Creamy Cottage Cheese Quiche for the Ultimate High-Protein Brunch

A Light, Fluffy, High-Protein Dish Perfect for Any Time of Day

Looking for a high-protein breakfast that doesn’t taste like health food? This creamy Cottage Cheese Quiche is your new go-to. It’s irresistibly light and fluffy, infused with rich, savory flavors from sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and fresh scallions, all cradled in a buttery pie crust.

Whether you’re prepping for a busy week, hosting brunch, or need a satisfying dinner, this quiche is your delicious answer. It’s simple to prepare, wonderfully versatile, and packed with nourishing protein thanks to the cottage cheese and eggs. Plus, it reheats like a dream, making it a meal-prep superstar.

If you’ve tried quiche before and found it heavy or greasy, this recipe will surprise you. The cottage cheese gives it a soft, custard-like texture without feeling dense, and the mix-ins add just the right amount of crunch and umami. It’s a comfort meal that fits beautifully into a healthy lifestyle.

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 45 minutes
• Total time: ~55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Method: Oven
• Cuisine: American
• Category: Breakfast, Brunch, High-Protein Meals

Ingredients

• 1 frozen 9-inch pie crust (pre-baked recommended)
• 4 large eggs
• ¾ cup full-fat cottage cheese
• ¼ cup milk (dairy or unsweetened almond milk)
• ¼ tsp sea salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 3 slices cooked bacon, chopped (or turkey bacon)
• 2 scallions, finely sliced
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Crust
If your crust isn’t pre-baked, follow the package directions to blind bake it. This helps ensure the bottom cooks through and doesn’t get soggy. Let cool slightly before filling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs, cottage cheese, milk, salt, and pepper until smooth and fully blended. The mixture should be creamy with no large curds.

Step 3: Add the Mix-ins
Fold in the chopped bacon, scallions, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir just until evenly distributed.

Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the mixture into the cooled pie crust. Smooth the top with a spatula. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 40–45 minutes, or until the top is golden and the edges are set. A slight jiggle in the center is okay — it will finish setting as it cools.

Step 5: Cool & Serve
Let the quiche rest for 10–15 minutes before slicing. This helps it firm up and makes for cleaner cuts. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Recipe Tips

• Blind bake the crust to prevent sogginess, especially if using a store-bought one.
• If the crust edges brown too fast, cover them with foil or a pie shield during the last 15 minutes of baking.
• For the cheesiest texture, shred your cheese fresh from a block rather than using pre-shredded bags, which contain anti-caking agents.
• The quiche will appear slightly undercooked in the center when you remove it. That’s good! It will finish setting as it cools.

Nutrition Highlights (per slice estimate)

Nutritional values are approximate and based on 6 slices.

• Calories: ~280 kcal
• Protein: ~15–17g
• Fat: ~20g
• Carbohydrates: ~10g
• Fiber: ~1g
• Sodium: ~400mg

Note: Exact nutrition values may vary depending on the brand and type of bacon used.

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Meal Prep & Storage Tips for Cottage Cheese Quiche

If you love recipes that save you time during the week, this cottage cheese quiche is a meal prep hero. Its texture and flavor hold up beautifully in the fridge or freezer, making it ideal for busy mornings or easy lunches.

Prep Ahead Tips

To make life easier, prepare some ingredients in advance:

• Cook and crumble the bacon up to 2 days early and store in the fridge.
• Blind bake the crust the night before so it’s ready to fill in minutes.
• You can even bake the entire quiche ahead of time and simply reheat it when needed.

Pair your quiche with something fresh like this high-protein pasta salad for a satisfying, balanced meal.

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled to room temperature:

• Store the quiche in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
• For longer storage, freeze individual slices wrapped in foil or parchment. Place them in a freezer-safe bag and store for up to 3 months.
• Reheat slices in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–12 minutes, or use a toaster oven for a crisper texture.

Cottage cheese adds more than just creaminess; it’s a great source of casein protein, which digests slowly and helps with satiety. USDA data shows that just ¾ cup of full-fat cottage cheese provides over 20g of protein, making this dish perfect for energy throughout the day.

Nutrition & Health Benefits of Cottage Cheese Quiche

This cottage cheese quiche isn’t just rich and comforting — it’s also a smart nutritional choice. With a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients, this high-protein quiche fits into many lifestyles, from low-carb to meal prep to weekend indulgence done right.

High-Protein Powerhouse

One slice of this quiche contains approximately 15–17 grams of protein, making it ideal for:

• Supporting muscle repair and satiety
• Preventing mid-morning energy crashes
• Maintaining lean body mass during fat loss phases

Both eggs and cottage cheese provide complete proteins, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids your body can’t produce on its own.

According to Healthline, cottage cheese is especially high in casein a slow-digesting protein that keeps you fuller longer and helps stabilize blood sugar.

Healthy Fats & Dairy Benefits

Using full-fat cottage cheese and eggs ensures a satisfying texture and contributes to healthy fat intake. These fats help:

• Absorb fat-soluble vitamins like A, D, and E
• Support brain function and hormone regulation

Want a dairy-free option? You can use unsweetened almond milk and a vegan cheese substitute, but you may want to explore this dairy-free cottage cheese alternative if you’re going fully plant-based.

Micronutrients in Every Bite

In addition to protein and fat, this quiche delivers:

• Calcium for bone health (from the cheese and milk)
• Vitamin B12 for energy and nerve support (from eggs and bacon)
• Choline, crucial for brain health and often under-consumed

By incorporating green onions or other vegetables into your filling, you also boost your intake of antioxidants and fiber.

