Hearty Crustless Sausage, Kale, And Ricotta Quiche Recipe

Cheesy Crustless Sausage, Kale, and Ricotta Quiche Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this crustless sausage and kale quiche delivers pure comfort without the fuss of traditional pastry.

Savory Italian sausage mingles with hearty kale, creating a protein-packed dish that’s both nutritious and delicious.

Creamy ricotta adds a luxurious texture that makes every bite irresistible.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and bold flavors that come together effortlessly.

Packed with nutrients and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired ingredients, this quiche breaks free from ordinary egg dishes.

No pie crust means less prep time and fewer calories, making it a smart choice for health-conscious eaters.

You’ll want to serve this straight from the oven, when the edges are golden and the center is perfectly set.

Dive into this mouthwatering meal that promises to become a weeknight favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 188 kcal

Servings: 7

Ingredients in the Crustless Sausage Kale Ricotta Quiche

For Protein Base:
  • Sausage: Adds rich, savory flavor and hearty texture to the quiche, choose a high-quality ground sausage with good fat content for maximum taste.
  • Eggs, Egg Whites: Provide essential protein and create the creamy custard base, select fresh, organic eggs for the best flavor and richness.
For Fresh Vegetable Layers:
  • Kale: Brings nutritious green goodness and earthy undertones, pick crisp, dark green leaves without yellowing or wilting.
  • Shallot: Delivers delicate, sweet onion-like flavor, select firm shallots with smooth, unblemished skin.
  • Garlic: Offers aromatic depth and pungent warmth, choose firm, plump cloves without sprouts or soft spots.
For Creamy and Cheese Elements:
  • Ricotta: Creates luxurious, smooth texture and mild tang, select fresh, high-quality ricotta for best consistency.
  • Pecorino Cheese: Provides sharp, salty accent and rich umami flavor, opt for authentic imported Italian pecorino if possible.
  • Milk: Helps bind ingredients and create silky custard base, whole milk works best for creamy result.
  • Basil, Italian Seasoning: Infuse herbaceous, mediterranean-inspired aromatics, use fresh herbs when available for maximum flavor impact.

Tool Up to Make the Ricotta Quiche Right

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking sausage and sautéing kale.
  • Wooden spoon: Perfect for crumbling sausage while cooking.
  • Casserole dish: Key for mixing and baking the entire quiche.
  • Large bowl: Needed for whisking eggs and other liquid ingredients.
  • Whisk: Great for blending eggs, milk, and seasonings smoothly.
  • Measuring cups: Helpful for accurate ingredient proportions.
  • Sharp knife: Used for chopping kale and mincing shallots.
  • Cutting board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients.

How to Prep and Bake the Kale Ricotta Quiche

  • Sausage Preparation

Brown sausage in a skillet, breaking it into small pieces. Transfer to a greased casserole dish.

  • Veggie Magic

Sauté shallots in olive oil, then add kale and garlic. Season with salt and pepper until kale softens. Add to casserole dish.

  • Creamy Egg Mixture

Whisk eggs, milk, herbs, and a sprinkle of pecorino cheese in a bowl. Pour over sausage and kale in the dish.

  • Ricotta Clouds

Dot ricotta across the surface of the quiche. Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.

  • Oven Transformation

Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 45-60 minutes until center is firm. Garnish with fresh basil before serving.

Expert Advice for Ricotta Quiche Adjustments

  • Explore Flavor Twists and Cooking Secrets
  • Replace kale with spinach, Swiss chard, or arugula for a different nutrient-packed green experience that adds vibrant color and unique taste profiles.
  • Experiment with ground turkey, chicken sausage, or chorizo instead of traditional pork sausage to create exciting flavor variations and accommodate dietary preferences.
  • Prepare the entire quiche up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. This strategy saves time and allows flavors to meld beautifully before serving.
  • Customize cheese options by substituting pecorino with feta, goat cheese, or sharp cheddar to elevate the dish's richness and personalize the flavor intensity.

