This Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast is a fun and tasty meal! It’s quick to make and features creamy cottage cheese topped with your favorite pizza goodies like tomatoes and cheese.
I love making this as a snack! It’s so easy to put together, and you can get creative with toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to get more protein in your day—win-win! 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cottage Cheese: This is the star ingredient for a creamy texture! I find that using small curd cottage cheese blends nicely. If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a cashew or almond-based ricotta instead.
Cherry Tomatoes: These add a fresh and juicy bite. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, you could use diced regular tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes for a more intense flavor.
Cheese: Mozzarella melts beautifully, but feel free to mix it up! Provolone or gouda can add a unique twist. For a dairy-free option, look for vegan cheeses that melt well.
Bread: Rustic or sourdough bread gives a nice texture, but any hearty bread works. Whole grain or gluten-free bread is also an excellent choice.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Crisp Toasted Base?
To achieve a crunchy base for your pizza toast, follow these simple steps:
- Choose a sturdy bread that can hold toppings without getting soggy.
- Toast the bread slices in a toaster or under the broiler until they are golden brown and firm. Make sure to watch them closely to avoid burning.
- Drizzle a little olive oil on the toasted bread just before adding the cottage cheese mixture. This extra step helps keep the base crisp.
- Don’t overload the toppings too much, as that can make it soggy. A balanced layer is key!
Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 slices of rustic bread or sourdough, toasted
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder or 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a bit of heat
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 8–10 minutes to bake. So, you can have your delicious Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast ready in just about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your broiler to high. This will get it nice and hot for toasting your pizza to perfection!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take the toasted bread slices and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will make cleanup easier and help keep the bread from sticking.
3. Mix the Cottage Cheese:
In a small bowl, combine the cottage cheese with garlic powder (or minced garlic), dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. This mixture is going to be creamy and flavorful—yum!
4. Assemble Your Toast:
Spread a generous layer of the cottage cheese mixture evenly on each toast slice. Make sure it covers the surface well to enhance the pizza vibe!
5. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, arrange the sliced cherry tomatoes on top of the cottage cheese layer. Spread them out a bit so every bite has some tomato goodness.
6. Cheese It Up:
Now sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the cherry tomatoes. The more cheese, the better, right?
7. Drizzle & Season:
Drizzle a little olive oil over each slice for a touch of richness. If you like some heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage!
8. Bake It:
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for about 8–10 minutes. You’re looking for melted, bubbly cheese and crispy edges.
9. Garnish:
Once done, remove the toast from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped basil leaves. They’ll add a beautiful aroma and flavor!
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Finally, serve your Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast warm, and enjoy this delightful, protein-packed dish!
Can I Use Low-Fat Cottage Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cottage cheese works just fine in this recipe. It may be slightly less creamy, but it will still taste delicious and maintain that cheesy flavor.
How to Store Leftover Pizza Toast?
Leftover Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. However, the bread may get a bit soggy. To reheat, use a toaster oven or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until warmed through.
Can I Freeze Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked toast for up to a month. Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. When you’re ready to bake, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
What Other Toppings Can I Use?
The possibilities are endless! You could add sautéed vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms, pepperoni, or even some spinach for extra nutrition. Be creative and mix in your favorite pizza toppings!