If you have been searching high and low for the perfect brunch or light dinner idea, I am thrilled to share this Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe with you. This quiche is a delightful marriage of creamy cottage cheese, spicy Calabrian chilies, and savory breakfast sausage, all nestled in a golden, flaky crust. It’s a dish that feels impressive yet is incredibly simple to pull together. Whether you’re serving family or friends, this recipe offers vibrant flavors and satisfying textures that will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients is quick and straightforward with this recipe. Every component plays a key role in building the layers of flavor, from the creamy base of cottage cheese to the colorful crunch of fresh vegetables and the spicy kick of Calabrian chili.
- Eggs (6): The essential binding agent that gives the quiche its fluffy and rich structure.
- Low-fat cottage cheese (1/2 cup): Adds a creamy texture and a subtle tang that keeps the quiche light yet satisfying.
- Chopped Calabrian chili peppers (1 teaspoon): Elevates the flavor with a gentle smoky heat, balancing the richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Avocado oil (1/2 tablespoon): Perfect for browning the sausage without overpowering the other ingredients.
- Ground breakfast sausage (1/2 pound): Brings savory depth and a hearty texture to every bite.
- Diced yellow onion (1/4 cup): Adds sweetness and a bit of bite as it softens during cooking.
- Diced red bell pepper (1/4 cup): Offers a pop of fresh color and a subtle crunch.
- Minced garlic (1 clove): Infuses the filling with a warm, aromatic foundation.
- Thinly sliced scallions (2): Brighten the dish with a mild onion flavor and refreshing green specks.
- Deep dish 9-inch pie crust (1): Holds all the delicious fillings together with flaky golden perfection.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts on top to form a sharp, cheesy crown that seals in all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the oven and egg mixture
Preheat your oven to 400 degrees so it’s ready to bake the quiche to golden perfection. Meanwhile, blend together the eggs, cottage cheese, chopped Calabrian chili peppers, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This mixture is the heart of your quiche, creating a luscious custard that sets around all the savory fillings.
Step 2: Cook the sausage and veggies
Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground breakfast sausage, breaking it apart as it browns for even cooking. Once the sausage is nicely browned, toss in the diced yellow onion, red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables become tender and fragrant, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Step 3: Add fresh scallions
Turn off the heat and stir in the thinly sliced scallions. Their fresh, slightly sharp flavor brightens the rich sausage and vegetable mix, creating a perfect balance in the quiche filling.
Step 4: Assemble the quiche
Pour the sausage and veggie mixture evenly into the deep dish pie crust. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top to add gooey cheesiness that complements the creamy filling. Finally, pour the smooth egg and cottage cheese blend evenly over everything, allowing the custard to seep into all the delicious layers.
Step 5: Bake and rest
Place the quiche in your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the crust turns golden brown and the egg filling is fully set but still tender. Remove from the oven and let the quiche rest for about 10 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps the custard firm up so each slice holds beautifully together.
How to Serve Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely burst of green color and fresh flavor, making your quiche even more appetizing. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika for extra warmth, or a few thin slices of avocado for creaminess on top.
Side Dishes
Pair this quiche with a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to contrast the richness. Roasted seasonal vegetables or a bowl of fresh fruit also make fantastic, healthful accompaniments that round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make brunch special, serve this quiche sliced into neat wedges on colorful plates with little bowls of salsa or hot sauce on the side. For a casual weekday dinner, place a portion on a wooden cutting board beside a rustic loaf of bread and a few crunchy pickles for a charming spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe reheats beautifully, so you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it chilled and covered to preserve its fresh flavors and creamy texture.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooled quiche tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat quiche slices gently in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for about 10 to 15 minutes. This method keeps the crust crisp and the filling just as luscious as when freshly baked. Microwave reheating is quicker but may soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use a gluten-free pie crust for this recipe?
Absolutely! A gluten-free pie crust works just as well and allows those with gluten sensitivities to enjoy this Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe without compromise.
What can I substitute for Calabrian chili peppers?
If you can’t find Calabrian chilies, try using a pinch of red chili flakes or smoked paprika to maintain a bit of heat and smoky depth in your quiche.
Is it possible to make this quiche vegetarian?
Definitely. Simply omit the sausage and increase the amount of vegetables, or add plant-based sausage alternatives. The cottage cheese and eggs provide plenty of protein.
Can I prepare the quiche filling the night before?
Yes, you can prepare the sausage and vegetable mixture and even blend the egg mixture in advance. Keep both covered separately in the fridge and assemble just before baking.
What’s the best way to slice the quiche?
Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife and let the quiche rest before slicing to avoid cracking. Clean the knife between each cut for the neatest slices.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you fall in love with this Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe as much as I have. It’s that perfect combination of easy preparation and memorable flavor, bringing warmth and comfort to your table any time of day. Give it a try, and I bet it will become a go-to recipe you reach for again and again.
Print
Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Cottage Cheese Quiche is a delicious and protein-packed breakfast or brunch option featuring a flaky deep-dish pie crust filled with seasoned ground sausage, sautéed vegetables, and a smooth cottage cheese and egg custard. With a hint of spicy Calabrian chili peppers and sharp cheddar cheese topping, this quiche offers a flavorful and satisfying meal that requires minimal prep and cooks in under an hour.
Ingredients
Egg Mixture
- 6 eggs
- 1/2 cup low-fat cottage cheese
- 1 teaspoon chopped Calabrian chili peppers
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1/2 tablespoon avocado oil
- 1/2 pound ground breakfast sausage
- 1/4 cup diced yellow onion
- 1/4 cup diced red bell pepper
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
Other
- 1 deep dish 9 inch pie crust
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it’s ready for baking the quiche once assembled.
- Prepare Egg Mixture: In a blender, combine the eggs, low-fat cottage cheese, chopped Calabrian chili peppers, salt, and pepper. Blend until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Brown Sausage: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add avocado oil, then add the ground breakfast sausage. Cook while breaking it up with a spoon until the sausage is thoroughly browned.
- Sauté Vegetables: To the browned sausage, add diced yellow onion, diced red bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until the vegetables soften and become tender.
- Add Scallions: Turn off the heat and stir in the thinly sliced scallions to the sausage and vegetable mixture, combining everything well.
- Assemble Quiche: Pour the sausage and vegetable filling evenly into the deep dish pie crust. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Add Egg Mixture and Bake: Pour the blended egg and cottage cheese mixture evenly over the filling. Place the quiche in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the egg mixture is set.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the quiche from the oven and let it sit for 10 minutes before slicing to allow it to set fully for perfect slices.
Notes
- For a spicier quiche, increase the amount of Calabrian chili peppers.
- You can substitute the breakfast sausage with turkey sausage for a leaner option.
- Make sure to not over-blend the egg mixture as it may become too foamy.
- Allowing the quiche to rest after baking helps it firm up for easier slicing.
- The pie crust can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
