Crustless Ricotta Quiche: A Simple and Delicious Recipe
Craving a savory and satisfying dish that’s both easy to make and relatively healthy? Look no further than the crustless ricotta quiche! This delightful recipe offers all the creamy, cheesy goodness of a traditional quiche without the added carbs and effort of making a crust. It’s perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or even a light dinner. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile – you can customize it with your favorite vegetables, cheeses, and herbs. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of creating a truly exceptional crustless ricotta quiche, from ingredient selection to baking tips and serving suggestions.
Why Choose a Crustless Quiche?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s explore why a crustless quiche is such a fantastic option:
* **Lower in Carbs:** Ditching the crust significantly reduces the carbohydrate content, making it a great choice for those following low-carb or keto diets.
* **Gluten-Free Friendly:** Without a traditional pastry crust, this quiche is naturally gluten-free, catering to individuals with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
* **Easier and Faster to Make:** Skipping the crust saves time and effort. No need to roll out dough or blind bake – simply mix the ingredients and bake!
* **Healthier Option:** By eliminating the crust, you’re also reducing the amount of butter and fat, making it a slightly healthier alternative to traditional quiche.
* **Versatile and Customizable:** The absence of a crust allows the flavors of the filling to shine through, and it provides a blank canvas for experimentation with different ingredients.
The Ultimate Crustless Ricotta Quiche Recipe
This recipe is designed to be easy to follow, even for beginner cooks. It yields a flavorful and satisfying quiche that’s sure to impress.
**Yields:** 6-8 servings
**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 45-55 minutes
Ingredients:
* 15 ounces ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim), drained
* 4 large eggs
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/4 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
* 1/4 cup chopped fresh chives (optional)
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
* 1 cup chopped vegetables (such as spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus)
* 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)
* Olive oil or cooking spray, for greasing the baking dish
Equipment:
* 9-inch pie plate or baking dish
* Large mixing bowl
* Whisk
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board and knife (for chopping vegetables)
Instructions:
**Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish**
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven is heating, grease a 9-inch pie plate or baking dish with olive oil or cooking spray. This will prevent the quiche from sticking and make it easier to remove after baking.
**Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables**
If you’re using vegetables that require cooking, such as mushrooms or onions, sauté them in a pan with a little olive oil until softened. This will prevent them from releasing excess moisture into the quiche and ensure they’re cooked through. For vegetables like spinach, you may want to wilt them slightly to remove some of the excess water. Squeeze out the excess moisture after wilting. Chop all vegetables into small, bite-sized pieces.
**Step 3: Combine the Wet Ingredients**
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, eggs, heavy cream (or milk), Parmesan cheese, parsley, chives (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Ensure there are no lumps of ricotta cheese remaining.
**Step 4: Add the Vegetables and Cheese**
Gently fold in the chopped vegetables and shredded mozzarella cheese (if using) into the ricotta mixture. Distribute the ingredients evenly throughout the batter.
**Step 5: Pour into the Baking Dish**
Pour the ricotta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure a consistent thickness.
**Step 6: Bake the Quiche**
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 45-55 minutes, or until the quiche is set and lightly golden brown on top. To check for doneness, gently insert a knife into the center of the quiche. If the knife comes out clean, the quiche is ready. If there’s still some wet batter on the knife, continue baking for a few more minutes.
**Step 7: Let it Cool**
Once the quiche is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it cool for at least 10-15 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the quiche to set properly and prevents it from falling apart when you cut into it.
Tips for the Perfect Crustless Ricotta Quiche
* **Drain the Ricotta Cheese:** This is crucial for preventing a watery quiche. Place the ricotta cheese in a cheesecloth-lined sieve or colander and let it drain for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight in the refrigerator. This will remove excess moisture and result in a creamier, more flavorful quiche.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can result in a dry and rubbery quiche. Keep a close eye on the quiche while it’s baking and remove it from the oven as soon as it’s set and lightly golden brown.
* **Use Fresh Herbs:** Fresh herbs add a burst of flavor and aroma to the quiche. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can substitute dried herbs, but use about half the amount.
* **Customize with Your Favorite Ingredients:** The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feel free to experiment with different vegetables, cheeses, and herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations. Some popular additions include sun-dried tomatoes, olives, ham, bacon, and different types of cheese, such as Gruyere or cheddar.
* **For a richer flavor:** Use whole milk ricotta and heavy cream. Part-skim ricotta and milk will result in a lighter quiche.
* **Spice it up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the ricotta mixture for a little heat.
* **Add a browned top:** For a more golden-brown top, broil the quiche for the last few minutes of baking, but watch it carefully to prevent burning.
* **Let the quiche rest:** Allowing the quiche to rest for at least 10 minutes after baking will help it set and make it easier to slice.
Variations and Add-ins
The possibilities are endless when it comes to customizing your crustless ricotta quiche. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
* **Spinach and Feta:** Add chopped spinach and crumbled feta cheese for a classic Mediterranean flavor combination.
* **Mushroom and Gruyere:** Sauté sliced mushrooms and add grated Gruyere cheese for an earthy and sophisticated quiche.
* **Broccoli and Cheddar:** Add chopped broccoli florets and shredded cheddar cheese for a kid-friendly and nutritious quiche.
* **Asparagus and Goat Cheese:** Add chopped asparagus and crumbled goat cheese for a spring-inspired quiche.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil:** Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil for a vibrant and flavorful quiche.
* **Ham and Swiss:** Add diced ham and shredded Swiss cheese for a hearty and satisfying quiche.
* **Italian Sausage and Peppers:** Brown Italian sausage and sauté diced bell peppers before adding them to the quiche for a flavorful and savory option.
* **Smoked Salmon and Dill:** Add flaked smoked salmon and fresh dill for a sophisticated and elegant quiche.
* **Mediterranean Quiche:** Sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, spinach, and oregano create a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile.
* **Spicy Chorizo and Pepper Jack:** Diced chorizo and pepper jack cheese give a kick of heat to this quiche.
* **Roasted Vegetable Quiche:** Roast your favorite vegetables, such as zucchini, eggplant, bell peppers, and onions, before adding them to the quiche for a more intense flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Crustless ricotta quiche can be served warm, at room temperature, or even cold. It’s delicious on its own, but it also pairs well with a variety of side dishes:
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing and healthy accompaniment.
* **Fruit Salad:** A fresh fruit salad adds sweetness and brightness to the meal.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts, complement the flavors of the quiche.
* **Toast or Croissants:** Serve with toasted bread or croissants for a more substantial meal.
* **Soup:** A light soup, such as tomato soup or vegetable soup, is a comforting and satisfying addition.
* **Yogurt and Granola:** For breakfast or brunch, serve with a dollop of yogurt and a sprinkle of granola.
Storage Instructions
* **Refrigerating:** Leftover crustless ricotta quiche can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Let the quiche cool completely before wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap or placing it in an airtight container.
* **Freezing:** For longer storage, you can freeze the quiche. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw the quiche in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
* **Oven:** Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the quiche in an oven-safe dish and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Microwave individual slices of quiche for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as this can make the quiche rubbery.
* **Skillet:** You can also reheat the quiche in a skillet over medium heat. Add a little olive oil to the skillet and cook the quiche for a few minutes per side, or until heated through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)
* Calories: 250-350 (depending on ingredients)
* Protein: 15-25 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams
*Please note: This is an estimate, and the actual nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*
Conclusion
Crustless ricotta quiche is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and relatively healthy. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a satisfying lunch, or a light dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a truly exceptional crustless ricotta quiche!