Let’s face it. Cottage cheese is having a moment. Adored for its high protein content and ability to add creaminess to any dish, it’s a versatile ingredient that can help you level up lots of meals. If you’re at a loss of what to eat it with, cottage cheese toast is an easy and tasty way to add the curds to your diet.
Whether you go savory or sweet, it’s the perfect creamy layer to add to your crunchy toast. The toppings will transform the flavor and add more texture. Keep reading for one sweet preparation and one savory version.
What is Cottage Cheese?
First of all, cottage cheese is a soft, fresh cheese that is made by curdling milk with an acidic agent, such as vinegar or lemon juice. The curds are then separated from the whey and rinsed to remove any residual acid.
Cottage cheese can be made from different types of milk, including cow’s milk, goat’s milk, and sheep’s milk. It is available in various fat levels, from non-fat to full-fat.
Cottage cheese has a mild, slightly tangy flavor. It is creamy, and has small curds that are typically about the size of peas.
Sweet and Fruity Cottage Cheese Toast
Now let’s talk about the sweet preparation of this toast! You can get very creative with this, but the idea here is: 1)yummy toast, 2) layer of cottage cheese, 3) sliced fresh fruit, and 4) possibly a drizzle of something on top!
The toast pictured above consists of a slice of toasted Sprouted Bread from La Tour Bakery here in Hawai’i. Then there’s a layer of low-fat cottage cheese, topped with sliced fresh strawberries and a light drizzle of honey.
Fruit Toppings for Cottage Cheese Toast
So many different fruits would work well in the preparation above. I’ve got a list of fruity ideas for you:
- sliced strawberries
- blueberries
- sliced banana
- raspberries
- peaches
- pineapple
- mango
Savory and Delicious Cottage Cheese Toast
Again, you could get very creative here! Double up on protein with tuna, egg or shrimp! Add a different savory spread, if you’d like. Pictured above, I did a slice of toasted Sprouted Bread with a layer of basil pesto, a layer of low fat cottage cheese, and sun dried tomatoes. Although I didn’t do it here, a drizzle of balsamic vinegar would probably take this to another level!
I think you’re starting to get the idea of how versatile and fun this can be! Also, with roughly 14 grams of protein per 1/2 cup of cottage cheese, you can really hit those macro goals, if you’re trying to increase your protein intake.
Substitutes for Cottage Cheese
Not a fan of the curds? Many people have a hard time with the texture of cottage cheese. If you fall into that category, here are some ideas for possible substitutes that you can use on your toast:
- Greek yogurt has a similar tangy flavor and creamy texture as cottage cheese, and is a good substitute in many recipes. It’s also a great source of protein and can be used in both sweet and savory dishes.
- Ricotta cheese is another soft cheese that can be used in place of cottage cheese. It has a slightly sweeter flavor and a smoother texture, which may be desirable in some recipes.
- Silken Tofu is good for a vegan or dairy-free option. It can be used as a substitute for cottage cheese. It has a similar texture and can be blended to create a creamy consistency.
- Cream cheese is a denser and richer substitute for cottage cheese, but it is quite delicious on toast for both sweet and savory preparations.
I do hope you give this a try! If you’re interested in other toast ideas, you might want to check out Pesto Egg Toast or King Oyster Mushroom Toast.
