High Protein Tortilla Quiche

The ideal recipe for Mother's Day brunch, my Healthy High Protein Tortilla Quiche! Made with cottage cheese, kale, eggs, and a crispy tortilla crust, this gluten-free friendly dish is perfect for meal prep, post-workout refuelling, or your next weekend brunch. It’s simple, customizable, and seriously satisfying.

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Healthy High Protein Tortilla Quiche

I don’t know who needs to hear this, but QUICHE IS DELICIOUS! Do you remember being a kid and not loving quiche? SAME and I honestly don’t know why, it’s scrambled eggs, it’s pie, it’s delicious. It’s literally all the things of my brunch dreams, and this recipe here – IDEAL for Mother’s Day! The recipe can easily feed four people and would be delicious alongside fun appetizers or complementary dishes. I have made this recipe or variations of it a dozen times, and I’m so excited to finally be sharing it with you all. There are a million and one ways to make quiche, and I love this variation by Drizzle & Dip.

Quick and Easy Quiche Recipe

If you’re looking for a recipe that is versatile, quick to make and high protein – this is it! I honestly can’t get enough of adaptable recipes. I mean, isn’t that the best thing about cooking? This recipe can clean out a fridge for those last-minute dinner or brunch ideas. Eggs for dinner are always a good idea in my books! Over the past few months, I’ve been getting adjusted to cooking for 1, and if I am being honest, I LOVE it. Having leftovers is one of my favourite things, and now every meal I make turns into the perfect meal prep scenario. I did a juice fast a few weeks back, and this was my first solid meal once the cleanse ended. It slices up perfectly, giving me 4 generous portions for 4 different meals! It reheats wonderfully in a microwave for 1 minute. 

What is Quiche?

Quiche is a classic French dish made with a savoury custard of eggs and milk or cream, often baked in a pastry crust and filled with vegetables, cheese, or meat. It’s traditionally rich, buttery, and indulgent. I decided to create a lighter, protein-packed version that fits beautifully into a nourishing lifestyle. Enter: the tortilla quiche, my no-fuss, no-crust solution for busy mornings and protein lovers alike!

Ingredients Needed For High Protein Quiche

This healthy quiche is packed with protein, texture, and flavor. Here are the ingredients you will need:

  • Tortilla: This is the shortcut you didn’t know you needed. Instead of rolling out a pastry crust, use a store-bought whole grain or gluten-free tortilla to form the perfect quiche base. It crisps up beautifully in the oven and holds everything together like a dream.
  • Eggs: No quiche is complete without eggs. They form the structure of the filling, providing complete protein and a silky, rich texture. Whisked with cottage cheese, they turn light and fluffy.
  • Cottage Cheese: This might be the secret ingredient that sets this high protein quiche apart. It adds an irresistible creaminess while boosting protein content. Plus, it melts into the eggs to create that luscious, custard-like consistency—no heavy cream needed.
  • Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh cherry tomatoes cut through the richness and offer a touch of acidity. I slice them in half so their juices burst just slightly as they bake, adding brightness to every bite.
  • Cooked Salmon: A bit unconventional for quiche, but truly delicious. I love using leftover roasted salmon for this—it’s tender, savory, and filled with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. Chicken, turkey bacon, or even ground beef would also work here. If you want to make this vegetarian, just skip the added protein.
  • Kale or Spinach: Leafy greens add both color and nutrients. I often use kale, but baby spinach or even arugula are great options. Whether sautéed or raw, they wilt into the filling and add that earthy balance I love.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: A little goes a long way. I sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top for that golden, melty finish. It’s classic and comforting, and if you’re feeling fancy, goat cheese or feta work too.

How to Make High Protein Quiche

This tortilla quiche bake is quick, mess-free, and perfect for a weekday meal prep or a weekend brunch spread. Here’s how to bring it together:

Preheat your oven to 375°F

Make sure your rack is in the center. This will help the quiche cook evenly without burning the edges.

Line your skillet or pie plate with a tortilla

I use an 8″ cast iron skillet, but a ceramic pie dish works well too. Tuck the tortilla into the pan so it forms a shell around the edges—it should sit flat on the bottom and slope up the sides slightly.

Whisk together the eggs and cottage cheese

Mix until the mixture is light and creamy. Season with sea salt and cracked pepper to taste. This blend gives the quiche its rich, custard-like texture without the need for cream.

Fold in your fillings

Stir in chopped kale or spinach, sliced cherry tomatoes, and your cooked salmon (or whatever protein you’re using). The mixture will be thick, but that’s what helps the quiche set nicely.

Pour the mixture into the tortilla shell

Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with shredded mozzarella or your cheese of choice.

Bake for 20 to 22 minutes

Bake until the center is set and the edges of the tortilla are golden and crisp. To check for doneness, gently jiggle the pan—the center should be firm and not wobbly. Broil for 2 minutes to get that perfectly browned cheese top. Watch closely so it doesn’t burn. Then let the quiche rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing into quarters.

Why Make Breakfast Tortilla Quiche Bake

This easy high protein quiche comes together in one pan, and I love that! With minimal clean up, minimal prep and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect recipe to share with friends, and it’s perfect for meal prep. It tastes just as good warm as it does cold, which is also a major plus. This high protein breakfast is what I call a back-pocket recipe. It’s easy, versatile, and loaded with flavor. The best part? No rolling dough or pre-baking a crust. A tortilla lines the pan instead, acting as the perfect golden wrapper for creamy cottage cheese, leafy greens, and your choice of protein. This is breakfast made simple. It’s also wildly easy to customize, making it a banger for cleaning out the fridge and experimenting.

