Crustless Spinach Pie
A savory, crustless spinach pie combining tender spinach, melted mozzarella, and cottage cheese for a cheesy, nutritious dish perfect for brunch or light dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Thaw and drain the frozen chopped spinach.
- Combine the drained spinach, melted margarine, flour, slightly beaten eggs, salt, pepper, cottage cheese, and grated mozzarella cheese in a bowl and mix well.
- Spoon the mixture into a greased pie plate or quiche dish.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 30 minutes until set and golden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider substituting low-fat cottage cheese and using olive oil instead of margarine. You can also add herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor. If you don't have mozzarella, any mild cheese works well. Make sure to thoroughly drain the spinach to avoid excess moisture, ensuring a firmer pie.
Serving Suggestions
This crustless spinach pie is delicious on its own or served with a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with Steamed Asparagus With Red-Pepper Sauce for a vibrant meal. You can also enjoy it alongside a light soup, like Roasted Eggplant And Tomato Soup, for a comforting dinner. Consider incorporating it into a brunch spread with other Mediterranean recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the pie in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but the oven will keep the crustless pie's texture intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crustless Spinach Pie contains roughly 177 calories, with 7g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (49% of the Daily Value) and vitamin A (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1279mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen?
Yes, you can use fresh spinach. You'll need about 1 pound of fresh spinach to replace the 10 oz. of frozen. Cook it down until wilted, then chop and drain it well before adding it to the mixture.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the mixture and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just be sure to cover it tightly. Bake it right before serving for the best texture and flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, you can freeze the baked crustless spinach pie. Once cooled, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).