This Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast is a fun and easy meal that you can whip up in no time! It’s topped with creamy cottage cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite cheese.
You can add any toppings you like, from veggies to pepperoni! Personally, I love making it for a quick snack or lunch on busy days—it’s delicious and so satisfying!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Whole Wheat Bread: I recommend using whole wheat bread for added fiber and nuttiness. If you prefer, you can switch to sourdough, gluten-free bread, or even pita for a different texture.
Cottage Cheese: Small curd cottage cheese is ideal for spreading, but if you don’t have it, ricotta is a great alternative. You can also use Greek yogurt if you want a creamier base.
Tomato: Fresh tomatoes add great flavor, and you can use heirloom or vine-ripened for sweetness. If fresh isn’t available, canned diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes work well, too.
Pizza Sauce: If you don’t have pizza sauce, marinara or any tomato-based sauce will work. You can even mix in some herbs or garlic to boost the flavor.
Herbs: Dried oregano and basil are classic pizza herbs. However, feel free to use Italian seasoning, or fresh herbs like parsley and thyme if you have them on hand!
How Can I Achieve the Perfect Toast Texture?
Getting the right toast texture is all about how you prepare the bread. For good crispness without burning, follow these tips:
- Lightly toast the bread before adding toppings to create a sturdy base.
- Don’t overcrowd the toppings; this prevents sogginess.
- Bake until the edges just start to brown, about 10 minutes, for that perfect crunch.
This method helps ensure your toast stays crispy while the toppings heat through, giving you the best of both worlds! Happy cooking!
Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 slices whole wheat bread
- 1 cup cottage cheese (small curd)
- 1 medium tomato, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious pizza toast takes about 15 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to bake. It’s a quick meal that’s perfect for busy days or when you need a quick snack!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you have a toaster oven, that works great for smaller batches.
2. Toast the Bread:
Take your three slices of whole wheat bread and toast them lightly. You want them to be just firm, not fully browned, so they hold up well under the toppings.
3. Spread the Cottage Cheese:
Once the bread is lightly toasted, spread a generous layer of cottage cheese evenly over each slice. This will be your creamy base!
4. Add Tomato Slices:
Next, place the thin slices of tomato on top of the cottage cheese. Feel free to arrange them however you like!
5. Spoon on the Sauce:
Now, take your pizza sauce or marinara sauce and spoon a small amount evenly over the tomato slices. This adds delicious flavor!
6. Season It Up:
Sprinkle the dried oregano and dried basil over the top. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, giving your toast that classic pizza flavor.
7. Drizzle with Olive Oil (Optional):
If you want a richer taste, drizzle lightly with olive oil. This step is optional, but it adds a lovely touch!
8. Bake the Toast:
Place your prepared toast slices on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven. Bake for about 10 minutes, or until the edges of the bread are crisp and the toppings are warmed through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once done, carefully remove the toast from the oven. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor. Cut them into halves or quarters and serve warm.
This simple, hearty take on pizza toast gives you plenty of protein from the cottage cheese and fresh flavors from the tomatoes and herbs—perfect for a light meal or snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While whole wheat bread adds great flavor and nutrition, you can use any bread you like, such as sourdough, white bread, or even gluten-free options. Just adjust the toasting time based on the thickness of the bread.
How Can I Make This Toast Dairy-Free?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, you can replace cottage cheese with a dairy-free ricotta or a thick cashew cream. Just blend soaked cashews with a bit of lemon juice, nutritional yeast, and salt for a creamy alternative!
What Other Toppings Can I Add?
Feel free to get creative! You can add veggies like bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition. For a heartier option, consider adding pepperoni, turkey slices, or even cooked bacon.
Can I Store Leftovers?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it back in the oven or a toaster oven for a few minutes to restore the crispiness.
