Tomato Cottage Cheese Toast

Tomato Cottage Cheese Toast

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 3–5 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients

• 2 thick slices sourdough or rustic bread
• 1 cup cottage cheese, drained if watery
• 2 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced
• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons balsamic glaze
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• A small pinch of flaky sea salt, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, optional

Instructions

1. Prepare the tomatoes.
   Wash and dry the tomatoes, then cut into slices approximately ¼ inch thick. Gently pat away excess juice with a paper towel to keep the toast crisp.
2. Toast the bread.
   Toast the sourdough in a toaster or dry skillet until golden and crisp on both sides, approximately 3–5 minutes. The center should remain slightly tender.
3. Add the cottage cheese.
   Let the toast cool for about 1 minute. Spread ½ cup cottage cheese over each slice, leaving a small border around the edges. Keep the curds intact for the texture shown in the picture.
4. Arrange the tomatoes.
   Layer the tomato slices over the cottage cheese, overlapping them slightly so each bite includes tomato and cheese.
5. Drizzle and season.
   Drizzle each toast with 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 teaspoon balsamic glaze. Sprinkle with black pepper and a little flaky salt. Taste before adding much salt because cottage cheese is already salty.
6. Finish and serve.
   Add torn basil leaves if desired. Serve immediately while the bread is crisp and the toppings are fresh.

Tips

• Use sturdy bread that can support the generous topping.
• Drain loose liquid from the cottage cheese before spreading.
• Choose ripe but firm tomatoes for the best flavor and neat slices.
• For a smooth topping, briefly blend the cottage cheese before using.
• Rub the warm toast lightly with a cut garlic clove for extra flavor.
• Add chili flakes if you enjoy a little heat.
• Balsamic glaze is thicker and sweeter than balsamic vinegar. If substituting vinegar, use just a few drops.

Storage

Assembled toast is best eaten immediately because the toppings soften the bread.

For preparation ahead, refrigerate sliced tomatoes and cottage cheese in separate airtight containers and use within 2 days, or sooner if the cheese’s package instructions require it. Toast the bread and assemble just before serving.