Savory Cottage Cheese Toast

Name: Savory Cottage Cheese Toast
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Ingredients: 2 slices of bread; ½ cup tomato sauce; ¼ cup zucchini (shredded); ¼ cup spinach (chopped); ½ cup cottage cheese; ¼ cup cherry tomatoes (halved); Fresh basil (for garnish)

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This cottage cheese toast is high protein, has hidden veggies, and can be made in 10 minutes. Best part? It tastes like pizza!

Two slices of cottage cheese toast with a bite.

Cottage cheese is coming back in 2023, and I could not be more happy. I know the texture isn't everyone's jam, but here me out. Nutritionally, it's a powerhouse! Think of it like Greek yogurt, high in protein, calcium and super creamy. It can be enjoyed sweet or savory as well- I love using it in my spinach dip and buffalo dip.

Since everyone is back on the cottage cheese train, I knew I had to share this savory cottage cheese toast, inspired by Hailey Bieber's iconic pizza toast. Hailey's original recipe uses classic mozzarella, but my version uses cottage cheese for a higher protein version. It's seriously the easiest light meal or snack that will make you feel like a kid again. This cottage cheese toast is, in my opinion, the grown-up version of Bagel Bites (but much better). You'll have to trust me and try it!

Ingredients

Bread of choice
Tomato sauce
Zucchini
Chopped spinach
Cottage cheese
Cherry tomatoes
Fresh basil

Instructions

Mixing shredded zucchini with tomato sauce.

In a small bowl, mix together tomato sauce and zucchini.

Spread tomato sauce/ zucchini mixture onto both slices of bread.

Top with a handful of spinach.

Spread ¼ cup of cottage cheese onto each slice.

Adding cherry tomatoes and basil on bread.

Finish with cherry tomatoes. Air fry at 390F for about 8 minutes.

Two slices of air fried cottage cheese toast on a plate.

You will know your toast is done when the bottom is crispy and the cottage cheese is melted and beginning to brown slightly.

Garnish with fresh basil and enjoy!

Substitutions and Variations

To make gluten-free: Use a gluten-free bread of choice (I love Queen St. Bakery!).

Like pizza, customize this cottage cheese toast with your favourite toppings. Here are some other ways I like enjoying this recipe:

Swapping the basil for pesto
Balsamic glaze
Hot honey and chili flakes
Avocado
Deli meat, shredded chicken or pepperoni
Sliced avocado
Veggies of choice

Equipment

Storage

This cottage cheese toast is best enjoyed fresh.

Top Tip

I love adding shredded veggies into the sauce for a hidden veggie hit of fibre and micronutrients. However, you can totally leave them out or serve veggies on the side!

If you're adding spinach, make sure you layer it under the cottage cheese so it doesn't fall off and burn in the air fryer.

Last tip- if you want your bread extra crispy, brush a thin layer of olive oil or butter on the bottom of each slice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this in the oven?

Yes, but it won't toast the bread very much. If your only goal is to warm up the bread and toppings, you can pop your cottage cheese toast in the oven at 400F for about 5 minutes. I recommend broiling for a few minutes after as well, but keep a close eye so it doesn't burn.

Do I have to air fry my cottage cheese toast?

Nope, you 100% do not have to! I like air frying it to warm up the toppings, toast the bread and melt the cottage cheese all in one go. However, you can also enjoy it without air frying too.

Can I toast my bread before and add my toppings after?

Yes, of course! If you just want to warm/toast your bread and you would rather eat your toppings cold, pop the bread in the toaster before adding the toppings and voila!

What does cottage cheese taste like?

It's hard to describe, but it has a mild, slightly salty cheesy flavour! I would say it's a mix between a thick Greek yogurt and ricotta cheese.

Can you eat this recipe as a meal?

It depends on your serving size! I like having 1 slice for a snack, or serving it with a side like a salad for a light lunch. When I'm feeling more hungry, I'll typically have 2 slices. Listen to your hunger cues!

Two slices of cottage cheese toast on a plate.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this savory cottage cheese toast, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!

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