Serving Ideas for This Crustless Savory Quiche

  • Brunch Brilliance: Serve this crustless quiche as the star of your weekend brunch, paired with a light mixed green salad and crusty artisan bread for a complete meal that'll impress your guests.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Slice the quiche into individual portions and store in airtight containers for quick, protein-packed breakfasts or lunches throughout the week, reheating easily in the microwave.
  • Wine Companion: Complement the rich flavors of sausage and kale with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio, enhancing the overall dining experience.
  • Fresh Finishing Touch: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped basil or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving to brighten the dish and add a burst of fresh flavor.

Smart Storage Tips for Ricotta Quiche

  • Prep Ahead Strategy: Chop kale and shallots the night before to cut down morning cooking time. Store prepped ingredients in sealed containers in the refrigerator.
  • Refrigeration Rules: Store leftover quiche in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or place in a sealed container to maintain freshness.
  • Quick Reheating Trick: Warm individual slices in the microwave for 30-45 seconds or reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to keep the texture crisp.
  • Freeze for Later: Slice the quiche into portions, wrap each serving in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a freezer bag. Freeze up to 2 months for a convenient make-ahead meal.
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Hearty Crustless Sausage, Kale, And Ricotta Quiche Recipe

Hearty Crustless Sausage, Kale, And Ricotta Quiche Recipe


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4.6 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty sausage, kale, and ricotta quiche combines rustic flavors for a satisfying meal. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend seamlessly, promising comfort and nourishment for weekend brunch or casual dinner companions.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 5 eggs
  • 3 egg whites
  • 0.5 lb (0.23 kg) Italian chicken or turkey sausage
  • 0.5 cup part-skim ricotta cheese
  • 0.5 cup grated pecorino cheese
  • 3 cups chopped kale
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, grated or minced
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
  • 1 cup low-fat milk (or milk of choice)
  • 2 tsps olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Kosher salt (to taste)
  • Fresh ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Workspace: Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Cook Sausage: In a heavy skillet, brown sausage over medium heat, breaking into fine crumbles until no pink remains, then transfer evenly to prepared dish.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet with olive oil, sauté shallots until translucent, then add kale and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper, cooking until kale wilts slightly.
  4. Combine Base Ingredients: Mix sautéed kale and sausage in the casserole dish, creating a uniform layer.
  5. Prepare Egg Mixture: Whisk eggs, egg whites, milk, basil, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and pecorino cheese until smoothly integrated.
  6. Assemble Quiche: Pour egg mixture over sausage and kale, ensuring even distribution, then dot with ricotta cheese and sprinkle remaining pecorino across the top.
  7. Bake and Rest: Cook in preheated oven for 45-60 minutes until center sets and edges turn golden brown, then let rest 5-10 minutes before garnishing with fresh basil leaves.

Notes

  • Sausage Selection: Choose high-quality, well-seasoned sausage for maximum flavor depth and ensure it’s fully cooked to prevent any foodborne risks.
  • Kale Preparation: Chop kale into uniform pieces to guarantee even cooking and prevent stringy texture in the final dish.
  • Cheese Distribution: Dollop ricotta strategically to create pockets of creamy texture throughout the quiche, enhancing each bite’s richness.
  • Resting Time: Allow the quiche to rest after baking, which helps set the eggs and makes slicing cleaner and more precise.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 188
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 380 mg
  • Fat: 11 g
  • Saturated Fat: 5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 17 g
  • Cholesterol: 210 mg
Sophie Reynolds

Sophie Reynolds

Co-Founder, Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Home Cooking Innovation & Comfort Recipes
  • Flavor Development & Ingredient Pairing
  • Seasonal Produce Integration
  • Recipe Testing & Instructional Clarity
  • Culinary Education & Community Workshops

Education

Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, Boulder, CO

  • Degree: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in classic and modern culinary techniques, emphasizing sustainable cooking practices, kitchen professionalism, and real-world restaurant experience through externships.

Oregon State University

  • Degree: B.S. in Nutrition and Food Management
  • Focus: In-depth study of human nutrition, food safety, meal planning, and food-service operations, with a strong foundation in public health, dietetics, and community-based nutrition programs.

Sophie Reynolds is the recipe developer and culinary voice behind many of the approachable, flavor-focused creations at The Dream Café. 

Sophie’s style leans into comfort food made simple: wholesome, satisfying meals anyone can make with confidence. Her passion lies in helping home cooks feel at ease in the kitchen while finding joy in the everyday act of cooking.

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