This Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast is a fun and tasty meal! Just top your bread with creamy cottage cheese, sprinkle some cheese, and add your favorite pizza toppings. It’s quick and satisfying!
I love making this when I’m in a hurry. It’s like having pizza without the fuss! You can even let your kids help with adding their favorite toppings. 🍕
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Sourdough is my favorite choice for its crusty texture and flavor. However, feel free to substitute with whole wheat, rye, or gluten-free bread if needed.
Cottage Cheese: This ingredient gives a creamy texture. If you prefer a different cheese, ricotta works well too. For a vegan option, look for a dairy-free cottage cheese alternative.
Pizza Sauce: Marinara sauce is usually my go-to. For a kick, try pesto or even barbecue sauce. If you want it homemade, just blend canned tomatoes with garlic and herbs.
Cherry Tomatoes: They add a fresh burst of flavor. You can replace them with diced bell peppers or olives for different tastes, or omit if you prefer simplicity.
How Do I Get the Perfect Toasted Bread?
Getting the right toast can be key for this recipe. You want your bread crispy enough to hold up to the toppings but still soft inside. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start by preheating your oven or toaster oven—it should be ready to go when you prepare your toppings.
- Lightly toast the slices of bread for about 3-5 minutes, just until they start to firm up and get lightly golden.
- If you like extra crunch, you can toast them a bit longer, but watch closely to prevent burning.
Once your bread is crisp, it’s the perfect base for everything to come!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Toast:
- 4 slices of bread (sourdough or your choice)
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1/2 cup pizza sauce or marinara sauce
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, thinly sliced
- 1-2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for some heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10-12 minutes to bake, giving you a total of around 20-25 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) or prepare your toaster oven. This way, your toast will bake evenly when ready.
2. Prepare the Bread:
Take your slices of bread and lightly toast them in the oven or a toaster until they start to get a bit crispy but aren’t fully toasted yet. This helps with the crunchiness later!
3. Add Olive Oil:
Spread about 1 tbsp of olive oil evenly on each slice of bread. This will give your toast a delicious, crunchy texture when baked.
4. Spread the Pizza Sauce:
Next, take your pizza sauce or marinara sauce and spread a thin layer evenly over each slice of bread. This is where the pizza flavor starts to come in!
5. Add Cherry Tomatoes:
Now, arrange the halved cherry tomatoes on top of the sauce so each slice gets some fresh flavor.
6. Add Cottage Cheese:
Dollop the cottage cheese generously over the tomatoes and sauce. Spread it gently, but don’t worry about making it look perfect; leaving some texture is what makes it fun!
7. Season It Up:
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you want a bit of heat) over the top to enhance the flavors.
8. Bake It:
Place the prepared bread slices on a baking sheet and bake them in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes. Keep an eye on them! You want the edges to be browned and the cheese to warm through.
9. Garnish with Fresh Basil:
After baking, sprinkle the thinly sliced fresh basil over the top of each toast. This adds a lovely fresh taste!
10. Serve & Enjoy:
Serve your Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast warm and enjoy the delightful flavors. It’s perfect for a snack, lunch, or a light dinner!
With its creamy cottage cheese, fresh toppings, and crispy bread, this dish is a delicious way to enjoy pizza flavors in a new way!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Sourdough gives a great texture, but you can use whole wheat, rye, or even gluten-free bread depending on your preference. Just ensure the bread can hold up to the toppings.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian or Vegan?
This recipe is vegetarian as is, but for a vegan option, simply substitute the cottage cheese with a dairy-free alternative made from nuts or soy. You can also skip the cheese altogether and load up on veggies!
Can I Make This Toast in Advance?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prep the toppings ahead of time and store them in the fridge. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat for about 10-12 minutes!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven or toaster oven for a few minutes to regain that crispy texture!