cottage Cheese: We recommend using 4% milk fat small curd cottage cheese for optimal creaminess, but feel free to use your preferred variety. Don’t worry about the texture; after baking, the cottage cheese seamlessly melts into the egg mixture, becoming delightfully unnoticeable yet lending incredible moisture and a boost of protein. It’s the secret to that impossibly tender interior!
- Sausage: Bulk pork breakfast sausage offers a fantastic savory complement to the creamy filling and sharp cheddar. However, this recipe is highly adaptable. Consider using mild or spicy Italian sausage for a different flavor profile, or lean ground turkey sausage for a lighter alternative. For a vibrant vegetarian meal, you can easily omit the meat altogether and add extra vegetables or plant-based protein.
- Cheese: For the best melting consistency and rich flavor, we always recommend freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can hinder smooth melting. Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic choice, but don’t hesitate to experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Swiss, or a luxurious blend that includes Parmesan or Gruyère for added depth.
- Vegetables: Our preferred combination includes sliced mushrooms, vibrant chopped bell peppers (any color adds a beautiful contrast), and crisp green onions. However, the beauty of this quiche lies in its flexibility. Feel free to replace these with any preferred veggies you have on hand, such as tender spinach, hearty broccoli florets, nutrient-rich kale, or even asparagus and sun-dried tomatoes. Just be mindful not to overfill the dish!
- Eggs: The foundational binder of any quiche, large eggs create the fluffy, custardy texture that holds everything together.
- Half and Half (or Milk): This adds a touch of richness to the egg mixture. For a lighter quiche, regular milk works perfectly. For an even more decadent experience, heavy cream can be used.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the ingredients. A dash (or more, if you dare!) of hot sauce adds a subtle, yet delightful, kick that brightens the entire dish without making it overly spicy.
Let’s Make This Together!
Creating this delicious crustless quiche is a straightforward process, making it perfect for both seasoned cooks and beginners. Follow these step-by-step instructions, complete with helpful tips, to ensure a perfect bake every time. (Detailed ingredient amounts are provided in the full recipe card further down the page.)
Step 1: Sauté Your Sausage and Veggies
In a large skillet set over medium-high heat, begin cooking your ground sausage, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon as it browns. Once the sausage is about halfway cooked, add the sliced mushrooms and chopped bell peppers to the skillet. Continue to cook until the sausage is fully browned and the vegetables have softened to your liking. To ensure your quiche isn’t greasy, transfer the cooked mixture to a paper towel-lined plate to soak up any excess grease before proceeding.
Step 2: Layer the Savory Goodness
Once the sausage and vegetable mixture has drained, transfer it evenly to a well-greased pie plate or baking dish. This forms the flavorful base of your quiche. Evenly sprinkle the chopped green onions over the mixture, followed by a generous layer of 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This layering ensures that every slice will have a delightful distribution of ingredients.
Step 3: Pour, Top, and Bake to Perfection
In a separate medium bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, half and half (or milk), salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce until well combined. Don’t worry if the cottage cheese doesn’t completely disappear; it will melt beautifully during baking. Carefully pour this creamy egg mixture over the sausage and veggie base in your pie plate. Use a fork to gently mix and distribute the ingredients ensuring they are well coated. Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that irresistible golden crust. Pop it into the preheated oven and bake until set. Easy peasy indeed!
Yummy Additions and Creative Modifications
The beauty of any crustless quiche recipe lies in its incredible versatility. The meat, vegetables, and cheeses added to the egg mixture can be effortlessly adapted to suit your personal preferences, dietary needs, or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Think of this cottage cheese quiche mixture as a delicious foundational canvas, ready for your culinary artistry. Experiment with some of the suggested add-ins below to create your own signature quiche!
