Finding versatile and satisfying meals that cater to everyone’s needs and dietary restrictions can sometimes feel like a puzzle. This easy Spinach or Broccoli Quiche has become a real winner in our family. It’s packed with wholesome goodness, simple to prepare, and can be enjoyed for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner.
As a busy parent, I love that this recipe is adaptable—you can easily swap the vegetables based on what you have on hand or what your family prefers. Plus, it makes two quiches—one for now and another to go in the freezer. As Passover approaches, having a delicious and compliant option is always a priority. That’s why we’ve included a fantastic crustless variation that utilizes cake meal instead of flour, making it perfect for the holiday!
The Beauty of Cottage Cheese & Veggies
This quiche gets its creamy base from cottage cheese, which is blended until smooth for a delightful texture. Adding spinach or broccoli (or a combination!) boosts nutrients and flavor. It’s a fantastic way to sneak in some extra veggies; even my pickier eaters enjoy it.
Tips for a Perfect Quiche (and Veggie Variations!):
- Drain Those Veggies! Whether you’re using spinach or broccoli (or any other moisture-rich vegetable like sautéed mushrooms or onions), make sure to drain them very well after cooking. Excess moisture can lead to a watery quiche. For frozen spinach or broccoli, thawing completely and then squeezing out the excess water is crucial.
- Blend for Smoothness: Blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother and more appealing texture for the quiche filling. A regular blender or an immersion blender works great for this.
- Cheese Choices: We often use Swiss or mozzarella cheese for its mild flavor and meltiness, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like cheddar, Gruyere, or even a bit of crumbled feta for a different taste profile.
- Seasoning is Key: Don’t be shy about pepper and garlic! Adjust the seasonings to your liking. You can add other herbs like onion powder or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra flavor.
- Pre-Baking the Crust (Traditional Version): Pre-baking the pie crust helps prevent a soggy bottom. Bake it for about 10-15 minutes before adding the filling. Make sure to poke a few holes in the crust to keep it from rising too much.
Our Go-To Spinach or Broccoli Quiche Recipe:
Yields: 2 quiches (9-inch pies) or one larger baking dish
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: Approximately 1 hour
Ingredients (Traditional with Crust):
- 4 cups cottage cheese
- 2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen chopped spinach or broccoli, thawed and drained very well
- 6 large eggs or 12 egg whites, beaten
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or equivalent in bread crumbs)
- ½ pound (2 cups) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- Pepper and garlic powder to taste
- 2 (9-inch) pre-baked pie crusts
Instructions (Traditional with Crust):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mash the cottage cheese with a fork or blend it for a smoother consistency.
- Add the well-drained spinach or broccoli to the mashed cottage cheese.
- Stir in the beaten eggs (or egg whites), flour (or bread crumbs), shredded cheese, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the two pre-baked pie crusts.
- Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the quiche is set and lightly golden brown.
- Let the quiches cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Passover Crustless Spinach or Broccoli Quiche Variation:
This variation eliminates the need for a crust, making it perfect for Passover. The cake meal helps to bind the ingredients.
Ingredients (Passover Crustless):
- 4 cups cottage cheese
- 2 (10-ounce) packages of frozen chopped spinach or broccoli, thawed and drained very well
- 6 large eggs or 12 egg whites, beaten
- 6 tablespoons cake meal
- ½ pound (2 cups) shredded Swiss or mozzarella cheese
- Pepper and garlic powder to taste
- Cooking spray (kosher for Passover)
Instructions (Passover Crustless):
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease two 9-inch pie dishes or a similar-sized baking dish with kosher for Passover cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, mash the cottage cheese with a fork or blend it for a smoother consistency.
- Add the well-drained spinach or broccoli to the mashed cottage cheese.
- Stir in the beaten eggs (or egg whites), cake meal, shredded cheese, pepper, and garlic powder. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish(es).
- Bake for approximately 1 hour or until the quiche is set and lightly golden brown.
- Let the quiche cool slightly before slicing and serving.
Enjoy this versatile and delicious quiche – a wonderful addition to any meal, and a convenient and tasty option for Passover!
