This Tomato and Cottage Cheese Toast is a tasty and healthy snack. With fresh tomatoes and creamy cottage cheese on crispy bread, it’s perfect for breakfast or a light meal.
It’s quick to make, and I love adding a sprinkle of salt and pepper to make the flavors pop. Sometimes I even throw on some herbs for a little extra flair! Yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bread: Rustic or sourdough bread adds great flavor and texture. If you’re looking for gluten-free options, you can use gluten-free bread or even a rice cake.
Cottage Cheese: I love the creaminess of cottage cheese, but if you’re lactose intolerant, try using lactose-free cottage cheese or a plant-based alternative like silken tofu for a similar texture.
Cherry Tomatoes: Mixtures of red and yellow tomatoes look beautiful and taste amazing together. If you can’t find cherry tomatoes, feel free to use larger tomatoes; just chop them into smaller pieces. Grape tomatoes work well too!
Fresh Basil: Fresh basil really lifts the dish! If you don’t have basil, other herbs like parsley or chives can also add a nice flavor. Dried herbs can work in a pinch, but use them sparingly since they’re more concentrated.
How Can I Toast the Bread Perfectly?
Toasting the bread is an important step for the perfect crunch. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Preheat your toaster or oven. If using an oven, set it to 400°F (200°C).
- If using a toaster, toast until golden brown. For an oven, place the bread on a baking sheet and toast for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
- Keep a close eye, as different types of bread can toast at different rates!
Letting the toast cool for a minute before adding the toppings helps maintain the crunch. Enjoy your Tomato and Cottage Cheese Toast!
Tomato and Cottage Cheese Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 slices of rustic or sourdough bread
- 1/2 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (a mix of red and yellow), halved
- 1 tbsp fresh basil, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful Tomato and Cottage Cheese Toast takes about 10 minutes in total! You’ll spend around 5 minutes preparing your ingredients and another 5 minutes toasting the bread and assembling.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Toast the Bread:
Start by toasting the slices of rustic or sourdough bread to your preferred level of crispness. You can use a toaster, or put them in an oven set to 400°F (200°C) for about 5-10 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
2. Spread the Cottage Cheese:
Once your bread is nice and toasty, spread an even layer of cottage cheese over each slice. This will create a creamy base for the delicious toppings to come.
3. Add the Tomatoes:
Next, take the halved cherry tomatoes and place them generously on top of the cottage cheese. You can arrange them however you like—make it pretty!
4. Drizzle with Olive Oil:
Now, drizzle a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over the tomatoes. This will add a lovely flavor and richness to the dish.
5. Season it Up:
Sprinkle a bit of salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Then top it all off with the fresh chopped basil for a burst of freshness!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, serve your Tomato and Cottage Cheese Toast immediately while it’s still warm and crispy. Enjoy this vibrant and tasty treat as a snack or light meal!
Can I Use Other Types of Cheese?
Absolutely! If cottage cheese isn’t your favorite, consider using ricotta or cream cheese for a creamier texture. Just keep in mind that the flavor profile will change slightly.
How Can I Make This Toast Vegan?
For a vegan version, swap out the cottage cheese for a nut-based cream cheese or a silken tofu blended until smooth. You can also skip the cheese altogether and use mashed avocado for a healthy twist.
Can I Prepare This Recipe in Advance?
While the ingredients are best fresh, you can prep the cherry tomatoes and basil a few hours ahead. Just keep them covered in the fridge. Toast and assemble just before serving for optimal texture!
What Should I Pair With This Toast?
This toast pairs nicely with a simple side salad or some fresh fruit. It’s also great as part of a brunch spread alongside eggs or a smoothie for a complete meal!
