Ingredients
Scale
- 2 slices thick-cut bread (sourdough, whole grain, or brioche)
- ½ cup cottage cheese (full-fat recommended)
- 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
- 1 teaspoon butter or olive oil (optional, for toasting)
- Pinch of sea salt (optional but recommended)
Optional Toppings (choose your favorites):
- Fresh berries (½ cup)
- Sliced banana
- Crushed nuts (2 tablespoons)
- Everything bagel seasoning (1 teaspoon)
- Fresh herbs (basil or mint)
- Cinnamon (pinch)
- Chia seeds (1 teaspoon)
- Dark chocolate shavings
Instructions
- Prepare the Cottage Cheese: If you prefer a smoother texture, add cottage cheese to a food processor or blender and pulse for 20-30 seconds until creamy and whipped. This step is optional but creates a ricotta-like consistency that spreads beautifully. If you enjoy the traditional texture, skip this step.
- Toast the Bread: Place bread slices in your toaster, toaster oven, or under the broiler. Toast until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes. For extra richness, lightly butter the bread before toasting. The toast should be sturdy enough to hold toppings without getting soggy—aim for a deep golden color.
- Spread the Cottage Cheese: While toast is still warm, generously spread ¼ cup cottage cheese on each slice, spreading all the way to the edges. The warmth of the toast will slightly soften the cheese, creating a wonderful contrast between hot and cold temperatures.
- Drizzle with Honey: Drizzle 1-2 tablespoons of honey over the cottage cheese in a zigzag pattern or concentric circles. Don’t be shy—the honey is essential for balancing the tangy cheese.
- Add Your Toppings: This is where you get creative! Add fresh berries, sliced fruit, crushed nuts, or savory seasonings. For a classic combination, try fresh strawberries with a sprinkle of sea salt. For a savory twist, use everything bagel seasoning and sliced cucumber.
- Finish and Serve: Add a final pinch of flaky sea salt if desired, which enhances both sweet and savory flavors. Serve immediately while the toast is still warm and crispy.
Notes
- Texture Tip: Blending the cottage cheese creates a smoother spread that’s more appealing to those who dislike the curdy texture.
- Prevent Sogginess: Eat immediately after assembling, or toast the bread extra-crispy if you need to wait a few minutes.
- Protein Boost: Use full-fat cottage cheese for maximum protein (about 14g per ½ cup).
- Make It Vegan: Substitute with blended silken tofu seasoned with nutritional yeast and lemon juice, use maple syrup instead of honey.
- Savory Version: Skip the honey and top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, everything bagel seasoning, and fresh dill.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Toasting
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (2 slices with basic toppings)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 465mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 15mg