Cottage Cheese Quiche (17 grams of protein!)
Cottage Cheese Quiche (17 ✨grams of protein!) is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 210 calories per serving. Recipe by Chef Savvy on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 55 min
Cost: $5.42 total, $0.90 per serving
Ingredients
- 6 large Eggs (room temperature)
- 1 cup Cottage Cheese (low‑fat, drained)
- 4 slices Bacon (cooked crisp, chopped)
- 1 cup Cheddar Cheese (shredded, sharp)
- 1/2 tsp Salt (fine sea salt)
- 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1/4 tsp Garlic Powder (optional)
- 1 tbsp Butter (melted, for greasing pan)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it fully preheat while you prepare the filling.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Cook Bacon
In a skillet over medium‑high heat, cook the bacon slices until crisp. Transfer to a paper‑towel‑lined plate and crumble once cooled.
Time: PT5M
Whisk Egg Mixture
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, cottage cheese, shredded cheddar, salt, pepper, and garlic powder until smooth and well‑combined.
Time: PT5M
Add Bacon
Fold the crumbled bacon into the egg mixture gently.
Time: PT1M
Prepare Baking Dish
Brush the bottom and sides of the 9‑inch pie pan with melted butter or spray with cooking spray.
Time: PT1M
Transfer to Pan
Pour the batter into the prepared pan, smoothing the top with a spatula.
Time: PT1M
Bake Quiche
Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the center is set and the top is lightly golden.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Cool and Serve
Remove the quiche from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into 6 equal pieces.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 210
- Protein
- 17g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 14g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: High protein, Gluten‑free, Low carb, Keto‑friendly
Allergens: Eggs, Dairy, Pork
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Eggs: Egg whites (use 8 whites)
- Instead of Cottage Cheese: Ricotta cheese, Greek yogurt (full‑fat)
- Instead of Bacon: Turkey bacon, Diced ham
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, Gouda
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Garlic Powder: Fresh minced garlic (1/2 tsp)
- Instead of Butter: Cooking spray, Olive oil
Equipment Needed
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Skillet
- Spatula
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- 9‑inch Pie Pan
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheating the oven to the correct temperature
- Cooking bacon until crisp and draining excess fat
- Whisking the egg‑cottage cheese mixture until smooth
- Baking until the center is fully set
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced flavor.
- Add a handful of fresh chives or parsley for a bright finish.
- For extra fluffiness, separate the eggs and fold in the beaten egg whites last.
Troubleshooting
Quiche is watery after baking.
Drain the cottage cheese before mixing and bake an additional 5‑7 minutes until fully set.
Top is not golden but the center is set.
Broil for 1‑2 minutes, watching closely, to achieve a golden crust.
Bacon pieces are unevenly distributed.
Fold the bacon gently into the batter and spread the mixture evenly before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover and store up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze up to 1 month.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Bake the quiche a day ahead; reheat slices in a 300°F oven for 10 minutes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of crustless quiche in American cuisine?
Crustless quiche, often called a "frittata" or "egg bake," became popular in the United States as a low‑carb, high‑protein alternative to traditional French quiche, especially among health‑conscious home cooks.
What are the traditional regional variations of crustless quiche in American cooking?
In the Midwest, bacon and cheddar are common, while the Southwest may feature green chilies and pepper jack. The East Coast often adds smoked salmon or spinach for a lighter version.
How is crustless bacon cheddar quiche traditionally served in American brunch settings?
It is typically sliced and served warm alongside fresh fruit, a simple green salad, or toasted sourdough, making it a hearty centerpiece for weekend brunches.
What occasions or celebrations is crustless bacon cheddar quiche traditionally associated with in American culture?
It is a popular dish for Sunday family meals, holiday brunches, potlucks, and even as a make‑ahead option for busy work‑week mornings.
What other American dishes pair well with crustless bacon cheddar quiche?
Pair it with roasted potatoes, fresh avocado slices, or a crisp cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette for a balanced plate.
What makes crustless bacon cheddar quiche special in American low‑carb cuisine?
By omitting the pastry crust, the dish reduces carbs dramatically while still delivering a satisfying, protein‑rich meal that fits keto and gluten‑free diets.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crustless bacon cheddar quiche?
Common errors include undercooking the eggs, using overly wet cottage cheese, and over‑filling the pan, which can cause the quiche to spill over.
Why does this crustless quiche recipe use cottage cheese instead of ricotta?
Cottage cheese adds moisture and a subtle tang while providing a higher protein content; ricotta would make the texture richer but lower the protein per slice.
Can I make crustless bacon cheddar quiche ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, bake it a day ahead, let it cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat slices in a 300°F oven or microwave before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Chef Savvy specialize in?
The YouTube channel Chef Savvy focuses on quick, nutritious home‑cooking tutorials that emphasize high‑protein, low‑carb meals for busy lifestyles.
How does the YouTube channel Chef Savvy's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Chef Savvy streamlines classic comfort dishes by removing unnecessary carbs and simplifying steps, delivering recipes that can be prepared in under 45 minutes without sacrificing flavor.
Last updated: September 6, 2026
