Published: by Nicole Addison · This post may contain affiliate links · 8 Comments
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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!
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
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.
Finish with cherry tomatoes. Air fry at 390F for about 8 minutes.
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!
More Easy Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Tuna Melt
- Air Fryer Quesadilla
- Air Fryer Eggplant Parm
- Air Fryer Pizza Bites
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 onInstagram- @nourishedbynicor leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
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5 from 4 votes
Savory Cottage Cheese Toast
This cottage cheese toast is high protein, has hidden veggies, and can be made in 10 minutes. Best part? It tastes like pizza!
Prep Time2 minutes mins
Cook Time8 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast, Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30 minute meals, air fry
Servings: 1
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
Instructions
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 and spread ¼ cup of cottage cheese onto each slice. Finish with cherry tomatoes.
Air fry at 390F for about 8 minutes. 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
Notes
As all air fryers are different, I recommend watching your toast after 8 minutes carefully as it will burn quickly.
Nutrition
Calories: 299kcal | Carbohydrates: 39g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.02g | Cholesterol: 18mg | Sodium: 1189mg | Potassium: 756mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 12g | Vitamin A: 1626IU | Vitamin C: 25mg | Calcium: 191mg | Iron: 4mg
Did you know....rating and sharing recipes is one of the best ways you can support your favourite food bloggers? If you make this recipe, I would love if you clicked the stars below to leave a rating and/or sharing a photo on social media by tagging @nourishedbynic or using the hashtag #nourishedbynic!
More Air Fryer Recipes
- Air Fryer Pita Chips
- Spicy Parmesan Air Fryer Asparagus
- Air Fryer Frozen Vegetables
- Air Fryer Spinach Cottage Cheese Dip
Reader Interactions
Comments
Sav Boh man this was SO good. didn’t have any bread so I made this on an everything bagel, delicious 😍 #nourishedspring
Reply
- Nessa G
super yummy!! perfect for a quick on-the-go lunch/dinner! i used sourdough bread for it and it was delicious! Thank you Nic!Reply
- Anne
This was absolutely delicious!! Loved being able to use the fresh summer produce!Reply
- Chris
I’d love to try this but I don’t own an air fryer. Could I make it in an oven? Under the broiler, maybe?
Reply
- Nicole Addison
Yes for sure!! I'd recommend maybe 5 minutes under the broiler! Let me know how it turns out 🙂
Reply
- Anita L Roe
This recipe is delicious. I used a truffle Porincini mushroom sauce and I topped the tomato and basil with a little bit of whole milk mozzarella and pepperonis. Yum!!Reply
- Erica A
Just made this for breakfast today! Oh my goodness, sooo delicious!!! I used pizza sauce on one toast slice & pesto on the other. I used everything sourdough bread….simply ahhhmazing! Thanks for sharing ☺️Reply
- Connie
I didn’t have everything for the recipe so just winged it. It was still yummy. Added dried basil to my sauce and no zucchini or tomato so it was pretty basic and still good. I really didn’t want to cook last night! I would recommend that you use a denser bread (mine wasn’t, so it was a little on the soggy side. ) I also don’t have an air fryer so toasting would be a good idea first. I actually ended up with it on the stovetop grilled covered and slow to get the cheese more melty and the bottom crispier. I will definitely get a better stock of ingredients for next time.
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