To avoid overfilling and ensure proper baking, aim to add no more than 3 to 3½ cups of total meat and vegetables to your baking dish before pouring over the luscious egg and cottage cheese filling. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:
- Protein Power-Ups: Swap out the breakfast sausage for crispy crumbled bacon, savory diced ham, shredded cooked chicken, or even ground turkey or beef. For a plant-based option, try seasoned plant-based sausage crumbles or firm tofu, pressed and crumbled.
- Vegetable Variety: Go beyond mushrooms and peppers! Incorporate fresh spinach (sautéed and squeezed dry to remove excess moisture), caramelized onions, tender steamed broccoli florets, vibrant Swiss chard, hearty kale, diced zucchini, or even roasted cherry tomatoes.
- Cheese Explorations: While cheddar is a classic, mix it up with crumbled feta, creamy goat cheese, sharp provolone, or a spicy pepper jack for a kick.
- Herbaceous Touches: Fresh herbs like chives, parsley, dill, or thyme add a wonderful aromatic dimension. Stir them into the egg mixture or sprinkle them on top before baking.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes, a dash of smoked paprika, or a sprinkle of garlic powder can transform the flavor profile.
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Cottage Cheese Crustless Quiche With Sausage
Melissa Erdelac
8
10 minutes
35 minutes
45 minutes
Pin
Rate
Ingredients
- 16 ounce ground pork breakfast sausage
- 8 ounces mushrooms,, sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 6 large eggs
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- ½ cup half and half
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon pepper
- dash hot sauce
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Equipment
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Skillet
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Cheese Grater
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Pie Plate
Instructions
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Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Lightly grease a 9-inch pie plate or similarly sized baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground pork breakfast sausage, mushrooms, and bell peppers. Break up the sausage with a spoon as it cooks. Continue to sauté until the sausage is nicely browned and the vegetables are tender.16 ounce ground pork breakfast sausage,
8 ounces mushrooms,,
1 bell pepper (any color) -
Drain off any excess grease from the cooked mixture using a colander, or spread it onto a paper towel-lined plate to absorb the fat. Transfer the savory mixture to the prepared pie plate and evenly sprinkle with the sliced green onions and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese.2 green onions
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In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the large eggs, cottage cheese, half and half, salt, pepper, and a dash of hot sauce until the mixture is thoroughly combined and smooth.6 large eggs,
1 cup cottage cheese,
½ cup half and half,
½ teaspoon salt,
⅛ teaspoon pepper,
dash hot sauce -
Carefully pour the egg mixture over the sausage and vegetable layer in the pie plate. Use a fork to gently stir and distribute the ingredients evenly. Finish by sprinkling the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
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Bake for 35-45 minutes, or until the quiche is set and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. The top should be golden brown. Allow the quiche to rest for 5 minutes after removing it from the oven before slicing and serving. This resting period helps it set properly.
Notes
Storing, Freezing and Reheating Your Quiche
Storing: Once the quiche has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Make-Ahead: This recipe is wonderfully suited for making ahead. Since it contains no flour or baking powder, the egg and cottage cheese mixture can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the fridge. Simply assemble and bake when you’re ready to serve.
Freezing: Cottage cheese quiche freezes beautifully! After cooling completely, wrap individual slices securely in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe ziplock bag or airtight container. Freeze for up to 1-2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before rewarming.
Rewarming: For quick reheating, microwave individual slices at 50% power until almost heated through, then finish at full power until piping hot. Alternatively, for a crispier result, place thawed leftovers in an ovenproof baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and heat in a 325ºF (160ºC) oven for 10-15 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for a few more minutes until thoroughly heated and the cheese is bubbly.
Carbohydrates: 4g,
Protein: 22g,
Fat: 28g,
Saturated Fat: 12g,
Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g,
Monounsaturated Fat: 10g,
Trans Fat: 1g,
Cholesterol: 195mg,
Sodium: 786mg,
Potassium: 380mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 3g,
Vitamin A: 1019IU,
Vitamin C: 21mg,
Calcium: 216mg,
Iron: 2mg
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