Savory Two-Herb Quiche (Weight Watchers)

I remember the first time I tried quiche. It was at a small café in Paris, on a study abroad trip. The aroma of buttery pastry and creamy filling wafted through the air, drawing me in. I ordered a slice, and it was pure bliss – rich, decadent, and comforting. I’ve always loved recreating that feeling in my own kitchen, but sometimes I crave something a bit lighter without sacrificing that classic quiche satisfaction. This savory two-herb quiche is just the ticket – packed with flavor, yet surprisingly light and Weight Watchers friendly.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
• Total Time: 50-55 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Yield: 1 pie
• Dietary Type: Weight Watchers

Ingredients

• 1 (16 ounce) carton low-fat cottage cheese
• 4 large eggs
• ½ cup 1% low-fat milk
• ½ cup coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ lb low-fat goat cheese, crumbled

Equipment Needed

• 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or 1-quart shallow baking dish
• Nonstick cooking spray
• Food processor
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the quiche cooks evenly and the filling sets properly.

2. Lightly spray a 9-inch deep-dish pie plate or a shallow 1-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents the quiche from sticking and makes serving easier.

3. In a food processor, combine the entire carton of low-fat cottage cheese and the 4 large eggs.

4. Puree the cottage cheese and eggs until completely smooth. This is crucial for a creamy and even-textured quiche filling.

5. Add the ½ cup of 1% low-fat milk, ½ cup of coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh thyme, a pinch of ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper to the food processor.

6. Pulse the mixture just until all the ingredients are blended. Be careful not to over-process, as this can make the filling too thin. You want everything just combined.

7. Pour the prepared filling into the prepared pie plate.

8. Evenly sprinkle ¼ lb of crumbled low-fat goat cheese over the top of the filling. The goat cheese adds a tangy and slightly salty flavor that complements the herbs beautifully.

9. Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes, or until a small knife inserted into the center comes out clean. If the top starts to brown too quickly, you can loosely tent it with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking. Check for doneness around the 35-minute mark. The center should be set but still have a slight jiggle.

10. Remove the quiche from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This allows the filling to set further and makes it easier to slice.

11. Serve warm.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Herb Infusion: For a more intense herb flavor, steep the fresh parsley and thyme in the warm milk for about 15 minutes before adding it to the food processor. This extracts more of the essential oils.
• Preventing a Soggy Crust (if using a crust): If you decide to add a pre-made or homemade crust, blind-bake it before adding the filling. This will help prevent a soggy bottom.
• Goat Cheese Variation: If you’re not a fan of goat cheese, you can substitute it with feta cheese or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese.
• Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare the filling up to a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before pouring it into the pie plate.
• Doneness Check: If you don’t have a knife, you can use a toothpick to check for doneness.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This savory two-herb quiche is delicious served warm as a light lunch, brunch, or even a satisfying dinner. You can garnish each slice with a sprig of fresh parsley or thyme for an elegant presentation. Serve it alongside a crisp green salad or a simple fruit platter for a complete meal.

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover the quiche tightly with plastic wrap or store it in an airtight container. To reheat, you can microwave individual slices for a minute or two, or bake the entire quiche in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain the texture. Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the quiche.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	127.9 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	45g	35%
Total Fat	5 g	7 %
Saturated Fat	2.1 g	10 %
Cholesterol	148 mg	49 %
Sodium	461.2 mg	19 %
Total Carbohydrate	4.5 g	1 %
Dietary Fiber	0.2 g	1 %
Sugars	1.6 g	6 %
Protein	15.4 g	30 %

Variations & Substitutions

• Vegetable Power: Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the filling for extra nutrients and flavor.
• Spice it Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick to the quiche.
• Dairy-Free Option: Although this recipe uses low-fat dairy, you can experiment with using a cashew-based cream to replace the cottage cheese for a dairy-free version. Be sure to adjust seasonings accordingly.
• Crustless Wonder: For a completely crustless option, simply pour the filling into a greased baking dish.
• Protein Boost: Add cooked and crumbled turkey sausage or diced ham for a more substantial meal. Just be mindful of the added points if you are following Weight Watchers.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
A: While fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs in a pinch. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and ½ teaspoon of dried thyme to substitute for the fresh herbs.

Q: Can I freeze this quiche?
A: Freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the quiche and make it watery upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days of making it.

Q: How do I prevent the goat cheese from sinking to the bottom?
A: Sprinkle the goat cheese evenly over the top of the filling after pouring it into the pie plate. This helps it stay distributed throughout the quiche.

Q: What if the top of the quiche is browning too quickly?
A: If the top starts to brown too much before the filling is set, loosely tent it with foil during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.

Q: Can I add a crust to this recipe?
A: Yes, you can add a pre-made or homemade pie crust. Blind bake the crust before adding the filling to prevent a soggy bottom. Be sure to account for the added points if you are following Weight Watchers.

Final Thoughts

This Savory Two-Herb Quiche is a delicious and healthy way to enjoy the classic comfort of quiche without the guilt. It’s incredibly versatile and easy to adapt to your liking. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs, cheeses, or vegetables to create your own signature quiche. I encourage you to try this recipe and share your feedback. It pairs perfectly with a light white wine or a sparkling water with a lemon wedge. Happy cooking!