Balanced Meal Pairings

For a complete, nourishing plate, serve your cottage cheese quiche with:

• A leafy green salad (like arugula or spinach)
• Chickpea cookie dough or fruit for fiber and sweetness

This balance of macronutrients, protein, fat, and fiber keeps energy stable and cravings in check.

Ingredient Highlights: What Makes This Cottage Cheese Quiche Special

Each ingredient in this cottage cheese quiche is chosen with purpose for both flavor and nutrition. Here’s a closer look at the star components that make this recipe creamy, savory, and high in protein.

Eggs

The foundation of any quiche, eggs provide structure and richness. They’re also packed with complete protein, vitamin B12, and choline, a nutrient vital for brain health.

According to the USDA, one large egg has over 6 grams of protein, making this quiche a satisfying option for any meal.

Cottage Cheese

Cottage cheese adds a creamy texture and light, fluffy consistency. Unlike heavy cream, it delivers protein without excessive fat, especially if you use a full-fat, cultured version.

This ingredient also adds a subtle tang that balances beautifully with the richness of bacon and cheddar. If you enjoy baking with cottage cheese, check out this cottage cheese flatbread recipe as another tasty option.

Cheddar Cheese

Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and brings bold flavor to every bite. You can experiment with other cheeses like pepper jack for heat or mozzarella for a milder touch, but cheddar is ideal for its savory depth and melt quality.

Bacon (or a Lean Substitute)

Bacon brings a smoky, salty contrast to the creamy filling. If you prefer a leaner version, swap it for turkey bacon or even tempeh bacon for a vegetarian option.

Scallions (Green Onions)

These mild onions add brightness and a gentle bite without overpowering the dish. They’re also rich in antioxidants and pair wonderfully with both eggs and dairy.

Frozen Pie Crust

Using a store-bought crust saves time and keeps the recipe beginner-friendly. Just make sure to blind bake it before adding your filling. This step ensures a crisp base and prevents sogginess.

Every element of this cottage cheese quiche contributes to both texture and nutrition making it a balanced, satisfying meal you’ll want to return to again and again.

Serving Suggestions & Variations for Cottage Cheese Quiche

Whether you’re enjoying a cozy breakfast at home or hosting a weekend brunch, this cottage cheese quiche adapts beautifully to any occasion. It’s just as good fresh from the oven as it is reheated the next day, and it pairs well with sweet or savory sides.

Serving Ideas

Here are a few delicious ways to serve your quiche and create a balanced plate:

• With a crisp green salad: Arugula, baby spinach, or mixed greens dressed with olive oil and lemon juice offer a refreshing contrast to the creamy quiche.
• With roasted breakfast potatoes or sweet potatoes: A warm, crispy element rounds out the meal.
• Alongside fruit: Berries, melon, or this cottage cheese banana pancakes recipe make for a naturally sweet addition.
• As a light lunch or dinner: Pair with a cup of soup or a grain bowl.

For a special brunch, consider adding a mimosa, herbal tea, or freshly brewed coffee to complete the spread.

Easy Variations to Try

Want to make this quiche your own? Here are a few smart swaps and flavorful twists:

• Vegetarian version: Skip the bacon and add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for an earthy, satisfying flavor.
• Spicy version: Use pepper jack cheese and add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.
• Mediterranean twist: Replace bacon with chopped sun-dried tomatoes and swap cheddar for feta.
• Dairy-free: Use a plant-based milk (like almond or oat) and a vegan cheese alternative, though the texture will vary.

Looking to reduce sodium or saturated fat? Healthline recommends limiting processed meats like bacon and choosing low-sodium cheeses or fresh vegetables instead.

Whatever variation you choose, this quiche with cottage cheese remains a flavorful and nourishing base. Don’t be afraid to mix and match; it’s a flexible canvas that welcomes creativity.

How Cottage Cheese Quiche Compares to Other Protein-Rich Breakfasts

Wondering how cottage cheese quiche stacks up against other go-to high-protein meals? Here’s a quick side-by-side breakdown based on nutritional value, prep time, and flexibility:

Meal	Protein (per serving)	Calories	Prep Time	Make-Ahead Friendly	Crust / Bread Element
Cottage Cheese Quiche	15–17g	~280	10 min	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Pie crust)
High-Protein Overnight Oats	12–14g	~300	5 min	✅ Yes	❌ No
Cottage Cheese Toast	17–20g	~250	5 min	✅ Yes	✅ Yes (Toast)
Protein Banana Pancakes	12–15g	~320	10–12 min	❌ Best fresh	✅ Yes (Flour base)
Egg White Muffins	10–12g	~150	15 min	✅ Yes	❌ No (no crust)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and will vary based on brands and quantities used.

Want a quick weekday option that’s also high in protein? Try this cottage cheese toast variation; it’s fast, satisfying, and endlessly customizable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cottage Cheese Quiche

Final Thoughts on This Cottage Cheese Quiche Recipe

If you’re looking for a protein-packed dish that doesn’t sacrifice flavor, this cottage cheese quiche delivers every time. With its creamy texture, rich cheesy filling, and customizable ingredients, it’s a versatile recipe you can enjoy for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

What makes this quiche stand out isn’t just its nutritional profile; it’s how satisfying and foolproof it is. From weekday meal prep to weekend brunch spreads, it fits seamlessly into your routine.

Before you go, don’t miss these related recipes that pair perfectly with this quiche:

• Pumpkin Protein Balls for a sweet, high-protein snack
• Ninja Creami Protein Ice Cream for a healthy dessert twist

Have you tried this cottage cheese quiche? Share your thoughts or tips in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you made it your own!