This Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast is a fun and tasty way to enjoy pizza flavors with a twist! Creamy cottage cheese, zesty tomato sauce, and your favorite toppings come together on crunchy toast.
Who knew pizza could be so easy? I love making this as a quick lunch or snack. It’s totally customizable—throw on any toppings you like, and it’s ready in minutes!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rustic Bread: Sourdough or country loaf give a nice texture. If these aren’t available, try baguette or ciabatta. Whole grain options add more fiber too!
Cottage Cheese: This is the star! I love large curd cottage cheese for its creaminess. You can swap it for ricotta for a richer taste, or even Greek yogurt for a tangy twist.
Cherry Tomatoes: These are juicy and sweet, but you can also use regular tomatoes. Just chop them smaller. For a different flavor, roasted red peppers work well too!
Pepperoni: A classic pizza topping! If you want it to be healthier, try turkey pepperoni or even mushrooms for a veggie alternative. Cooked sausage or bacon are also great choices.
Fresh Basil: This adds freshness. If you can’t find basil, use dried basil instead or even parsley for a fresh touch. Fresh arugula after baking also works nicely!
How Do You Make Perfectly Toasted Pizza Toast?
Toasting bread is key in this recipe. It creates a crunchy base that holds up well with all the toppings. Here are some steps to get it just right:
- Start by brushing slices with olive oil to add flavor and promote browning.
- Bake them directly on the rack for a crispier crust or on a baking sheet for a softer texture.
- Keep an eye on them! Aim for that golden-brown color, which usually takes about 10-12 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
This will give you a delicious base, perfect for creamy cottage cheese and flavorful toppings. Enjoy your cooking!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Toast:
- 3 slices of rustic bread (such as sourdough or country loaf)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced
- 3-4 slices of pepperoni or similar pizza-style cured meat
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped (for garnish)
For Seasoning:
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
- Optional: drizzle of honey or chili oil for finishing
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 10-12 minutes to bake. In total, plan for about 15-20 minutes of your time. Simple and quick!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by setting your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will get it nice and hot, perfect for toasting your bread and melting those tasty toppings!
2. Prepare the Bread:
Lay out your slices of rustic bread on a baking sheet. Give each slice a light brush with olive oil using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon. This helps them toast up nicely and adds flavor!
3. Spread the Cottage Cheese:
Grab your cottage cheese and spread a generous layer on each slice of bread. Don’t be shy; the more, the better! This creamy base will be your pizza’s heart.
4. Add the Toppings:
Now, arrange the thinly sliced cherry tomatoes and pepperoni evenly over the cottage cheese. Make sure every bite gets a little bit of everything. Yum!
5. Season the Toast:
Add a sprinkle of dried Italian herbs, along with a pinch of salt and pepper. If you like a bit of heat, toss on some crushed red pepper flakes too!
6. Bake It Up:
Place the baking sheet in the oven and let your toast bake for about 10-12 minutes. You’re looking for the edges of the bread to be golden and the pepperoni slightly crisp.
7. Garnish and Serve:
Once out of the oven, let the toast cool for a moment, then garnish with fresh chopped basil. For an extra pop of flavor, drizzle a touch of honey or chili oil. This is optional but adds a wonderful twist!
8. Enjoy!
Serve your Cottage Cheese Pizza Toast warm as a delightful snack or light meal. It’s perfect for lunch, an appetizer, or anytime you’re craving pizza in a new way!
Can I Use Different Types of Bread?
Absolutely! While rustic bread like sourdough works great, you can use any bread you prefer, such as baguette, ciabatta, or even whole grain options for extra fiber.
What Toppings Can I Substitute?
Feel free to customize! You can swap pepperoni for turkey pepperoni, cooked sausage, or even roasted vegetables for a veggie option. Get creative with your favorite pizza toppings!
Can I Prepare This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can assemble the cottage cheese toast (without baking) and store it in the fridge for up to a few hours before baking. Just add a little extra time in the oven if it’s cold from the fridge.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best eaten fresh, but you can reheat them in a toaster oven or regular oven to crisp them up again!