The Best Slimming World Crustless Quiche with Cottage Cheese
If you are following a healthy eating plan, you might think that a lovely slice of quiche is completely off the menu. Traditional quiche recipes use a buttery pastry case and plenty of cream. That makes them taste amazing, but it also uses up a massive amount of your daily allowances.
A suitable for Slimming World crustless quiche made with cottage cheese is the perfect alternative. It is filling, packed with protein, and surprisingly easy to make at home. You just need a few basic ingredients and a good oven dish.
This recipe is popular among people following weight loss plans, particularly Slimming World. By removing the pastry and swapping cream for cottage cheese, you save a huge number of calories and swips. The crustless quiche can be sliced up for lunchboxes or summer picnics.
Why use cottage cheese in a healthy quiche?
When you make a standard quiche, the filling relies on eggs and cream to set properly and taste rich. If you just use eggs on their own, you end up with something that tastes a lot more like a giant omelette. While omelettes are great, they do not quite hit the spot when you are craving a proper quiche.
Cottage cheese acts as a fantastic replacement for double cream. It is naturally low in fat, especially if you buy the fat-free versions available in most supermarkets. It also contains an impressive amount of protein. Eating protein helps you feel full for much longer, which stops you from snacking between meals.
You can read more about how the official Slimming World plan uses foods like this to keep you satisfied on the Slimming World website. They often recommend cottage cheese as a free food, meaning you can eat it without weighing or measuring it.
How to get the perfect Slimming World crustless quiche texture
One of the biggest complaints people have about using cottage cheese in baking is the texture. Some people really dislike the little lumps. If you fall into that category, there is a very simple fix.
Just grab a hand blender or a food processor. Pop your eggs and cottage cheese into a bowl and blend them together until the mixture is completely smooth. This step takes less than a minute, but it completely changes the final result. The blended mixture will bake into a soft, creamy filling that looks and feels just like a traditional quiche.
If you do not mind the chunky texture, you can simply mix the eggs and cottage cheese together with a fork. It is entirely up to your personal preference. Both methods taste fantastic.
Stopping your quiche from going watery
Another common issue with a Slimming World crustless quiche is that it can release water during baking. Nobody wants a soggy quiche! There are a few different reasons why this happens, and they are all very easy to fix.
First, think about your vegetables. Vegetables like tomatoes, mushrooms, and courgettes hold a lot of natural water. When they get hot in the oven, that water leaks out into your egg mixture. To prevent this, always pre-cook your wet vegetables. You can lightly fry them in a little low-calorie cooking spray. Once they are soft, drain off any excess liquid before adding them to your quiche dish.
Second, make sure you bake the quiche for long enough. A Slimming World crustless quiche can take anywhere from 30 to 45 minutes to set properly in a medium oven. You will know it is done when the centre feels firm to the touch and the top is a lovely golden brown.
Flavour ideas and tasty additions
The best thing about a Slimming World crustless quiche is how versatile it is. You can use this recipe as a base and add whatever you happen to have in your fridge. It is a brilliant way to use up leftover vegetables before they go bad.
If you are stuck for ideas, here are some flavour combinations that work perfectly.
Classic cheese and onion
You cannot go wrong with cheese and onion. Fry a large chopped onion until it is sweet and golden. Mix it into your egg and cottage cheese base. If you have a healthy extra cheese allowance, grate some strong cheddar over the top before baking. The cheese will melt and go crispy in the oven.
Spinach and red pepper
For a bright and colourful lunch, add some baby spinach leaves and diced red peppers. Make sure you wilt the spinach first and squeeze out all the water. The red peppers add a lovely sweetness that pairs very well with the savoury egg mixture.
Ham and mushroom
If you want something a bit more meaty, chop up some lean ham or cooked bacon medallions. Add some sliced mushrooms that you have pre cooked in a pan. This combination feels very comforting and makes a brilliant dinner when served with a large side salad.
Step-by-step guide to the perfect Slimming World crustless quiche
Making your quiche is simple. Here are the steps you need to follow.
First, preheat your oven to around 180°c. Grab an approximately 8-10 inch wide flan dish or a round baking tin or two loaf tins. Spray the inside thoroughly with a low-calorie cooking spray, and if possible, line with baking paper. This is a very important step because crustless quiches love to stick to the pan!
Next, prepare your fillings. Cook any watery vegetables and chop your meats. Spread these fillings evenly across the bottom of your sprayed baking dish.
In a large mixing bowl, crack five or six large eggs. Add a tub of cottage cheese. Choose natural cottage cheese rather than the pineapple ones, as fruit does not work very well in this savoury dish! Blend or whisk the eggs and cheese together. Season the mixture well with salt, black pepper, and maybe a little pinch of mustard powder.
Pour the liquid mixture slowly over your fillings in the dish. Make sure the liquid covers everything. If you are using cheese from your daily allowance, sprinkle it evenly over the top.
Carefully place the dish in the oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes. Keep an eye on it towards the end. It should look puffed up and golden. Let it cool for at least ten minutes before you try to slice it.
Enjoy your Slimming World crustless quiche on its own, with salad, with chips or however you fancy.
Making your meals more filling
The eggs and cottage cheese are already very filling. If you want to learn more about cooking with eggs, take a look at my healthy recipes using eggs guide.
To make your meal even more satisfying, focus on your side dishes. A quiche goes perfectly with a massive bowl of mixed salad. You can add lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and beetroot. You could also serve it with some Slimming World potato wedges. Just cut a potato into wedges, spray with cooking spray, sprinkle with paprika, and bake until crispy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze a crustless cottage cheese quiche?
Yes, you absolutely can. Allow the cooked Slimming World crustless quiche to cool completely. Slice it into portions and wrap each portion tightly in cling film or place them in an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to two months. When you want to eat it, let it defrost in the fridge overnight. You can eat it cold, or warm it through in the oven.
What else can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you really do not like cottage cheese, you can use quark instead. Quark is a fat free soft cheese that is also very high in protein. It works in a very similar way to cottage cheese but it is completely smooth. If you are curious about cooking with quark, you can check out my 16 healthy recipes using quark for more inspiration.
Do I have to use a glass dish?
You do not have to use a glass dish, but they do work very well. You can also use a ceramic flan dish or a silicone baking mould. Silicone is actually fantastic for crustless quiches because the quiche simply pops out without any sticking. Just remember to put the silicone mould on a solid baking tray before you pour the liquid in, or you will spill it everywhere on the way to the oven!
How long will Slimming World crustless quiche keep in the fridge?
A cooked crustless quiche will stay fresh in the fridge for about three to four days. Make sure you keep it covered so it does not dry out. It is the perfect recipe for meal prepping on a Sunday afternoon, giving you a quick lunch to grab on your way to work during the week.
Ready to make a Slimming World crustless quiche?
Making a Slimming World crustless quiche is a brilliant habit to get into. It takes very little effort, saves you money, and helps you stay right on track with your diet. Once you master the basic mix of eggs and cottage cheese, you can experiment with hundreds of different flavours. It is perfect for keeping in the fridge for whenever you are needing a snack!
Do not be afraid to try new vegetables or different spices. For even more healthy family meal ideas, browse through my recipe index to find your next favourite dish. Grab your mixing bowl, preheat your oven, and enjoy a delicious, guilt-free slice of quiche today.