Tips and Tricks for Making the Best Tortilla Quiche Bake

  • Don’t skip the broil—it adds that irresistible golden top.
  • Use a good-quality tortilla that won’t get soggy.
  • Add a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture if you like a kick.
  • Let it cool slightly before slicing to make clean cuts.

What to Serve With This Quiche

Quiche is amazing all by itself. It truly is a whole meal, and it doesn’t need anything else, which is why I love serving it up when I’m a little on the lazy side or have a busy week and want to prep the perfect lunch. This recipe is super versatile, and it pairs well with all sorts of things if you’re looking to feed a crowd. Try serving it with a simple leafy green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. Roasted sweet potatoes or a breakfast hash round out the meal with heartiness. You can also go light with fresh fruit and a spoonful of Greek yogurt. And of course, no breakfast quiche recipe is complete without your favorite warm beverage—tea or coffee, dealer’s choice.

How to Store Leftover Quiche

Leftover tortilla quiche bake keeps really well and makes weekday mornings effortless. Once cooled, wrap the quiche tightly in foil or store in an airtight container to maintain freshness. In the fridge, it will last up to four days. To store longer, slice the quiche into wedges and place parchment between layers before freezing. This high protein quiche freezes well for up to two months!

Best Way to Reheat Quiche

Reheating this cottage cheese quiche is easy and convenient. The best method is to use the oven—just bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes until warmed through. This also ensures your golden top gets its texture back. If you’re only heating a slice, a toaster oven works great and keeps the tortilla crust crisp. You can use the microwave in a pinch, though it may soften the crust slightly. However you reheat it, this healthy breakfast quiche stays flavorful and satisfying.

Healthy Quiche Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Difference Between a Quiche and a Frittata? A quiche is baked in a crust (or tortilla, in this case) and usually includes dairy like milk or cottage cheese. A frittata skips the crust and is often cooked stovetop before being finished in the oven. Both are delicious; it just depends on your mood (and your dishware).

What Vegetables Go Well With Cottage Cheese Quiche? Try bell peppers, onions, spinach, mushrooms, or even leftover roasted veggies. Almost anything goes. You can truly make a quiche with whatever you’ve got leftover in your fridge!

How Do You Ensure the Quiche is Cooked Evenly? Make sure your oven is fully preheated and don’t overload the quiche with wet ingredients. Bake until the center is no longer wobbly and a knife inserted comes out clean.

Can Cottage Cheese Quiche Be Frozen? Absolutely. Let it cool completely, slice it, and freeze the portions with parchment in between to prevent sticking.

Can Cottage Cheese Quiche Be Made in Advance? Yes! Make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.

Is This Quiche Gluten-Free? Yes, if you use a certified gluten-free tortilla. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Quiche Recipe

This healthy quiche recipe hits all the right notes for flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. The cottage cheese and eggs make it naturally high in protein, perfect for those focusing on balanced eating. It’s also gluten-free when you use a gluten-free tortilla, making it great for celiac-friendly diets. Make this wonderful meal ahead of time to meal prep or if you’re planning on hosting – all you need to do is warm it up and enjoy! The best part? Its totally customizable which means you can consider this recipe as a base to let your imagination run wild or follow it ingredient by ingredient. One pan, one tortilla, and one delicious way to start your day!

Other High Protein Breakfast Options

Buckwheat Breakfast

Blueberry Croissant Baked Protein Oats

High Protein Cottage Cheese Crepes

TERI ANN CARTY

Food Photographer and Recipe Developer based in Toronto, Canada. 

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Healthy High Protein Tortilla Egg Quiche (with cottage cheese!)

The ideal recipe for Mother's Day brunch, my Healthy High Protein Tortilla Quiche! Made with cottage cheese, kale, eggs, and a crispy tortilla crust, this gluten-free friendly dish is perfect for meal prep, post-workout refuelling, or your next weekend brunch. It’s simple, customizable, and seriously satisfying.
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Servings: 4 servings
Author: Teri-Ann Carty
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Equipment

  • 8" cast iron skillet or pie plate
  • whisk and oven

Ingredients

  • 1 tortilla
  • 4 eggs
  • ½ cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
  • 1 salmon filet precooked and broken into smaller pieces*
  • 1 cup kale roughly chopped, or any leafy green like arugula or spinach
  • ½ cup shredded mozzarella*
  • sea salt and cracked pepper to taste

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Tuck tortilla into cast iron (or pie plate).
  • Crack eggs into a bowl with cottage cheese. Whisk to combine and season with salt and pepper.
  • Stir in remaining ingredients except for cheese and pour into the tortilla.
  • Season again with salt and pepper.
  • Top with mozzarella.
  • Bake for 20 minutes or until no longer jiggly. Broil for 2 minutes to brown cheese. Wait for it to cool slightly and slice into quarters. Serve with a side salad.

Notes

*I’ve made this with precooked chicken, turkey bacon, and ground beef. All the protein works, so swap it out for what you fancy!
*I have used feta, goat cheese and even cheddar in this quiche. All very delicious!

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 222kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 21g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 203mg | Sodium: 314mg | Potassium: 416mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1093IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 151mg | Iron: 2mg

*Macros are provided as an estimate for convenience. Your final numbers will vary depending on ingredient brands, substitutions, and how you portion the recipe.

4 Responses

    1. Hi Rebecca, I didn’t weigh as my salmon was leftover, you can put as much or as little as you’d like. A typical fillet is 1.2 to 1.4 kg (2.6 to 3.1 lbs)

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